Thread: Altima SE-R vs LGT vs Altima 4 cyl

Yup that's probably the main reason for bad mpg. Thing is, getting a non catted up pipe you reduce lag by 500 rpm more, so you actually might be well into boost at 70mph. I plan on using a VF39 on the FXT, but if I get an LGT I'll use the VF39 on that.

Since you installed your VF39, have you seen where you are at 70mph? Has your mpg went up city/highway?

My friend is actively looking for an 06+ (since they get better mpg stock), and yeah having a hard time!

I've had the STi up-pipe for 3 years, and it while helps boost response and adds a few hp/tq it doesn't actually put you into boost at a lower cruising speed. I don't have a boost guage but you can hear the turbo spool on and off through the open intake.
That being said I would estimate that with the VF39 lets the car stay off boost for another 3-4mph so you can cruise at ~73-75 and stay off boost. Ill try to test it out and tell you exactly.
Realize I also have the 08 STi TMIC which is HUGE and while I've seen all the equations that say its not a huge factor it increases system size by probably 30%

To actually answer your question about MPG; I don't really know. Long answer; My commute is like ~2miles and there's tons of traffic here in Cali, and people routinely go 80-90 and just swerve all over the road like maniacs. That being said I still hit 20mpg on my first normal tank (if you call that normal). The car pulls really hard though and I get those WTF disappointed looks from Benzies and Bimmer drivers like with the SE-R.

To weigh in on the op; Don't get an Altima dude. Why not a 2.0 WRX? I don't get your problem with wagons.

I gotcha, I am using the Scan Gauge 2 to see my boost, but I don't think it's super accurate, I couldn't get it below -10inHg, which downhill any motor should have higher vacuum then that. I'm definitely curious on VF39, I'm also curious on how the LGT is with VF40, if it's in boost all of the time too.

TMIC still should boost pretty quickly, if I get a legacy I'll be doing a FMIC swap, because I would want the "lag" from it. I still laugh at the different mindsets between the two communities on what we define as lag and is acceptable. Also at the tuning styles, seems like folks like to just crankup the boost, 20psi is not abnormal on stock turbo's. No wonder they always have very torque dyno graphs.



Yeah I'm done with Nissan, Altima's have too many issues. I only liked the Altima for the space and 05-06 SE-R looks. I'm not a big fan of wagons look wise, never have been. I don't mind the FXT because it's shorter, and is more SUV like, but Legacy/Outback just don't tickle my fancy in looks. Legacy sedan is one great looking car, I like it as much as I like the P11 look wise.

WRX is too small, cheaper interior and would be expensive on insurance. I would have to get the 08+ WRX (they are as big as Legacy's). Ultimately I would prefer the 2010 Legacy due to it's much bigger interior space, not a fan on it's looks (it became too bland IMO), but I would have been fine with that if the price tag was under $10k .

yeah and no wonder so many people crack pistons... didn't realize the Legacy has a larger turbo in stock form.

There is definitely lag on the Forester now. It hits much harder and holds much better but there's no mistaking; its very much a turbo car.

You know the whining you are mentioning in post #6 could be front diff related. Mine is starting to do it I think. Chance for a 4.44 gearbox?

if you go this route, get the 09+. the 08 still has the small td04, where as the 09+ have the vf-52, along with better suspension. you dont get the wide body though, so you might get confused as a corolla with a hood scoop..

C6 grandsport gets 40mpg highway

I've looked at a few MY11/12 WRX. The widebody is the only way to go IMO. From my limited understanding in MY12 the WRX is as close to an STi as ever. I just can't even stomach the prices on STis though.

stage 2 wrx cars are faster than the stis, even stock form. this applies to the 09+ with the vf52. just have to see how long my trans lasts with 375 ft/lb tq thats the only reason to get an sti. and not for nothing, the resale on subes is mind boggling, unlike any nissan that loses 50% once you drive it off the lot..lol

Yeah 19 psi on 2.25" OD exhaust is a joke to begin with what makes it worse is having three restrictive cats (up pipe, down pipe, mid pipe). GrimmSpeed did an uppipe test, stock catted 165cfm, same pipe gutted flows 216cfm, that's a lot of back pressure!

How does the lag compare to say a T28 setup?

Gah would suck if it's the front diff, it sounds like it's coming from the rear but ears can be deceiving. Though getting a 4.111 diff would definitely help keep the revs down, sadly it would rev lower then 02-03 Spec V gear sets!



As fun as a WRX would be, I still will have a turbo Sentra, so something more comfortable and lower profile would be best.

Vadim. Just get another FXT, mod the poo out of one of them, leave the other alone, and be done with it.

Oh, and sell me that STI exhaust.