Our First Foursum...

[TA^Guy]

...er, Banger... um, cylinder.

Ok well not really, I've owned a couple of real beaters that were four bangers, but never paid more than $500 for them. Well that and my motorcycles.

Anyhow, with the price of gas on the rise we were sick of getting between 15-17mpg in our V8 Xplodurr. Plus, ever since we purchased it Leanne missed driving a car. I've thrown that big rig into some corners, but it's still not nearly as nibble as a car, especially for those without as much skill as your's truely. lol We test drove a number of cars and looked at even more. But when it came down to it we kept going back to one, this one.

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL.™ in a Pearl Winter White with Charcole Leather interior.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima001.jpg

It's powered by the QR25DE 2.5 liter, 16 valve, inline 4 cylinder with VVT and makes 175hp @ 5,600 rpm and 180 lb/ft@3,900 rpm. Not bad for a four cylinder, and strongest one in it's class. It's backed by a Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual shift mode. Odd feeling driving it and it not shifting. However put it into manual mode and you can experience fun up and down 'shifts' on demand. Both ways acceleration is smooth and averages 23mpg city and 31mpg hwy, big improvement over the Xplodurr.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima003.jpg

The Convenience package includes.
Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
Energy flow monitor and energy/fuel history monitor
RearView Monitor
Air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control
Rear Passenger air conditioning vents
Power windows with one-touch driver-side auto-up/down with auto-reverse
Passenger-side front-window one-touch auto-up/down with auto-reverse
Key-operated windows up/down
Remote keyless front windows down
Power door locks
Remote keyless entry with trunk release
Cruise control with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls
Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges
Multi-functional trip computer
Tilt and telescoping steering column
Vehicle speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers
Dual visor vanity mirrors
Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors with sun visor extenders
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass
9 Beverage holders (8 with manual transmission)
Illuminated center console
Map lights and rear reading lights
Lockable glove box with light
Overhead sunglasses holder
Driver and passenger seatback pocket
Height-adjustable 3-point front seat belts
12-volt DC power outlets
Retained accessory power and battery saver


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima005.jpg

Seating and Appointments
8-way power adjustable driver's seat
Driver's power adjustable lumbar support
Leather-appointed seats and door trim
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Patterned metallic trim (Frost and Charcoal leather interior only)
60/40—split fold-down rear seatbacks (lock N/A on 2.5 Base)
Front sliding armrest
Rear center armrest
Carpeted trunk lid trim
Trunk side cargo net

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima008.jpg


Audio system pre-wiring
AM/FM/CD audio system
Illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls
6 speakers
Speed-compensating volume [CO] [PT] [CT]
Auxiliary audio input
MP3/WMA CD playback capability

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima009.jpg

Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat-belt sensor and occupant-classification sensor
Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front- and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
3-point ALR/ELR seat belt system
Front-seat Active Head Restraints
Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
Hood buckling creases and safety stops
Pipe-style steel side-door guard beams
Energy-absorbing steering column
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima015.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima013.jpg


Other options...
Embrodered Trunk Matts
Embrodered Floor Matts
Automatic on/off headlights,
Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tip finishers,
Splash guards,
Dual body-color power outside mirrors,
Power sliding glass moonroof,
Wind deflector,
16x7" alloy wheels
Simonized for 5 years.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/alt-int01.jpg

This interior was the nicest in it's class. The seats are amazing, when I do the interior on my truck I will be shopping for Altima seats. Very comfy and still have great lateral support, something our GA lacked big time. The interior is very roomy and super quiet. The leather is very soft and the plastics even feel great. The glove box is HUGE! I'd say 3 or 4 times larger than a Grand Am. I can get my arm up to my elbow into it straight in. And the trunk is very roomy, larger than our GA also.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/alt-int02.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/alt-int03.jpg

Right now our first modifications will be a Spoiler, driving lights, debadge and tint. The dealer wanted almost $500 for a spoiler but I can get one painted and shipped for about $100. Driving lights... well Nissan made that a PIA. You needed to purchase a $1100 information package in order to spend $310 more for driving lights... yeah I don't think so.

And in the future we will be getting the illuminated/heated/and folding mirrors for it. They are only avalible on the 3.5SL and Hbred Altima's and run about $300 each. Along with hose and some 18" wheels I think that sums it up for our wish list for now.

more to come....

[Gagt518]

Wow guys thats an awesome car! Sounds like you are very happy with it. Cant believe all the options there are to these nissas these days. Great looking car for sure!

[95blackz26]

nice looking car. my subaru wagon gets similar mileage too. my second 4 cyl car takes a little to get use to with the gas pedal.

nice descriptions with the pics too.

got me all excited with the title there.

[TA^Guy]

We test drove a '08 Subaru Legacy. Handled better than the Altima and had nice wheels (17"), but it was more money, less options, and the quality didn't feel nearly as nice. Plus it was rated 17/28 for fuel ecconomy. I used to have a old Subaru GL that I beat the piss out of and it kept on ticking. Best $500 I ever spent.

I was really surprised with the Altima. When we originally set out to buy a new car we were looking in the $20,000 range. However start tacking on options you must have and it quickly gets to $28,000 before you know it.

[ga5speed02]

niec! best of luck. i think you need a new licance plate tho :lol: but that was coverd already with the exploder

awesome congrats!

[sunrunner_pei]

Congratulations!

[ManktheTank19]

Congrats - looks very nice :)

[TA^Guy]

niec! best of luck. i think you need a new licance plate tho :lol: but that was coverd already with the exploder

awesome congrats!
Leanne tried to order a new one online the other night but it wasn't letting her so she is calling DMV today.

IIRC she is going with "ALTMATUM". :)

[Y2KGAGT]

License plate ordered :)

[Matt95GT]

Nice choice. Welcome to the Nissan world. I think you're now at least the third member here with a QR25DE powered car.

I'm digging those gauges... not boring (Amber) like the previous Altima gauges.

Driving lights... well Nissan made that a PIA. You needed to purchase a $1100 information package in order to spend $310 more for driving lights... yeah I don't think so.


Yea, I think that's common with Nissan. On my Sentra, the sunroof and stereo were packaged together. I always thought that was odd. I didn't buy it new, but no way I would have paid money for that garbage "premium RF audio fanatic" package just to get the sunroof.

[jonnythan]

The Altima is a great car. Congrats.

[99GrandAMSE]

Very nice guys ... I like the color!!

[matts]

1. i laughed at the title and thought "hmm, wonder it there's pics"
2. you really need to do something about those plates :lol:
3. congrats. i didnt read through everything, because well...i'm lazy right now, but i'm assuming you pawned off the exploder on someone else? i've like that body style altima and maxima since they came out. a friend of mine's wife had an altima like that and it was a pretty nice car!

[Matt95GT]

Oh, one more thought... keep that "key" away from cell phones. There were cases where people were people were stranded after putting the keys and cell phone in the same pocket, messing up the RFID tag inside.

[bluez]

congrats on the new ride.

[Vampyrate]

nice ride, but ive always for some reason liked the early to mid 90s altimas with spoilers... if only i could find one of those id be set

[Dargasonus]

I like it :D

[Y2KGAGT]

Oh, one more thought... keep that "key" away from cell phones. There were cases where people were people were stranded after putting the keys and cell phone in the same pocket, messing up the RFID tag inside.

Matt! thanks for the heads up, I contacted my salesman today and he took the number from my "key" and is checking it to see if it was in the batch that did in fact get screwed up because of the bc of the cell phone... he said they were primarily in the 07's and was supposedly fixed so that doesn't happen. :)

[TA^Guy]

1. i laughed at the title and thought "hmm, wonder it there's pics"
2. you really need to do something about those plates :lol:
3. congrats. i didnt read through everything, because well...i'm lazy right now, but i'm assuming you pawned off the exploder on someone else? i've like that body style altima and maxima since they came out. a friend of mine's wife had an altima like that and it was a pretty nice car!
Traded it in. We didnt make out well on it due to the price of gas. We ended up about $500 less than what we owe on it. However it needed about $600+ in tires and some driveline work, maybe a CV joint or two. That could end up costing a pretty penny so I think we did 'ok'.

New Plates are on their way. :)

[TA^Guy]

A couple hings we are looking at...

What do you guys think of this front lip kit by Stillen?
http://www.stillen.com/product_images/108342.jpg
http://www.stillen.com/product_files/108342~photo.2.jpg

And here are the wheels we were thinking about in 18"s.
http://www.wheelsnext.com/images/wheels/large/ADR_MCLASSIC_CH_2_W.jpg

[Gagt518]

Whats the price of the kit?

[TA^Guy]

$269. Just the front lip, they don't have a full kit for it.

[bballr4567]

The front looks good by its self.

Not too sure about the rims. Id go with something less busy because its already a plainish looking car to me.

Good buy nonetheless.

[jonnythan]

That front kit is pretty nice... but, wow, those wheels are god-awful ugly.

The car design is very simple, plain, and elegant. You want wheels that match. The wheels in your front kit picture are very nice. Go for something like that.

[Matt95GT]

Matt! thanks for the heads up, I contacted my salesman today and he took the number from my "key" and is checking it to see if it was in the batch that did in fact get screwed up because of the bc of the cell phone... he said they were primarily in the 07's and was supposedly fixed so that doesn't happen. :)

Yea, I wasn't sure if a fix was implemented yet. (after all, it took several years and lots of replaced engines to get those damn secondary intake runner butterfly valve screws right)

I'd probably still be cautious about it, just in case. Although I don't have the "keyless" starting like you do, my Sentra does have the Nissan security immobilizer keys. (can't just copy key, RFID tag inside key to validate key electronically too) The dealer lost all the keys but one, was a bit of a pain and $250 to key that second set (not on my dime tho).


A couple hings we are looking at...

What do you guys think of this front lip kit by Stillen?

And here are the wheels we were thinking about in 18"s.

I'm digging the lip kit... goes well since the front looks too plain IMO (very flat, just "ends" at the bottom) Looks like it would be fairly easy to add some fog lamps where the factory ones go.

Not feeling the wheels. I'm just not a fan of rivets. :penny:

[ga5speed02]

yea that is a nice lip kit. i like it. not feelin the rims either. try something less flashy and plane. simple works :)

[TA^Guy]

I'm not 100% on the wheels either. I like the sport tuner style wheel like that, but Leanne wants Chrome to match the chrome accents so I'm trying to give it to her without making it look like a blinged out ghetto ride. Plus we have a certian budget we are trying to keep it under for wheels and tires so it limits our options.

[bballr4567]

If you are on a budget then why not just wait a few months to get some extra cash saved up. Nothing like buying second rate wheels that will fade/blemish after a year. Plus isnt it winter up there??

[iceman]

I have one of these as a rental right now. Not all the options as yours.. base model I guess but has a CVT. I'll be honest I am not a big fan of the CVT at all. The leaving the key in your pocket.. not bad at all. Car handles extremely well, the brakes are actually too sensitive for me.. needs a tad more pedal travel. It seems like reliable transportation, not my cup of tea, but definitely a nice ride.

[TA^Guy]

If you are on a budget then why not just wait a few months to get some extra cash saved up. Nothing like buying second rate wheels that will fade/blemish after a year. Plus isnt it winter up there??

Well I don't run nice wheels in the winter. On the GA I ran steelies with snow tires, and I'll keep the stockers for this car for winter.

It's not a matter of not having the money, I just refuse to pay too much more than $800 for wheels alone. Yeah, I'm a cheap bastard.

I have one of these as a rental right now. Not all the options as yours.. base model I guess but has a CVT. I'll be honest I am not a big fan of the CVT at all. The leaving the key in your pocket.. not bad at all. Car handles extremely well, the brakes are actually too sensitive for me.. needs a tad more pedal travel. It seems like reliable transportation, not my cup of tea, but definitely a nice ride.
The CVT takes some time getting used to, however I'm find more and more that I'm enjoying it. Does the rental have the sport shifter so you can manually up/down shift? Much more fun to drive that way, and actually acclerates much faster.

For 175hp and 170ft/lbs it's good for 16.0@87mph from what I've read using the manual mode. Not shabby for a four banger in a big car. I have yet to really stand on it all the way through, still trying to cycle it during break in.

I agree, handles well. I have yet had a chance to really throw her into any hard corners, and today there is snow on the ground so I doubt I will get to do it today. lol

I had the same problem with the brakes, VERY touchy. However the more miles I put on it, it feel better. The transmission in stop and go traffic is the same as well. Since it's constantly changing it always keeps it at an ideal ratio. So the other day on the way to work I thought I was going to get whiplash from the stop and go. lol Just takes time to adjust to driving it like any vehicle.

['96GAGT]

Lip looks good man, I'd go for it. Make sure you follow up on your initial mods you planned out, I.E. tint, debadge etc. AS for wheels get a nice 5 spoke...

[bballr4567]

Yea I can understand that money for the wheels. I thought I was crazy when I paid for mine!! lol


A nice 5 or 7 spoke will probably look a lot better but hey its Leanne's car.

[TA^Guy]

I found others I like, just offset is wrong. One was a kind of a split 5 spoke but it was a +35 offset and not a +40-45 (depends on wheel width).

[bballr4567]

Yea trying to find the right rim is a total PITA!!

Unless its a F body,the a TTII will fit the bill.

[bryan]

I like that car a lott man.
I dig that lip kit but the rims may be a bit too busy for my tastes. I also don't like how you can see the universal bolt pattern. I'm sure they'd look nice though.

[lamonpat]

Nice new car LeAnn! I really like this new model Altima.
The front clip should look great IMO, but I'm not sure about the wheels.

Congrats !

[Matt95GT]

For 175hp and 170ft/lbs it's good for 16.0@87mph from what I've read using the manual mode. Not shabby for a four banger in a big car.

That should be 180 lbs-ft, unless something changed. That's not bad at all for an auto in a car that isn't exactly small/light. The first/only time I drag raced my QR25DE Sentra, it ripped out a 15.3 @ 90mph. I have the 6 speed manual w/ LSD, but I admit I'm curious how the engine feels with a CVT.

[5speed4]

I test drove a 4-banger '08 Altima a few weeks ago and it was indeed a great ride. I was impressed with all the options it had.

Just out of curiosity, what made you go for the Altima over, say, a G6 (very similar power (169 HP) and fuel-economy from the 2.4L). Not saying you made a bad choice, at all, but, hey, this is a Pontiac forum... :)

[Y2KGAGT]

We've always owned GM, had a 00 GAGT up until last year after that we made the mistake of buying an Eddie Bauer Explorer... we needed something good on gas, nice looking, had all the "stuff" that we wanted and a good price. We test drove a G6 2 years ago and didn't care for it. I think I am growing away from GM - resale sucks and should I decide in 3 or 4 years I want it to be worth something.

We did test drive a whole bunch of cars and this "had me at hello"

[bballr4567]

My fiance has a 99 Altima and I cant stand the car!!!! However this looks like a huge upgrade. Whats the warrenty on it? She needs a new car really bad.

[Y2KGAGT]

warranty SUCKS! And we found that out after the fact... 3yr/36K though there is a 5yr/75K for $1300 extra.

[bballr4567]

Yikes. That is kinda bad. Id wait til the first one is getting close to expiring then get the other one. lol

[TA^Guy]

That should be 180 lbs-ft, unless something changed. That's not bad at all for an auto in a car that isn't exactly small/light. The first/only time I drag raced my QR25DE Sentra, it ripped out a 15.3 @ 90mph. I have the 6 speed manual w/ LSD, but I admit I'm curious how the engine feels with a CVT.
Thank you sir, still a newb to the motor. :)
No not bad at all IMO, for a four cylinder automatic no less, and like you said, it isn't exactally a small car either. Shoot don't tell any GA owns this but that is pretty close to stock GAGT territory. lol
I can't wait to run it down the track a couple of times. Once with the CVT in "D", and then a few times using the manual mode.

Just out of curiosity, what made you go for the Altima over, say, a G6 (very similar power (169 HP) and fuel-economy from the 2.4L). Not saying you made a bad choice, at all, but, hey, this is a Pontiac forum... :)
Quality and options. We test drove a G6 last year, although it wasn't bad, it wasn't great either.

It felt very plain inside, no real 'wow' factor. Altima had much more interior and trunk room, ride is far quieter, gauges are nicer, and the overall feel of the interior has a much higher quality. (Plus my wife loves the 9 cup holders... lmao)

Side by side IMO the Altima has much more presence to it. The G6 has a shape common with many vehicles on the road right now, the Altima stands out a bit more with it's over sizes and uniquely shaped lights and body panels. The dual exhaust looks great on also, the only down side to it's looks IMO are the wheels. Standard 16 steelies with option 16 alloys or 17s on the 3.5. Many other cars in it's class have standard 16 alloys with optional 17 and/or 18" wheels. The Legacey we test drove have very sexy 17" five spoke wheels that looked great.

The Nissan had slightly better fuel ecconomy, the manual mode with the CVT transmission is fun. And over all it was very enjoyable to drive.

Here is a link to a quick summery of some of the vehicles we test drove.
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82008&highlight=avenger&page=2
My fiance has a 99 Altima and I cant stand the car!!!! However this looks like a huge upgrade. Whats the warrenty on it? She needs a new car really bad.
Yeah the '93 - '01 Altima were much smaller, and IMO not much nicer or larger than the Sentra. In 2002 the Altima grew up and got a bit larger and nicer. But IMO I think there is a world of difference in the '07-'08 models over the 2006.
Yikes. That is kinda bad. Id wait til the first one is getting close to expiring then get the other one. lol
Ahhh yeah, considering GM, Toyota, Hyundia, and whoever else all have 100,000 mile ones now. I figured Nissan would too, but NOPE! And they didnt mention the extend warrenty until they say we went to pick it up. Because we made them throw in the Simonize for free, I would have skipped that crap and made them give me the extend warrenty! We even asked about it before too, just go side tracked and it never came back up.

[iceman]

. I have the 6 speed manual w/ LSD, but I admit I'm curious how the engine feels with a CVT.

It's piss slow compared to a spec v, come over at night I'll take you for a spin in the rental.

[Matt95GT]

My fiance has a 99 Altima and I cant stand the car!!!! However this looks like a huge upgrade. Whats the warrenty on it? She needs a new car really bad.

Different gen with pretty much nothing in common with the current one. I didn't care for that gen (or older) either.

It's piss slow compared to a spec v, come over at night I'll take you for a spin in the rental.

Damn... maybe we need to "de-snorkel tube" the stock intake then.

[TA^Guy]

It's piss slow compared to a spec v, come over at night I'll take you for a spin in the rental.
Yeah much larger vehicle, but still doesn't feel like a sloushy four banger.
The wife and I wouldn't have purchased it if it was as bad as 90% of the four bangers out there where.

Damn... maybe we need to "de-snorkel tube" the stock intake then.
Am I missing an 'easy' mod to get a few more ponies out of this 'little engine that could'? Looking at the engine doesn't even appear that a CAI is possible... I think I'll be looking for just a K&N replacement filter for it.

[Matt95GT]

Am I missing an 'easy' mod to get a few more ponies out of this 'little engine that could'? Looking at the engine doesn't even appear that a CAI is possible... I think I'll be looking for just a K&N replacement filter for it.

Not really anything significant that's free. I know it probably doesn't do much, but I yanked several resonator boxes off my stock intake (there's like 6 in various shapes and sizes) so I can actually hear the engine. It's a pretty convoluted setup though... so it's no wonder just about any CAI setup gains almost +9HP on the dyno. Is yours like this too?
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/may04/specv/images/stock_vs_aem.jpg

Oh, and the obligatory "snorkel bong" during removal :lol:
http://www.bbqomg.com/gallery/albums/albanymodday06/DSCN1983.JPG

CAI is easily possible. I bet you're referring to the MAF and it's flat 4-screw mounting on the air box side. All the CAI kits include an adapter that turns it back into a tube to put a coupler on. You can buy the adapter alone too IIRC...
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/may04/specv/images/maf_aem_adapter.jpg

Otherwise, cheap axel-back exhaust, headers, and CAI usually shave off at least have a second off 1/4 mile ET. This is the case with most Spec V owners who usually get high 14's with that combo. Not bad for only about $700 in parts.

[TA^Guy]

Matt I have only had the hood opened to snap this one photo at night. But IIRC it has a fuse box to the right of the air box and the battery in front. Where the inlet tube is doesn't look like enough space for a cone filter of any sort.

Not looking for any real performance parts for it, I bought a 4 banger sedan, I understand it's slow, I can live with that. lol

For now we are just going to focus on appearence modifications.

[GregFarz78]

warranty SUCKS! And we found that out after the fact... 3yr/36K though there is a 5yr/75K for $1300 extra.

pretty sure powertrain is 5yr/60k at least mine was you shouldn't need it though my QR25 has 94,000 miles and not a single major problem just take care of her and she'll take care of you :)

[Matt95GT]

Matt I have only had the hood opened to snap this one photo at night. But IIRC it has a fuse box to the right of the air box and the battery in front. Where the inlet tube is doesn't look like enough space for a cone filter of any sort.

Not looking for any real performance parts for it, I bought a 4 banger sedan, I understand it's slow, I can live with that. lol

For now we are just going to focus on appearence modifications.

Whoa... that's way different than on the Sentra. The engine cover :gay2: is different too... although I ripped that crap off mine long ago. (btw, the chrome "hamburger" is going to peel if you leave it on) Hmm... there's gotta be a way to get either a cone or CAI piping on there.

[TA^Guy]

pretty sure powertrain is 5yr/60k at least mine was you shouldn't need it though my QR25 has 94,000 miles and not a single major problem just take care of her and she'll take care of you :)

I can check the paper work but I specifically asked the woman and she said 36,000 and since we drive about 15,000 miles a year we would driving out of the factory warrenty in about 2.5 years.

Whoa... that's way different than on the Sentra. The engine cover :gay2: is different too... although I ripped that crap off mine long ago. (btw, the chrome "hamburger" is going to peel if you leave it on) Hmm... there's gotta be a way to get either a cone or CAI piping on there.
I havent had much time with teh car to play with it, but I'd like to see what the actual engine looks like under that big cover. Leanne likes it, "Cool easier for me to clean" was what she said.

[iceman]

Well, the "manual shifting" in my rental doesn't work any more.. used it like twice.

How big is the freakin gas tank?? :lol: put in like 18 gallons of gas today. That on board computer needs some recalibration, no way i got 28mpg average like it says.

[TA^Guy]

It's 20.5 gallons. lol And the average fuel ecconomy on them is supposed to be 23city and 31hwy IIRC. So far we've only used one tank of gas and averaged 24mpg, not too bad this time of year with the cold weather, plus the motor isn't broken in yet, not that I think it'll make much difference is any at all.

And how did you break the manual mode? lmao

[GregFarz78]

28mpg isnt that unbelievable I get about 26mpg not going easy on the car either

[iceman]

It's 20.5 gallons. lol And the average fuel ecconomy on them is supposed to be 23city and 31hwy IIRC. So far we've only used one tank of gas and averaged 24mpg, not too bad this time of year with the cold weather, plus the motor isn't broken in yet, not that I think it'll make much difference is any at all.

And how did you break the manual mode? lmao

Yeah, I've been beating on it of course. I was surprised to see so much gas go in such a little car (and $56 worth too haha).. If I don't beat on it it gets very good mpg.


I have no idea how the manual mode stopped working, POS car. Only has 3k miles on it.

[Matt95GT]

I havent had much time with teh car to play with it, but I'd like to see what the actual engine looks like under that big cover. Leanne likes it, "Cool easier for me to clean" was what she said.

Like this (excuse the blurry pics from my old camera)...
http://www.fazeshift.org/pics/albums/userpics/03-10-06/DCP07246.JPG

And if you're wondering how the "variable intake runners" work...
http://www.fazeshift.org/pics/albums/userpics/03-10-06/DCP07253.JPG
http://www.fazeshift.org/pics/albums/userpics/03-10-06/DCP07252.JPG
The primaries are the smaller round ones (under tape in 2nd pic). The butterfly valves open the secondaries @ 5000 RPMs.

Had mine apart for the "locktite mod"... the older QR25's liked to ingest the screws from the butterfly plates when they loosened, usually needing a new engine. 2 of mine were quite lose at only 25K miles. Apparently the newer ones have been different screws, have locktite, and some screen to catch any screws.

As for being easier to clean... that goes to hell the first time you spill any oil when refilling during an oil change. You just can't get a rag in there... don't want it ending up in the coils/spark plug holes. Figured if I had to remove it to clean my spill, I'd leave it off... one less thing to annoy me next time I spill. :lol:


How big is the freakin gas tank?? :lol: put in like 18 gallons of gas today. That on board computer needs some recalibration, no way i got 28mpg average like it says.

Heh, should try a tank swap. The "you're going to run out of gas" light will be on, and it will only take like 10.5 gallons... only 220~240 miles per tank. That might be my biggest complaint about the Sentra.

28mpg isnt that unbelievable I get about 26mpg not going easy on the car either

26 is maybe the best I've ever gotten on mine. 24 MPG seems to be the average with mine, although I think my foot is heavier than yours. Amusingly enough, it doesn't seem to get any worse doing more city driving or leaving the AC on. :shrug:

[TA^Guy]

Thanks for the photos Matt. I think I'll leave the engine cover on for now, maybe down the road I'll remove it and paint the valve cover or something.

OH, BTW tomorrow I'll post some photo of our first 'mod' we got in the mail today. It's small but completely suiting.

[TA^Guy]

Can anyone notice our first modification??? lol
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima016.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima017.jpg

[matts]

you put a black spot on the bumper??





oh wait, that's a speck on my screen.

[TA^Guy]

Haha I did the same thing... Nope its on the front and back. :)

[goredsox]

Haha I did the same thing... Nope its on the front and back. :)

i doesnt read Y2KGAGT amymore... is the moonroof screen new as well?

[bballr4567]

HAHAH Nice plates.

[TA^Guy]

i doesnt read Y2KGAGT amymore... is the moonroof screen new as well?

No that has been there. Might not notice it in the first photos because it was at night.

[TA^Guy]

HAHAH Nice plates.
Yeah one night I just spit it out and Leanne liked it. Too bad like 20 mintues after she odred the plates I text'd her with "ALTMADUM" which she liked more. kind of like "Xplodurr" lol I think she likes when I make fun of her for being blonde. lol

[matts]

i'm still trying to come up with one me and emily can agree on for the trailblazer. i really like BRNALL4, but she don't like it

[sunrunner_pei]

i'm still trying to come up with one me and emily can agree on for the trailblazer. i really like BRNALL4, but she don't like it

Ooohh, I like that! :lol:

[matts]

i do too, and it's available. but everytime i bring it up i get "i don't like that"

[sunrunner_pei]

Next time she picks out a piece of clothing or a purse, or anything, tell her 'I don't like that'. ;)

[Bouchie11982]

wow looks REALLY nice!!! mmmm new car smell :)

[TA^Guy]

i'm still trying to come up with one me and emily can agree on for the trailblazer. i really like BRNALL4, but she don't like it
Tell her HEYLADYS, FAHQRICR, or ANLINVDR and see how see likes your choice after those. lol

[TA^Guy]

Ok so I'm a photowhore, deal with it. lol
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima022.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima021.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima023.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima024.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima025.jpg

I cant help all the photos, I'm really starting to like this car.

[GregFarz78]

Was going to say some wheels from a 02/03 spec v would look nice on that but they're only 4 lug :(

[TA^Guy]

Yeah already looked into that. They are also only 17", same for the 3.5 SE and Maxima wheels are only 17". Even 18"s on these cars don't look big at all.

[bballr4567]

Got to say that the rear of the car looks sooo weird with the lights go almost farther forward then the rear window.

Does look good though.

[Rayz]

Congratulations, just be careful not to cross swords. Good luck with the new car also.

[TA^Guy]

Got to say that the rear of the car looks sooo weird with the lights go almost farther forward then the rear window.

Does look good though.
Wasn't sure if I liked tha tefore we bought it either. But I do like them now. They are very 3 dimentional, when you see one in person there are lot of geometric shapes that come together, like the round bralke light housings with the deep rectangular directals, ect. And if you look at thee bumper seam/body line, it flows right into the red side reflector, which transitions right back into the upper body line. Well thought out IMO.
Congratulations, just be careful not to cross swords. Good luck with the new car also.
:lol: Damn that crossing Swarts! lol
Thank Ray.

[XoticGA]

:drool:

[Matt95GT]

Seth took me for a ride in his rental. The CVT seemed very weird to me. I got a "slipping clutch" feeling. Kinda neat that it won't spill your drinks though. :lol:

The fake shifting was also odd. It would be cool if they had a way to change the behavior of that to a "ok, I'm used to the car now and over the fact that it doesn't shift like a regular trans" mode that doesn't change the RPM to simulate shift points. I was impressed to see it capitalized on the peak performing RPM range (5000-6000 RPM) once you really get on it.

The interior was nice in person... no the "blah" the previous version had. Especially nice for a base model IMO.

John, you need to do some type of intake on that. It seemed even more silent than my Spec V was stock. The sound of the secondary intake runners opening @ 5000 RPMs is something to behold. :lol:

[TA^Guy]

I plan on it. :)
The car is so quiet I cant even tell if it's running half the time.

[TA^Guy]

Leanne's Christmas Present was finished today.

20% Tint on the rears, 35% on the front two.

Here are some pictures, ignore how dirty the car is.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima026.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima027.jpg

[99GrandAMSE]

I love tint :)

[Y2KGAGT]

I love my car.

[99GrandAMSE]

Honestly, I would have preferred your truck but the car is nice too ;)

[Y2KGAGT]

Honestly, I would have preferred your truck but the car is nice too ;)
Meh, I liked the truck for toting things/people around, but man the gas killed me. Otherwise, I really would have liked to keep it. Though, I did miss driving a car.

[99GrandAMSE]

... I am used to paying $$$ for gas so I'd be good ;) :lol: ... you have to remember though, you happen to have to WORST Explorer version in terms of gas mileage too (i.e.: AWD V8 :()

[Y2KGAGT]

Yep, I pretty much doubled my gas mileage switching to a car and I love it. Even with the GA it never made it to almost 400 miles on a tank of gas.

[99GrandAMSE]

HAHA ... nice!!! ... best that I ever get with my Dodge is 350 miles or so but it costs me $75 to fill ;) :lol: ... that works out to about 24 MPG or so ... on the upside of Explorers though, Dad usually gets 27/28 MPG with his and 16/18 towing his trailer so he does very well :)

[bballr4567]

Loving the tint. It sets off the paint perfectly.

[car audio dave]

hey guys, car is looking really good.

those altimas are pretty well built.

[TA^Guy]

Exploder was ok. Handled good for a large SUV, turning radius was as tight or tighter than even our GA was. Had tons of room inside. But the down side was things were breaking on it, some could have been pretty pricey to fix. Not something I would expect from a 2003. For a 4.6 liter V8 it only made like 230ish hp... pretty sad IMO, especially since it was guzzling fuel to the tune of 15mpg, 17mpg at best on the highway in the summer.

The Nissan has some great features and creature comforts. I LOVE the styling personally. Very distigushable as a Nissan from all angles. Too many automakers are losing their brand identity. 175hp from a fuel sipping four cylinder not only has the best hp in it's class, but also the best fuel ecconomy. CVT takes time to get used to, but its not so bad after driving it for a month. My only gripe, is it's handling. It's quick to turn in, but once you start tossing it around harder and harder your realize how sloppy it is. 18" with nice rubber would be a big improvement, but I still think it needs some stiffer springs.

[TA^Guy]

Got a box in the mail today, you'll get to see what it is next weekend... :D

[Shadow-D]

OHH I know what it is. Ok well maybe I don't but I've got an idea :lol:

[TA^Guy]

Here what was in that box. Sorry for the bad photos, not sure who was using the camera for me.
Drilling holes into a new car is so much fun!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altsplr01.jpg
Factory style Altima spolier with LED light. I didn't use the tape just yet to tape it down as I should have because looking to get the clear brake light and the spoile rwill need to come back off.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altsplr02.jpg
I'll post better photos later. :)

[Shadow-D]

Looks good John :thumbup:

[TA^Guy]

I'm surprised someone didn't snap a photo of me inside the trunk wiring the third brake light. I think everyone with the thin skin was inside by that time. Bunch of :kittycat: hahaha

[Shadow-D]

I didn't thnk about it :slap:

[TA^Guy]

Little bit better photos to share.

Sorry by the time Leanne gets home from work it's 4:30 and already getting dark.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima028.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima029.jpg

[Y2KGAGT]

I lub it! Thank you for the spoiler baby cakes :kiss:

[TA^Guy]

That LED brake light isn't half as bright as the one on my truck.
I think we'll need to get the one with the clear lense and see if that one is any brighter.

Just put an order in for Grafxwerks tonight. Going to test fit a inlay for the BigMac.

[Y2KGAGT]

Can't wait for some spring pictures! :)

[TA^Guy]

Here are some ideas for wheels

First ones are the style I was looking for.
http://www.nicoclub.com/Matt/pw-nissan.jpg

And these aren't bad either, these are 18" wheels from a G35.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/2668000-2668999/2668205_8_full.jpg

[Matt95GT]

I think I'm failing to notice any wheels in that pic.

[Artic]

There are wheels in that first pic? O.o

[Shadow-D]

I don't see the reason to have some bimbo in a bikini putting her hands all over a car. If your car needs that to look good then you need to do some more work to your car, it should stand out without the bimbo.
Sorry but that's just how I feel.

[bballr4567]

The first ones look like SRT4 rip offs. If they were graphite or another color it would look good.

[TA^Guy]

I think I'm failing to notice any wheels in that pic.
You like how I snuck that one in there for you guys. lol
I don't see the reason to have some bimbo in a bikini putting her hands all over a car. If your car needs that to look good then you need to do some more work to your car, it should stand out without the bimbo.
Sorry but that's just how I feel.
Well if some bimbo wants to put her hands on my car (easy I did say car) I really don't care as long as she is attractive. It's not to make the car look good, it's to complement it. Like beer and beer nuts, they both taste great seprately but put them together and you're golden.
The first ones look like SRT4 rip offs. If they were graphite or another color it would look good.
Eh, yeah they look like SRT4 wheels, however Dodge didn't invent that style of wheel, so I guess you could say they look like the style of wheel Dodge ripped off for their POS SRT4s. lmao

[Shadow-D]

maybe cuz I'm gettin older. I don't know :lol:

[TA^Guy]

Well I actually broke down and gave up on finding decent aftermarket lights to fit properly and went and bought OEM for lights. They shipped out yesterday so hopefully they will arrive soon.

BigJoe, since we've already pretty much done it once you down for installing another set? This time I promise they will stay in. lol

[ramairgt1]

That chick can put her hands on my car anytime she wants :D

[TA^Guy]

^ :agree:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/fogllts.jpg
Oh BTW Mike and Joe, look what arrived in the mail today. :) I'll have these installed in about 10-15 minutes, then just a quick wiring job and we'll be set.

Better hope it's not too cold out, I don't want to hear no belly aching. lol

[Mike Reyna]

Holy smokes!!!!!! John owning an import? WHat the............. :lol: Congrats guys...that Altima is a sweet car. Damn....I need to pop in more often. hehe

[TA^Guy]

Not just owning a Import, loving it! So much I'm thinking someday down the road maybe picking up a used Altima 3.5 Coupe. :)

Besides, shouldnt be a huge surprise, I always say how much I love japanese motorcycles. :)

[Mike Reyna]

Not just owning a Import, loving it! So much I'm thinking someday down the road maybe picking up a used Altima 3.5 Coupe. :)

Besides, shouldnt be a huge surprise, I always say how much I love japanese motorcycles. :)

I'm actually thinking of buying a Nissan Frontier 4x4 crew cab. Man....those are really nice compared to the Colorado. Although, I have also been looking into a Trailblazer SS. I'm still a Chevy guy at heart....but the Nissan is a really nice compact pickup.

Oh, and the chick with the hands on the car... ID HIT IT!! :D

[TA^Guy]

I'm actually thinking of buying a Nissan Frontier 4x4 crew cab. Man....those are really nice compared to the Colorado. Although, I have also been looking into a Trailblazer SS. I'm still a Chevy guy at heart....but the Nissan is a really nice compact pickup.

Oh, and the chick with the hands on the car... ID HIT IT!! :D
See I don't care for many newer trucks out there right now. If I had to pick a brand new compact truck I'd go with the Toyota X-Runner. Since the hardbody, I haven't cared much for Nissan trucks.

TB SS is HOT, and awhile ago they made a prototype Colorado SS, from what I hear they are working on a production version.

And yes, I'd hit it too, even let my wife join in. She's got one killer booty. lol

[TA^Guy]

Some new photos to share.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima032.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima031.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/y2kgagt/Altima/altima030.jpg

[Shadow-D]

What, nothing from the rear???

[Y2KGAGT]

I love how these pics came out!!

[TA^Guy]

Yeah the sky looks awesome in the last one but running around in traffic trying to take the photo I didn't exactly have it on the correct setting.

[Y2KGAGT]

Its ok, still looks good. Finally got some decent non-parking lot pictures. Maybe this weekend we can do that one background you wanted. :)

[TA^Guy]

Which one?

[JBlack16]

Wow, I just love the Altimas. Great color too. Great car you guys have there! I also love the new Accords.

[TA^Guy]

I thought I liked the new Accords but more I see them the more I hate them.
Big huge bubbley headlights up front, and smallish band tail lights. The door handles are ugly as sin and the rest of the car is just bland looking. IMO. Sure they will sell tons of them because of the name. My assisants wife even picked up a new one recently and he likes the car but didnt have much opinion on it's styling. lol

[jonnythan]

You sure you're talking about the Accord?

[Y2KGAGT]

You sure you're talking about the Accord?

Yes. They are fugly.
And I used to like it until I saw it up close.

[TA^Guy]

yeah fugly is a understatement

[GregFarz78]

yea the new accords are horrid looking, my parents just picked up a new altima 2.5 too they test drove the altima and the accord said the accord just falls short its nice inside but fugly outside and the power doesnt compare

[TA^Guy]

yea the new accords are horrid looking, my parents just picked up a new altima 2.5 too they test drove the altima and the accord said the accord just falls short its nice inside but fugly outside and the power doesnt compare
Consumer Reports among many other magazines would agree. In most cases the Altima ranked #1 in its class. However that really has no effect of my purchase. I never read those yuppie magazines, nor do I ever trust a guy who doesn't get dirt under his nails or wont slide under a car in his favorite pair of pants.

[Shadow-D]

X2 :iagree:

[goredsox]

2.5 Altima CVT 175ish hp VS. 2.4 Accord 5 Auto 190ish Hp???? Thoughts? Those Altima's have great pep, it would probably take my 5 speed civic....

[TA^Guy]

Well I dont know quarter mile times or anything like that for the two cars, was never interested in it because it's just a family car for us. Mild modifications to make it look nice and that is it. I love the power of the QR25DE engine, unlike other four bangers we test drove this one actually gets this decent sized car out of its own way. And the CVT does take time getting used to it bt it's ultra smooth and lowers fuel consumption and emissions. And when I put itover into manual mode it's like have a clutchless 6 speed gearbox.