It was a big weekend for my spec v:
-Nismo Short Shift Install
-Balance Shaft Removed
-Butterfly Valve Screws FINALLY Loctited
-Khumo Ecsta ASX tires

I figured I might make this post for anyone considering doing any of these mods. I find that the actual results are always much different from the projected/advertised results. I'll break it down as much as possible and I might ask some questions along the way, since I'm best at that. :wink:

Nismo Short Shifter:

Overall, I am happy with this mod. The instructions can sound intimidating for someone like me that doesn't know much about working on cars. Once you get into it, you will inderstand what the instructions are talking about. It took us about an hour to instal it with the little bit of custom fab work we did.

The pros: I considered myself fast at shifting, but this really did shorten my throws a bit. Especially going into 2nd gear, you feel that extra bit of power, due to your RPM's being slightly higher. Reverse was always a bitch to get into in my car, but with the SS, I slide into reverse easy. However, it really doesn't feel like I'm all the way in gear when I actually am. I'm not implying that's a good thing, but with my stock set up it would feel like I was in gear and I wouldn't be. Consequently, my transmission would scream at me a little bit. With the SS, I can rest assured my tranny won't get upset. Even though it may not feel like I'm in gear, I always am...

The cons: Following the instructions exactly, the ss still fit bad. In 5th and 6th gear, you could see my cup holder lurch up into the air. It looked horrible. What we did was filed off a small bit(about a 16th of an inch) of the short shifter and cut a little bit of plastic out under the boot. None of these are visible when your console is assembled and the SS still maintains its integrity. With Cutting/filing off as much as possible, there is still a small tap when I put the car into 5th too hard.

Overall: I would recommend this mod. It adds a great aftermarket feel to the car.


Balance Shaft Removal:

I'll come right out and say it... this mod was a bitch, contrary to what everyone else said. We had a hell of a time pulling them out when everything was disassembled, as the unstructions told us. They said, "with a little wiggling, the balance shaft assembly should slide right out". Bullshit... we had to tug and pry mine out. For putting the oil drip fixtures back into place, I recommend atleast four hands. Be prepaired to get soaked in oil, as well. A few things you need to make sure you have before you even think about starting this job: 6 quarts of oil, a new oil filter, E TORX SOCKETS ARE A MUST, a breaker bar, LARGE bolt cutters, and silicone gasket sealer. Bring your patience and you muscles for this, as well.

The Pros: I notice a small difference in acceleration, especially in low rpms. The engine sounds more beefy when getting on it, but that is just from the vibrations. The QR2.5 could easily be mistaken for a v6 from it's sound, now.

The Cons: There are many. On the same end... the sound isn't that great when idling. What people described as a "barely noticable vibration increase" should be better worded as "an easily noticed viration increase". Like I said, this is apparent from and Idle and you can feel it on the pedal especially in betwen 2500rpms-3500. It also takes up an extra quart of oil space in your engine. The instal can be a pain in the ass, especially in a 29 degree garage...

Overall: I am not sure that if I could do this mod over again I would. For people looking for a quality feel coming from under the hood, I suggest holding off on this one. I DID know what I was getting into, however, so I'm really not complaining. I'm just not sure if there was enough bang for the consequences to be satisfied. I don't even know the real WHP gain. Some sites say 8 added whp, but nissan performance mag only dynod it at 3whp. If you are worried about the bearing breaking up into your engine, and that is your only concern, do not do this mod. I do not think the chances of that happening are very likely, but I could be wrong. The good thing about this mod is that it has a good cumulative gain when combined with other mods. Mod at your own risk on this one.

I highly recommend loctiting your intake manifold screws before the BSR, as the mod creates more vibration. I had one loose screw, btw. The one on the far right could have been broken loose with a finger nail. Thank God I didn't procrastinate any longer than I did. This was an easy procedure. However, my gasket was still in good shape, but I would recommend ordering another one before doing the loctiting, just incase.


Would anyone like to add anything or comment? I just thought I might post this for people wanting a different perspective on these mods.

I guess we didn't redo the gasket on the oil pan very well, because it's leaking like a civ. I have a screw that was stripped out, I guess long before I had the vehicle, but the leak isn't on that side, so I think I'm okay there. I'm just going to have a shop regasket it for about 40 dollars.

NPM dynoed their car with 5.5 quarts of oil like 6 months later and gained the other 5 whp they missed the first dyno run, give your ecu time to learn

^^^that is what i was going to say. more oil in the qr = more power. i forgot what the limit is though.

5.5 was down from 6, too much oil presure can slow the car down, so they took out half a quart and got their other 5hp

I didn't realize it took your ECU so long to adjust. With my tires, my short shift, and the BSR, I notice a big increase in quickness, especially off the line and in low RPMs

yeah im going to have mine growling here in a few months, the school im going to gives me access full time to a consult II, im going to be having all kinds of fun

consult II? I'm so amped about my spec.. Within a couple weeks I will have my crank pulley and header to go along with my SS, BSR, CIA, and new tires... and my rims will get here in about four weeks. All on a set of nismo coilovers which were sent off today. :) What kind of quarter mile time do you think I could pull off?

this right here kills you already. weight :
12" Kicker Sub;600 watt Kenwood Amp
thats at least 60 lbs. no idea on what box, or how heavy the amp is.

but with that gone, id say maybe a high 14 if you get a decent launch.

hell roll into low 14's high 13s if he knows how to drive with all those mods

and the consult II is the tuning software device that nissan uses to advance timing, adjust air/fuel all that only inside the ecu, not with an safc or anything

get used to the new mods definetly. then hit up the track or something.

I don't know that the sub and amp will make that much difference. I would say it's about 60 lbs with the box all together. I never noticed any difference.. aside from when it's turned all the way up and I have massive power dips...

sounds like you need a cylinder capasitor or something then.

i think a grounding kit off ebay would do you wonders. shouldnt cost more than 40 tops.

sounds like you need a cylinder capasitor or something then.

i think a grounding kit off ebay would do you wonders. shouldnt cost more than 40 tops.

As soon as I get unlazy, I'm just going to go for a capasitor. However, I don't know what size. Any advice?

meh, i like my power dips