hey everyone.....i finally got my 2003 nissan xterra. Its a XE 4x4 automatic. I already got some "mods" if you can really call it that. My xterra came pretty bare, so the first mod i did was install some OEM STYLE folights that i bought from EBAY. Thanks to this forum, i was able to find enough info to install it in about 1 1/2 hr. Then i bought some OEM mudflaps and K&N filter. Next, i will probably tint the windows, and get new cd deck.

Hey buddy!! Great choice on the K & N. You want to get some more HP for 6 bucks? I know how to get your stock setup running just as well an aftermarket cold air intake.

please do tell. I wouldnt mind a cheap mod that will give me 6 more hp.

Hah, a couple of HP for 6 bucks that is. Ok here goes. First go to a car store and get some MAF cleaner and clean your MAF using those instructions.

Damnit! I just spilled some tea on the ground!

K second, go to Home depot and get two 1" test plugs and one 2" test plug for a total of 3 plugs. Pop open your hood.
Check out the intake hose from your airbox to your manifold. There is a hose coming off of this that goes to your resonator. This resonator is ultimately attached to your fender well. Remove this completely and plug that hole with the 2" test plug. Good! Step one is completed.

K, now for the other two plugs....

These are a little more tricky. There is another hose coming out of your airbox that faces forward then quickly t's off. This hose can be identified by your air inlet temp sensor. You will see that one part of the hose goes inboard and runs to your upper radiator mount. This is a resonator. Pull this resonator off ass well.

Next you are going to remove your air baffle. The baffle is located between the inner and outer fender. To get to this you must remove the molding on your fender, and the plastic protective piece on your wheel well. After this is removed, you now have access to your baffle. Having this access will allow you to remove it. It has a forward and rear attachment. The forward attachment is a stud that can be accessed through the engine compartment. Remove this stud. The rear mount just tears right off. Have no fear.

OK, so now with that baffle off, you are going to see 2 holes for the intake. There is one hose that points backwards making a 90 degree bend. You will have to remove the air inlet temp sensor at this time. This hose should be removed but not discarded.

Now you have full access to this rubber hose. The side that faces inboard has to be plugged. You will noticed that when you try to plug it, it might slip out. This is because of the shape of the hose will not allow it to stay. The hose shrinks and expands in diameter. Cut it where it is smalled in diamter so that you can place the plug in that groove.

Next, you have the other side. Find your own place on that hose where the plug can be seated properly which may involve some cutting.

Replace hose

Replace air inlet temp sensor

Replace plastic wheel well protective piece

Replace fender trim

Voila! You are finished! It is a quick effective way to gain HP!-James

wow, so can we get some pics to go along with this?

I will add one step. Be VERY careful when clean the MAF, those things are extremely fragile.

Here (circled) is the MAF sensor. Pull it with a couple of philipps head screws.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/Xterra007.jpg
. Here are the test plugs that I was talking about. I only have 2 because I JUST installed a snorkel. You have to get two 2" plugs instead of two 1.5" plugs like I said earlier. Sorry bro!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/xterrastuff047-2.jpg

Here is the baffle that I was talking about earlier

To get to it, you have to remove this piece and also the fender trim.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/xterrastuff020-1.jpg

here is that baffle I was talking about. Now you may have a better understanding of its location. You will see it has 2 mounts. One up front, which you get at from the engine compartment, and the rear mount just gets torn off.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/xterrastuff027-1.jpg

You will notice 2 hoses up front. The one that goes straight out, and the forwardmost one with a 90 degree bend in it. The One with the 90 degree bend in it is what you have to remove, but not discard
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/xterrastuff077-1.jpg

This is what it looks like removed. You will notice the air temp sensor plug
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/xterrastuff079-1.jpg

you need to plug both ends with a test plug and then re-install. You will see that the end that is on the top of the picture. This side, you have to cut a little so that the plug fits in there snugly in that part. You will understand when it is off. Also, on the other side, you will see that the Diameter is larger. The tube bends a lot so you are going to have to cut around a section that is flat so you may plug it easily.

Now for the location of the other plug...You have to look at the intake hose here. Notice the 2 small hoses coming out? Look on the opposite side and you will see another clamp. It goes to the resonator. Pull the resonator out completely and then plug that hole.


http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/Xterra007.jpg

Any questions? Let me know-James

Nice tutorial! I like it when people put some effort into helping people although most likely I would never undertake a project like this though...

Not much of a project really. You can break it down to a few days.

A big Texas welcome from sponsor Alamo Oil and let me know if I can help you with lubricants information.

finished mine, in just under 2 hrs.