Thanks "Def".... I appreciate the heads upand will definitely do items 1 through 3. I take it that getting a computer chip would be a waste of time based on what you're telling me then! Bummer. I foung the "can't get the billy goat past the hay bail" comment hilarious by one of the other posters! Yeah, like I said, I was under no illusions that this is an "economy" vehicle - that isn't why I bought it - I bought it to get in and out of pretty nasty terrain and I think it will do exactly that - but like I said I want to try to squeeze as much out of it as possible. Getting an exhaust system sounds expensive - BUT if the one on there just so happens to be shot OR rusting to pieces (it isn't but if it gets there...) I will definitely have them open up the exit diameter of the pipes in general to allow better exhaust. What DID immediately help (believe it or not!) was the removal and storage of the front luggage rack wind fairing that give the Xterra its "trademark" look. I know - that was probably sacreligious - but it helped and I am going to do the other things suggested as well. Removing the fairing definitely reduces the aerodynamic drag profile of the vehicle when doing speeds above 45 mph and you can almost 'feel' the vehicle fights forward acceleration and wind less and it also seems to take longer to slow down. Every little bit helps! So if anyone is interested - just remove the fairing and store in the back!

Now on to install Bosch Platinum plugs and get new wires. BTW - how the HELL do you get to that cylinder plug farthest back near the firewall under the intake manifold??? WTH!!!

Thanks for all your help so far guys!!! I'll let you know how the 'fight' goes!

Spoonman