4cyl Performance Mods

Hello, I am new to this forum and just had a quick question. Does anyone know if there are any performance mods available for the 4cyl engine (intake, exhaust, chip etc.)? I haven't been able to find much online and was just wondering. Thanks!

you should be able to get a k&n fipk. i'm guessing but the the exhaust pipes should be the same as a 6cy so a gibson or clamini has a cat back. i don't think i ever even seen a 4cy x so i'm kinda taking shots in the dark.

Yeah, that's gonna be tough. You can put them in, but you're still pushing a heavy truck with a 4-banger.

The same basic engine (KA24DE) was used in many Nissan compact and sports cars, there should be some mods from that scene you can work with.

Brent

Thanks for the replies. I haven't actually bought the X yet, it's for my wife and will be mostly for street use (2wd probably) so I figured the 4cyl would be better on gas. I have a 4cyl. 87 Toyota 4Runner with 33's on it that I use mostly for wheeling, but it does ok on the street powerwise. That being said, anyone have the 4cyl Xterra? How is it? I was also wondering how the 6cyl was on gas (I realize it's a heavy truck so it's not gonna be great) and power. Thanks!

Considering that for most the 6 is just enough to get the job done, from what I gather the 4-cyl still does a half-decent job. My 6 hasn't hung me out to dry yet though.
The 6 gets pretty crappy mileage considering its meager output, you can expect an average of 15-19 MPG depending on how you drive, some report low 20s at times, and a few report 13-16 routinely.

Brent

Yea, that's what I've read. The mileage difference (claimed) is pretty significant between the 4 and 6 (I think the 4 is like 18/24) considering the 6 only adds like 30hp or so. My 4Runner has a whopping 116hp and it gets the job done most of the time!

I have a 4 and its really quick. Notice i said quick not fast. Acceleration is great on it and my mpg is around 22-24 average regardless of what nissan tells me it should be. I have been doin calculations on it for a few weeks now to see what it was and everytime its been around 24 mpg. Its not fast but for some reason mine doesnt have a mph limiter on it....I can do 110 but its high rpms. It's been in the family for 100k miles and no problems yet except the clutch went out. (easy fix at shop) Also, I am havin a problem with the cooling. I think i have a leak. But its minor as my truck doesnt overheat unless its 105 F and i have the ac on 2. Getting a 4 for her is fine. Manuals are fun but unless she knows how to drive something with a slow shift i suggest auto. Tryin to slam that long stick around the gears is no bueno. Hope this helps. L8.

I have the 4cyl. and its not FAST, but it gets the job done w/ the manual, but not a racer,I can't stress this enough, top speed w/out damage to the tranny is like 75-80 on the '04 i got. mileage is a defanant plus, 20-24 hope this helps
Thanks for the replies. I haven't actually bought the X yet, it's for my wife and will be mostly for street use (2wd probably) so I figured the 4cyl would be better on gas. I have a 4cyl. 87 Toyota 4Runner with 33's on it that I use mostly for wheeling, but it does ok on the street powerwise. That being said, anyone have the 4cyl Xterra? How is it? I was also wondering how the 6cyl was on gas (I realize it's a heavy truck so it's not gonna be great) and power. Thanks!

Not that I advocate doing 80+, but how would that damage the transmission? The ratios are more than up to it. If they can't handle the RPM the engine is capable of, then Nissan didn't do their homework.

I don't know about you but running at 7500+ rpm when redline is 6000 is'nt a good idea EVER in my mind. but hell if you want to replace parts and pay labor have fun.
Not that I advocate doing 80+, but how would that damage the transmission? The ratios are more than up to it. If they can't handle the RPM the engine is capable of, then Nissan didn't do their homework.

6000 RPM in 5th is simply not possible anyway.
6K / .821 overdrive ratio / .875 diff ratio = 1500 RPM at the wheel.
Assuming a 30" tire, that's 94.25 inches circumference, so 1500 * 94.25 = 141375 inches / minute
141375 / 12 inches / 5280 feet = 2.2313 miles per minute = 133+ MPH which AIN'T happening in a 4-banger X unless it's in free-fall.

More realistically, let's say 110 MPH is the most you can squeeze out of a 4-banger downhill with a tailwind. That would be 4962 engine RPM, and a max driveshaft RPM of 6044.

I'd say 110 mph downhill with a push from a semi :grinyes: Anyway, 4cyl should top out around 90ish due to drag resistance. Gotta love driving something thats as areodynamic as a brick.

no i meant at the flywheel 6000 rps is allot on a little 4 in a brick-shaped SUV, on the freeway thats like 75-85MPH not bad but not a racer , like i said.

6000 RPM in 5th is simply not possible anyway.
6K / .821 overdrive ratio / .875 diff ratio = 1500 RPM at the wheel.
Assuming a 30" tire, that's 94.25 inches circumference, so 1500 * 94.25 = 141375 inches / minute
141375 / 12 inches / 5280 feet = 2.2313 miles per minute = 133+ MPH which AIN'T happening in a 4-banger X unless it's in free-fall.

More realistically, let's say 110 MPH is the most you can squeeze out of a 4-banger downhill with a tailwind. That would be 4962 engine RPM, and a max driveshaft RPM of 6044.

All I can say is there's not much "hidden power" to be found in either the 4cyl or 6 cyl.