Cam & headers for VQ35DE

[sigman70]

Hello all. I'm in the process of pulling the engine on my 2002 Pathfinder SE 4x4 auto (casualty of the power valve screw issue), and since I'm going to have a replacement engine I thought about upgrading the engine a bit. I already have dual exhaust and an intake, and since there aren't many options for this engine I thought about looking for cam and headers. I found a few links and was looking for opinions/suggestions on these or anything else you might suggest:

 

This is the cam I found:

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18916837-high-performance-cams.html

 

This link is for a place that does custom headers, but is pretty expensive:

http://www.stainlessheaders.com/customheaders

 

I did find another option...I can't quite tell if this is considered a header or just a manifold replacement (it comes with the pre-cats on it and is supposed to be a direct fit), as they mention both in their description:

http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts-mufflers/73A6725A0A0.aspx

 

I found a few other sites that have engine kits, but I think these would only be if you were looking to add a turbo...is that right?? Would there be any kind of gain you would get from just installing one of these kits? (again this is an expensive option):

http://www.importperformanceparts.net/imports/pek-nissan.html

http://www.rhdjapan.com/power-enterprise-engine-upgrade-kit-vq35de.html

 

I did see the thread about Alfredo24PR and the turbo he did, but it seemed like he ran into problems with the transmission and since I also have an automatic, I don't think I'm looking to dive into something like that where it seems like you could be spending a lot of money. Looking forward to hearing people's thoughts...thanks!!!

 

 

[01Pathmaker]

Wow! Almost $1200 to gain 15ish hp?! Plus custom headers?! Gotta say I'm a bit envious of the deep pockets. Best of luck with the build, please share lots of details and pics!

[sigman70]

Oh I don't know what I'm going to do actually...have to wait first to see what a replacement engine is going to run and then kind of take it from there. I do agree that $1200 is a lot for 15hp (maybe someone knows of some cams that are cheaper)...just seems like there aren't many options with this engine (and I do realize that this isn't a race car...just thought since the engine was out any type of upgrade might be cheaper for the labor...not sure I could install cams myself...heck I'm amazed I've gotten as far as I have with getting this dang engine to ready to be pulled...I'm no mechanic, lol).

[sigman70]

Does anyone know if adding one of those engine kits would help with the dual exhaust and intake I already have (and if it would help if I added a cam)? Or are those really just for if you were going to add a turbo?