July 11th, 2007
I already removed one intake resonator, so I decided to remove the next one. On the other one, I used a 2″ Test Plug from the plumbing section of Home Depot. This time, I used a 1.5″ Test Plug. It replaced the intake resonator that was attached to the radiator next to the air filter box. It sounds throatier if you rev it, but that’s about it. You can hear a slight gurgle after the rev goes down. If I roll down my window and really listen, sometimes I can hear it if I take a little longer to shift. I can’t tell any difference when normally driving it though. If it added any power, it’s minimal. But for $3, who cares.
Cost: $3
Here’s a picture… You can see the little wing nut from it in the middle of the picture:

Posted in Performance | No Comments »
July 5th, 2007
If anyone else has an Xterra blog, leave a comment on this post and I’ll link your Xterra blog for a link back. This will make it easier for people to find Xterra-related blogs :).
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
July 3rd, 2007
Xterra Cost: $12,500
Loan taken: $3,000
Repayment: $120/mo
Amount of loan remaining: $0
Modification Costs:
Body Lift: $300
Shackle Lift: $67
Steering shock + Idler Arm Brace: $130
33″ Tires: $500
Carputer: $1,000
Headunit: $130
Shocks: $250
Speakers: Free(Gift)
Amplifier: Free(Gift)
Subwoofer: Free(Gift)
Total in Xterra Mods: $2,377
Total in Xterra: $14,877
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
July 3rd, 2007
I ordered the “Steering Enhancement Package” from http://www.4×4parts.com when I ordered my Body Lift. I didn’t drive with bigger tires until after I had the Steering Shock on, so I can’t really compare if it made a difference or not, but I’m sure it probably did.
Cost: $130

Posted in Steering | 2 Comments »
July 3rd, 2007
We took out the stock shocks which were fairly worn and replaced them with Bilstein’s in the front and rear. The new shocks definately increased the handling of the vehicle.
Cost: $250

Posted in Suspension | 2 Comments »
July 2nd, 2007
I decided to get these tires because they will help me on and off road. This truck is my daily driver and I didn’t want the gas mileage to go down a lot, or some very noisy tires. These tires aren’t very noisy and handle great on-road. The tire size is 33″(305/70/16). They complement my 3″ Body Lift and 1.5″ Shackle/Suspension Lift perfectly.
Cost: Just over $500

Posted in Tires | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2007
I decided to install a computer in my Xterra. I could have done cheaper with an in-dash navigation unit, but that doesn’t give me the flexibility of upgrading my system. It also makes it harder to fix if something goes wrong. My biggest resource for this mod was http://www.mp3car.com.
Cost: About $1,000
I’m still not quite done with it, but here’s a couple pictures:


You can find my complete write-up at:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/worklogs/93480-2003-nissan-xterra.html.
Posted in Carputer | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2007
When installing the body lift, one of the intake resonators was in the way so I took it off and replaced it with a 2″ test plug found in the plumbing department at home depot. It maybe added 1HP, if I’m lucky. If you listened to the engine before and after, it’s a little bit throatier. You wouldn’t be able to tell otherwise.
Cost: About $2
The 2″ test plug is the thing with the UPC sticker on it.

Posted in Performance | 1 Comment »
July 2nd, 2007
The 3″ Body Lift was a huge improvement to my Xterra. It allowed me to fit my 33″(305/70/17) Tires that I have now on it.
Cost: $300
Ordered From: http://www.4×4parts.com

You can find more information on it here:
http://www.xterrafirma.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4627
Posted in Body Lift | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2007
The shackle lift was a cheap way to add a little character to my Xterra. The cost was well worth it.
Cost: $67($50 + $17 s/h)
Before: 
After: 
I ordered direct from Calmini(http://www.purnissan.com) by going to the contact page and calling them.
UPDATE: Oops.. I noticed those are both “After” pics. for some reason, I can’t find the “Before” pics I took anymore.
Posted in Suspension | 5 Comments »