New guy in town

Hi Guys,

I am new to the forums, so be easy on me. I have a 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R which I love to drive. I have heard there was a "chip" that can be replaced to increase speed, is this true? If so, how hard is it. I have never modded a car or anything like that. Also, the only thing I do not like about the car is the tail lights, are there any other versions that can be replaced with the factory tail lights?

Thank you :smile:

no there is no "chip", you can't just chip our cars, the ecu has to be completely reprogrammed, which JWT is in the process of doing. There are a couple tail lights you can buy, do a search on ebay and you should find them, there are 2 versions, a clear one and a carbon fiber one. There is also the 04 tails which are a solid red, you can find pics of those on the nissan website if you're interested. Welcome to the boards

Thank you sr20de4evr.

Another question...

What are some of the best mods that can be done to gain a little more speed for the SE-R? I would like to start out with something easy (I know that's asking a lot) since I would be new to this and all.

I would say get a Honda TYPE R sticker. That should give you about 30hp to the wheels for about $10.

Kidding, don't take that as me giving you a hard time. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a joke.

Seriously though. Welcome to the board. Nice to have new people.

I think the concensious for easiest, most affordable increase in power is a Cold Air Intake. Rather than drawing hot air from inside the engine bay, a CAI will bring in more quantity of air at colder temps. Much better for the engine. Should get you about 6-8 hp increase for around $200. AEM, HotShot, Injen are best. Megan is OK, less expensive.

Beware of side effects...1.) Hydro Lock... don't drive through a lake, water in the engine is bad.
2.) Broken MAF (Mass Air Flow Senser). Cost you $500 bones to replace... oil from filter, or too much jarring from lack of support can break it.

Try the search button for more info.

Good Luck!

Here are some other relatively inexpensive mods...

Exhaust... Cat-back exhaust $400-$500? Increase up to 10hp.
Headers... $400 to $500... Increase 5-8 hp
Knock Senser... minimal cost.. but tricky labor. 3-4 hp? depends...
Balance Shaft disconnect... free's up a few HP
Pullies... 1-2 hp $140


There are lots more... Turbo, Cams, pistons, rods, etc....

Searching this forum will give you some good info.

Here's a link to a neat forum

http://forums.thevboard.com/viewforum.php?f=25&sid=9478b39b84134c4b8fcf16ba1de05d9a

This is a list of Mods, what prices, and where to get them.

Good Luck!

actually a header gives about 10whp increase (depending on other mods) and the UR pulley gives about 5whp

sorry I had to, I'm nitpicky :D

like GB Phoenix77 said, most people start with a cai, then they move onto a lightened crank pulley, header, and exhaust. From there you can go a number of ways including suspension mods, lightened flywheel, balance shaft removal, and even turbo if you have the $$$. It all really depends on your budget and what you want out of the car.

www.optauto.com (some misc things)
www.ptuning.com (most of the bolt ons like cai, header, pulley, suspension, etc)
www.jwt.com (warm air intake, should have an ecu upgrade and cams available soon)
www.forcedinductionracing.com (turbo, owned by a member of many nissan boards including this one)
www.hotshot.com (cai and header)

I would go to nissan store and get a list of nimso parts some of which will not void warenty. You can get a cat back that nissan says will add like 5 hp at wheels and will not void warenty

Originally posted by Nissan Sales 310
I would go to nissan store and get a list of nimso parts some of which will not void warenty. You can get a cat back that nissan says will add like 5 hp at wheels and will not void warenty

yeah but what part of the warranty could an exhaust possibly void anyway?