Ok, I've seen many threads asking questions about modding the 4 banger, so since I'm bored, here is a nice guide for you guys. I also got the idea, by seeing a thread over at thevboard.com.
First and foremost, the 2.5 engines in the Sentra are exactly the same as the ones in the 2.5 Altima, so almost every part is interchangeable EXCEPT for a few.
Intakes: The Sentra and Altima guys cannot interchange aftermarket intakes, because of the location of the supportive bracket on the intakes for each vehicle.
The list of companies that make an intake for our vehicles are
Berk, Stillen, JWT (these are Short Rams aka WAIs). AEM,Nismo (they are basically the same thing, just labeled differently), Injen, Fujita, K&N, Hotshot (all of these are CAIs (cold air)).
Header: The Sentra and Altima CAN interchange the aftermarket header, except for certain kinds. The 4-2-1 header for the 2.5 is mainly made for the sentra and follows their underlining, so without modifications this cannot be properly installed on an Altima (this is because the brackets for the downpipe and on do not line up with the Altima and may push the exhaust back some. So if you were to go this route, I advise you get the header installed with the rest of it, and then get your custom catcback exhaust done so everything lines up correctly). However the straight 4-1 design can fit without any modifications on the Altima.
The list of companies that make a header for our vehicles are Hotshot, SSAutochrome, Nismo, Megan Racing (these three are the 4-1 design that can interchange with the sentra guys). Stillen, AEBS, Strup, DCSports (all come with a downpipe, so all except the Stillen, one (since it is specifically made for the Altima) may cause proper fitment issues unless it is modified).
*Note, you will throw a SES if you do not get an o2 simulator. For the 02-04 guys, the o2 simulator from
Universal O2 Sensor Simulator works. However because the o2 sensor on the 05+ are different, I believe there is no solution to getting rid of it yet.
Exhaust: Most of us go a custom set up. However there are a few choices in a full catback exhaust. The companies that make this are Mossy and the new released Apexi WS2. Also I believe Custom Altima has one available, but not sure if anyone has it on this site. For the record, most people usually go a 2.25 or 2.5' custom piping to what seems to be the most popular Magnaflow Series mufflers.
Downpipe: Non existent, if you want to deal with the trouble, you could purchase the Megan Racing or HPAutoworks downpipe for the Spec V, but it is 2 long and doesn't line up right, so you would have to modify it. If not just go to a local muffler shop, they can fabricate you one.
Camshafts: These are interchangeable with the Sentra guys. We have 2 choices, Nismo and JWT (Jim Wolf Technologies). The JWT camshafts seem to be a little bit more aggressive than Nismo. Also, JWT does offer a valve spring set for the QR as well.
Motor Mount Inserts: Taz from Racingline makes these, can be purchased from their website
Racingline Performance
Hot Wires: These are purely cosmetic. It might get you some power, but more often than not it’ll be very miniscule. Nology makes it, and comes in a variety of colors also.
Pulley: I'm pretty sure the pulley is interchangeable between the Sentra and Altima, so the companies that provide it are Impulse Mechanisms and Unorthodox Racing. Also concerning install, I believe that it is the same size as the OEM pulley, just lighter, so a belt change isn't needed.
Grounding Kit: Active Tuning makes it. It’s nice, useful. Some changes, don't expect a whole lot. Looks great.
Balance Shaft Removal: JWT makes this, however your daily riding pleasures will be crashing down, for this will definitely void warranty and cause an increase amount of vibrations.
ECU: Forget about it, no aftermarket ECUs, no reflash. Nothing.
PiggyBacks: This is our alternate. This allows us to adjust A/F Ratios and get a proper tuning on the car. We are limited to a few choices, and each step is a bit more expensive, so I'll go in cost (lower ot higher) first.
Apexi SAFC: Allows you to fine tune your A/F ratio, and that’s about it.
Stillen QRPro: This doesn't allow you to fine tune your A/F ratio, it is supposed to adjust to your mods. Sounds great, but power numbers have outputted higher on the SAFC than the QR. I don't recommend this route.
Greddy EManage Ultimate: This is the best tuning system available for us. It is more in depth and better featured. Imagine a SAFC on steroids....this is what the EManage does.
Some Other MISC Mods.
Throttle Body Spacer: Made by 2 guys, wperdigon (a recent new member here, but an OG and great guy over on thevboard.com) and nmuk152 (I think hes a recent member here 2, but found out this product through b15sentra.net). They both make it, but wperdigon has many more options (such as ones with a vacuum tap and a nitrous line tap). Both fit, both dyno proven, both worth the money.
The V Board :: View topic - New Pics -Finalized QR25 TB Spacer for wperdigon's work
QR Throttle Body Spacer - b15sentra.net forums for nmuk152's work
Wperdigon also ports out throttle bodies. I believe I am the only Altima guy with it. Just get in contact with him, the whole process costs 50 dollars, and looks awesome. He also ports intake manifolds (upper and lower) so any further questions, just try to contact him.
Intake Manifold Spacer: Made by the same 2 guys, wperdigon and nmuk152. Don't have the direct link, but by searching through the classifieds or group buys section of thevboard or b15sentra.net, you'll find it. Currently I have nmuks spacer, and would have bought wperdigons but funds are low and I had purchased nmuks before wperdigon was done and released his. Not sure if nmuk's spacer has been dynoed but wperdigons has been dyno proven to 7hp.
Spark Plugs: Stay away from Bosch. Go Denso or NGK. Iridium or bronze plugs is the way to go.
N20: Most kits are universal. Only the WET kits work for our engine. For our car, the safest IMO is a 75 shot. You can try a 100 shot, but be wary of your motor. The QR is not the strongest motor by far.
TurboKits: Well in theory, everything between the Altima and Sentra should be interchangeable EXCEPT the piping leading to the intercooler (this should be a given since the Altima engine bay is bigger than the Sentra). If you go this road, please contact the companies that develop them for the Sentra, and see if they make an application for the Altima.
For the Manual guys...
Short Shifter Kit: Made by Active Tuning, Axxion and maybe some more (but I'm not that knowledgeable of it, I drive the autotragic).
Now for some of the worries. Here are a list of things to get checked ASAP.
On the 02-03 guys, we have a serious pre-cat failure. Can be dangerous. Easily solved if you just get an aftermarket header.
I believe on the 06 guys, there was a big recall concerning oil consumption that lead to possible major accidents. Get that fixed.
Butterfly screws is another issue. It may get sucked up and cause engines to go BOOM. So get that checked by Nissan or locitite it on your own.
Another thing here is the link from technosquare on instructions to reset your ECU in case your idle seems off with any modifications. <TECHNOSQUARE - PRODUCTS - TECHNOSQUARE - 350Z ECU Reset>
Hope this helps any questions guys. If I missed anything, please let me know, I'll edit my post and add it on.
July 05
Linear Mode
