21 replies to this topic

[jase]

Name: Nissan Stagea (2001)
Date Added: 21 October 2011 - 11:37 PM
Owner: jase
Short Description: None Provided

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[jase]

So, the story so far.

Bought another Stagea, again instead of a Legnum. This time I really wanted something newer - it's the one car for my wife and I. Originally thought we'd come back to Australia and get something like a Commodore wagon - just wanted something that was easy to replace parts on and not an import. Started looking around and before I knew it I'd justified spending $45K on a VE Sportswagon. Irony is that despite being the newer shape, it's still as old as the latest model Legnum. We'd both liked the shape of the Volvo V70's (don't laugh, lol we saw a lot in Canada and as far as wagon styling goes they look great), but back here didn't want a FWD.

These only come as an auto - it's the first automatic that I've owned. I don't hate it, but it needs some work. It's great for morning driving when you just don't care, and it's probably the smartest auto I've driven, but nothing is as precise as a clutch and a gearbox. (Nothing in my price range anyway). There's a shift kit that a lot of the guys are raving about - it's only about $700 installed so I may head down that track.

Currently the only modifications are a Blitz FMIC, Koyo full alloy radiator, B&M Trans Cooler, phenolic runner spacer, BC Racing BR coilovers, and the wheels - Avant Garde M310's with Kuhmo Ecsta KU31's. I have a Blitz SBC iColor ready to go, just have no idea what vacuum hoses to plug it into. Pioneer deck and speakers - installed by previous owner.

We're a bit unsure of our future at the moment so I should probably stop spending money, but if we decide to stay in the country the immediate plan is:

• R33 GTST Brakes
• Turbo Dump pipe (this will remove one cat)
• 3" from the dump into a high flow cat, into the standard "cat back". It's actually a fair way down the exhaust by that stage, by which time the exhaust gas will have cooled, so it shouldn't be too restrictive. I want to keep the stock exhaust since I have a factory optioned sports muffler that allows me to choose between quiet and loud by the flick of a switch.
• Transgo Shift Kit
• Amp and sub - don't want to lose any of the space that I have up the back so it will need to be some sort of in-wheel install.

[bazeng]

Nice Jase! Pics of muffler and how it works would be cool .

[jase]

Check this out Baz. It's probably better than what a photo would show anyway.



The electronic motor hides up in the rear left 1/4 panel and it pulls a cable which opens/closes the second pipe leading into the muffler.

[EvoMyk]

Very nice! Does this shape come out with the option of RB26DETT or is it just the older shape?

[TRQ-STR]

Nice!

[*]Transgo Shift Kit

Full of goodness!!

[jase]

Very nice! Does this shape come out with the option of RB26DETT or is it just the older shape?

Only the older shape. This has a VQ25DET. Much more economical than my old RB25DET but still has plenty of go.


trq-str, you ran a Transgo before?

[TRQ-STR]

I mate of mine uses it on his S1. More positive feel with it, quite smooth also.

One other thing, he payed muuuch less than $700 for it, I’ll ask where he purchased form.

[JayRome]

Check this out Baz. It's probably better than what a photo would show anyway.



The electronic motor hides up in the rear left 1/4 panel and it pulls a cable which opens/closes the second pipe leading into the muffler.

R34GTR has something like that on its exhaust as well.... Mitsu GTO and EVO 7-9 have something like them too.... works well, but still restricted...

i just installed a Transgo shift kit in a mates VT Twin Turbo... look on US ebay, hell of alot cheaper then buying in Aust... although installation is the most $$$$$

[jase]

R34GTR has something like that on its exhaust as well.... Mitsu GTO and EVO 7-9 have something like them too.... works well, but still restricted...

i just installed a Transgo shift kit in a mates VT Twin Turbo... look on US ebay, hell of alot cheaper then buying in Aust... although installation is the most $$$$$

Yeah restricted for sure, but I'd like to keep a bit of practicality.

I remember the GVR4.org guys talking about exhausts and how on newer cars the most important part really is the front end of the exhaust. By the time the exhaust gas makes it to the rear of the car, it's cooled significantly, so you don't need as much flow back there.

Happy for anyone to tell me I'm wrong though.

The Transgo kit is about $750 installed.

[TRQ-STR]

That sound more like it, My mate payed 250ish for the shift kit alone.

[jase]

Yeah there's a guy selling the kits for $250, but will do a valve body exchange and supply the kit for $500. If you're in Sydney he'll supply and install it for $500! But being in SA I don't have that luxury, and I'm not sure that I want to take the job on myself.



Wing is on.

[Jonson]

Looks great mate, I'm a fan. I know it's a bit 90's but the tail lights seem to plain, maybe nightsahde em just a bit? A mate of mine has one of these, I look after it, they are so smooth on and off power.

[EV0300]

I mate of mine uses it on his S1. More positive feel with it, quite smooth also.

One other thing, he payed muuuch less than $700 for it, I’ll ask where he purchased form.

bit off topic but.. Audi S1?

[TRQ-STR]

bit off topic but.. Audi S1?

S1 stagea mate

[JayRome]

Yeah there's a guy selling the kits for $250, but will do a valve body exchange and supply the kit for $500. If you're in Sydney he'll supply and install it for $500! But being in SA I don't have that luxury, and I'm not sure that I want to take the job on myself.

its a bit of a head fudge...

[jase]

Looks great mate, I'm a fan. I know it's a bit 90's but the tail lights seem to plain, maybe nightsahde em just a bit? A mate of mine has one of these, I look after it, they are so smooth on and off power.

Originally I'd planned to do this like one of the other M35 guys, but to be honest I think I like the standard lights now..

its a bit of a head fudge...

Yeah that's what I've heard and read. Sounds like a good job for someone else!

[jase]

New Grille is on, all nice and clean.

[SIVART]

looks much better at the front now

Im glad you have kept the wheels silver also

[Jonson]

Does your missus drive this? I think I saw her in it a couple of weeks back. Was commenting on how simple and nice it looked.