Super Charged vs. Regular V6

[davruns]

Anyone care to give me a detailed description between the S/C and regular? I know the horse power and torque difference, but why. The only thing the money hungery sales persons can tell me is that the S/C has a different exhaust. I'm looking to buy an x real soon- i've just fallen in love with them over this past week. Any recommendations (2k3 vs 2k2, useless upgrades to avoid) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

[superjens]

2k3 vs 2k2, useless upgrades to avoid

SC requires premium fuel and gets worse mileage, so you get reamed twice for a few extra horsies that only come in when you floor it.

2003 non-SC gets 180 HP instead of 170 for the 2002, but everything else is the same.

Useless upgrades: Bushbar. If you get it you are throwing your money away. If you need something on the front of your truck get an ARB or Calmini bullbar - there is a huge difference.

Best upgrade: Tires.

[OffroadX]

Originally posted by superjens
Useless upgrades: Bushbar. If you get it you are throwing your money away. If you need something on the front of your truck get an ARB or Calmini bullbar - there is a huge difference.

Nobody ever mentions the TJM! An ARB won't fit an 02 or 03, and I don't know if Calmini has released their 02 version yet. The only bar that fits an 02/03 model with no modification or re-design necessary is the TJM T15 or T17. The T15 vertical bars are far enough away from the 02 grille already, and the T17 has no bars in the first place. However, the 02 grille will partially cover the holes on top of the bumper for the winch access.

Brent

[ozxterra]

Eh? I swear Ive seen 02's with ARB's??

[OffroadX]

Yeah, but they have to cut notches in the grille to clear the uprights.

Brent

[ozxterra]

mmkay. Thanks for clearing that up.

[SarnX]

Here is a list of the additions for 2003 on the Nissannews web site:

Xterra

Following last model year's addition of a supercharged V6 and refined front end styling, all 3.3-liter normally-aspirated V6-equipped Xterra models receive an additional 10 horsepower (an increase to 180 hp) and two additional lb-ft of torque (now 202 lb-ft) for 2003. In addition, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System will be available on Xterra for the first time. All Xterra XE V6 models now come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and side step rails. Four new exterior colors are available for 2003.

Enhancements to the 2003 Xterra include:

Available in three engine configurations - factory-installed supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque (A/T)/231 lb-ft (M/T), retuned 180-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 and a 143-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Available tire pressure monitoring system
New dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment
New heavy duty alternator
Enhanced Rockford Fosgate¨-powered audio system with subwoofer (8 speakers total), raising the maximum wattage rating to 300 watts (increased from 210 watts in 2002)
New standard driver's seat height and lumbar support adjuster for V6 models
New roof headliner net (on non-sunroof models) and luggage side net, new metal ceiling tie-down clips in cargo area
Standard Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system
New available Dynamic Control Package, featuring Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control System and tire pressure monitoring system (4x4 only)
Available Rugged Leather Package with suede-like door fabric inserts (SE model only)
Curtain side-impact supplemental air bags available as a stand-alone option
Four new exterior colors - Canteen, Granite, Atomic Orange (limited availability) and
Camouflage (limited and late availability)

Also I have a 2002 SE/SC with ARB. First OffroadX is right you have to cut notches in the grill to install the ARB but they are minor and not noticeable (Check here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...&highlight=arb). Second, there is a noticeable difference in pickup with the supercharged version but everyone else is right in that it costs me a lot more at the pump.

Davruns,

There are a lot of differences between the regular and the S/C other than just the exhaust. The biggest is the supercharger itself which in simplest terms is an airpump which forces air and fuel into the cylinders to give you more bang with each compression. This is where the bulk of the HP and torque differences come from.

SarnX.

[davruns]

Thanks for all the input guys. I just got home with my new exterra. I went ahead and got an auto, 4x4, xe, with the gas $ raping supercharger- in black. I giggle like a little girl all the way home. Now i need to save some money and start moding.

[superjens]

I just got home with my new exterra

Seriously man, do you even KNOW what the hell you just bought?

[ozxterra]

Come now Jens....he's busy giggling....


Good luck with the new XTERRA!!

[superjens]

You're right, you're right.

Congrats on the new car!!!