tekazgtr1984

My lack of knowledge led to a misunderstanding, so that's why I apologized

That was my bad... sorry Alex.

Sorry vengeful... My brain was shut off this morning. So in that case, my auto has the 4.6 gears. Now that I know, I'll never speak of it again As for the O/D off below 45mph, is that substantiated? I tried it on the drive home from work and things felt a bit different... A bit more spunk off the line without hammering the gas pedal. To be honest, I don't know what I'm supposed to expect...

Not sure... My knowledge of that mech. stuff is very, very limited. I do very little highway driving; regardless, I'd hate to sacrifice that mileage just for 4.6's... Quality fuel wouldn't be the issue, at least not based on my understanding of the situation Japanese fuel companies do not run anything lower than 91 octane at the pumps. They run 91 and 94 (99 at some pumps is available too), as well as diesel. Furthermore, the VQ35DE was available in other JDM vehicles: the Z33 Fairlady Z (350Z), the V35 Skyline 350GT (Infiniti G35). But yet not in the late model R50 Terrano... I don't get it! So, with my 4.3's and 32" tires, anything below 45 mph (80 km/h) I should have the OD off? That could increase my city mileage?

I'm running 32" tires, and I'm assuming with the automatic transmission in the R50, it's 4.3 gears? Would changing to 4.6 be wise? Would that affect putting in a LSD? I'll do whatever it takes to stretch a tank of gas... Aside from getting rid of my Pathy, of course

That crossed my mind... but with the VQ's newer technology, I thought it had better emissions than the VG...?

With my VG, I've never had an issue passing on the highway or on mountainous roads... thankfully

Check these R50 options, a la JDM: R50 early model projector headlights: http://www.goo-net.com/used/spread/goo/13/...0080922009.html http://www.goo-net.com/used/spread/goo/15/...4006757011.html R50 late model projector headlights: http://www.goo-net.com/used/spread/goo/10/...4000213019.html http://www.goo-net.com/used/spread/goo/14/...9030323262.html

I've read up on the fuel mileage of both, and on paper the VQ is said to have better mileage. That would be expected: newer engine=newer technology and therefore improved output as well as efficiency. In light of those two aspects, I'd say the VQ's power/economy ratio is way better than the VG's; there is no point in trying to contest that. But paper statistics aren't always the reality. Since having my '98 with the 2" lift and 32" tires, I've had people ask me how my mileage is compared to stock specs. Upon telling them, they're surprised their VQ-powered R50's still get worse mileage. Not sure why that is... maybe a lack of maintenance, or a heavy foot...? In any case, projected statistics on paper are usually open to interpretation. **Just a side note here, but in Japan, the R50 never came with the VQ35DE as engine variation. Aside from what Wikipedia alleges as legitimate info, the JDM version had three engine options. From 1996-2004, the only options were: - gas (VG33E); - and two diesel variations (QD32DTi '96-'99, ZD30DDTi '99-'04) I've always wondered why these variations weren't available here, and why the VQ wasn't a variation over there...

Really? My friend's got a 6" Pro Comp lift and loves it... To be honest, I don't have the money either way LOL If you could find me a QD32DTI that would be boss

...in other words, a body lift isn't possible.

Killer feedback, thanks ya'll! Keep it comin'

Werd Lax, thannks for the input! What's your take on the gas mileage?

So here's the showdown ya'll... The R50, as we all know, came with two different engine variations throughout it's lifetime. The two boast very different numbers/specs and this is where the contrast comes into play. The VG33E is a SOHC type producing 180HP and approx. 200 ft.lbs. of torque. The VQ35DE, on the other hand, is an award-winning Nissan engine and has been used in several vehicle applications since its inception in 2000. Its development and technological aspects are more advanced than the VG33E, consequently boasting higher numbers and performance. Variable valve timing, coated pistons, etc. just to name a few... Having driven both variations of the R50, the VQ-equipped version is, without question, leaps and bounds ahead of its VG-equipped sibling. The power output alone is night and day; the VQ R50 is a race car in comparison. From an economic standpoint however, the VQ is also considerably more thirsty. In retrospect, it is an SUV, so expecting car-like gas mileage is somewhat trivial. For me, the VG does manage to get the job done in terms of powering the R50. Its onroad capability is more than sufficient. Offroad,the VG gets the job done but there are those times when I long for the VQ and its higher torque. If I had to choose, the VQ is clearly the victor; the gas mileage appears to be its only shortfall. Well, that and the valve screw problem. The reason for this thread is purely opinion-based. I think R50 owners everywhere have tinkered with this topic, and as such I'd like to hear your input. The members of this forum make up a unique and excellent collective of automobile enthusiasts so it is always great to read up on what everyone thinks of their Pathfinders. That was my Let's hear yours!

The 5spd is definitely sweet... I wish mine had that *sigh* I agree with you on the grill. The mesh style suits the Pathy way better than the solid bar deal... It's totally out of place.

Sweet truck bro Can't wait to see more pics once you throw on the mods. Congrats on the new rig!

LOL... Come and visit and I can show you. You'll never want to come back though. I'm not sure what the correction would entail but my braking feels just the same as stock specs... How/where would I check the LSV to verify? So... that means the VG powered have them. I have no idea what this is/where to find it. News to me ya'll!

...so is that -12mm? My wheels are 5"backspacing... Not sure how much past the body as there are fender flares.

Alex, that sounds like the deal of the century lol

Indeed, ABS is useless in sand/mud. But it comes in mighty handy on black ice and in nasty blizzards. Winter and ABS tend to go hand in hand. From a wheeling point of view, it serves no purpose. Purely a safety feature.

I agree with Pezzy, biggest you'd want to go on a R50 would be 16" unless you want to spend quite a bit more to wrap 17" wheels. That being said, if you plan on only snow-wheelin' an A/T tire would be more than enough to get the job done. An all out winter tire would be a good option, too. Whatever you decide, post some pics!

What about checking out a JY?

But the AR 767's look so much more badass! (It's the pinstripes, right Pezzy?)

That's perty-lookin'! Nice work

DOT 5?! That's like racing stuff! But Motul stuff is top notch