Topic: Possibly Purchasing a New Rig | Few quick questions

[SurferX]

Hey everyone,

Most of you don't know who I am. I am mainly lurking and never post because I currently do not have a 4wd X. But after viewing countless posts and photos of the adventures your club goes on, I think its about time to get serious and pursue one of my dreams.


We sold my wife's 2009 Kia Sportage LX last night and I got a little cash to play with. She will be taking my 2005 Xterra SE w/ PML & 31's and I am slowly going to be taking it back to stock for her. Car just hit 120k miles but the engine only has 50k. Car runs great and I freaking love it.

Well we are newly married so I have been trying to get into something that could get me up and going into the various explorations I wanna do. I have looked at XJ's, JK's, 85-89 4runner, but something about the X keeps bringing back to it.

I am possibly going to start pursuing purchasing a gen 1 4x4 and was looking for some pointers and direction.

Is there a better year? Better model?
If the engine needs to get rebuilt, what kinda cost am I looking at?
What kinda lift do I want? (SL? BL? 33's?, All the above?)
Any examples of 4WD Xterra Gen1 lifted and awesome would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
JD

[knightrider]

So you have a gen 2 and want to get a gen 1?  Have you driven a gen1 before?  I had a 01 with 33", 3" lift and 2" bl.  It was a manual and still underpowered.  I would say get a supercharged 02-04, although 01 had the best LSD with the highest breakaway torque.  I've got a picture of mine in my build thread.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[Toro]

The supercharger on those are super finicky. At least the knock sensors are. Check out GreenGoon, 0317 for nice SAS'd rigs. Cdagne has a nicely done IFS.

[SteeevO]

Although the 3.3 is a great motor that will run forever I don't recommended getting a supercharged one. They get worse gas mileage and they are extremely picky with having a property operating knock sensor otherwise it goes into limp mode. Knock sensors on the 3.3 and 3.0 go out pretty easy but its not a problem on the non-supercharged motors.

Sent while mobile, typos likely.

[SuperSlideStyle]

You can check out my display case thread and several "how-to" sections and 1st Gen stuff under the Garage section.  The 3.3 is underpowered but with a good Cold Air Intake, bigger 200cc fuel injectors (OEM is 170cc), an Aeromotive racing Fuel Pump, Iridium plugs paired with Nology Hot Wires, and an upgraded exhaust, it makes plenty of power and torque.  I can personally attest to that.  Later you can also get an upgraded cam set, headers, a  reflashed ECU, upgraded internals like pistons, valves, port and polish, etc...  The list is endless.
The point is that, like any motor on any vehicle, how much RELIABLE power you get out of it really depends on how much money you put into QUALITY parts and a well rebuilt motor as a foundation.
The best way to start a build is to GO OFFROAD WITH US.  We always do easy, 2WD, stock-friendly Xcursions.  Then you can personally see what you can upgrade, why, and what other xterra owners have done.

[0317]

I have an 04 XE and 07 off-road. Gen 1's rule.

I picked an 04 for my project truck because it has all the pros of a Gen 1 with all the bugs worked out.

[GreenGoon]

Thanks for the shout out Danny. 

I love my 2000 X! I thought about getting a 2nd Gen but got over it really quick when I learned how limited the mods were for 2nd Gens. And my Gen 1 has always been good to me. Yes, horse power is lacking, but it does the job. I tow my 19' boat to Blythe several times a year. I don't have great top end, but you're not going to win the grand prix in a Gen 2 either.

You do want to avoid the supercharger if you want a reliable engine.

Here is a video of my "underpowered" 2000 X in the mud.



I'll be happy to play follow the leader on rocks, sand, mud, and snow with any Gen 2 on this forum... I'll let them have the freeway.  

[SuperSlideStyle]

Yeah, I really miss my 1st gen X.  :-(