I went to the dealer today to get my inspection done (passed!) and spent some time looking around at the 03's. There is really very little difference since my 2000 - just a few dash changes etc.

My engine (V6) is supposed to have 170hp. The non-sc 03 sticker said 180hp (I assume that's the same engine with 3 years of exaggeration added on) - but the supercharged one only has 210hp - which seems a pretty sad boost for a supercharger.

Is that extra 30 horsepower worth the extra vehicle cost, extra potential repair cost, extra premium gas cost etc? Is it even that noticeable?

Are there any mods or replacements out there to get a REAL SC boost - like 100hp?

I'm not about to get rid of my 2000 - just curious.

K.

Sorry, this post made me laugh. A SC that adds 100 additional HP? On a V6 that's already tweaked? You're high.

I test drove both Supercharged and Non-Supercharged when I got my '02 X...and there was a diferrence but personnaly thought it wasn't worth buying, for just a little difference of HP's...if you are constantly, maybe towing, maybe it's worth getting, but other than that the Non-Supercharge has enough power, especially with 5-speed....

I just wish they offered the charcoal interior in non-sc models. I really like that alot more than the standard models, so that gives an extra pro to the SC model along with the modest power gain.

This company has the aftermarket SC for the X.

http://tonemonday.com/

Look in the Performance Forum for the thread.

personaly i dont think its worth it if your looking for a fast SUV save up for a while and get a Porsche Cayan (stupidest SUV i have ever seen) and the SC doesnt add much power while 4X4. I personaly think that the Auto V6 is plenty of kick yeah the SE/SC interior is a little bit nicer but not woth the bills and not to mention gas!

I like it.

I could tell the difference on the test drive and knew I had to have it! It gave me a thrill, albeit an expensive.

"Porsche Cayan (stupidest SUV i have ever seen)"

I agree. But the thing that piss me off is that the Porsche is got more ground clearance than the X and even an H2! at 10.2 inches. Same with that stupid VW Toureg, which's got almost 11 inches. How do those people squeeze that much space out of a car based SUV? I wish I can put an air suspension on my X like the porsche, so I can lower it to 5 inches when I feel like doing twisties and raise it to 18 when a hummer guy wants to try me on dirt

It is nice but the fuel (octane level that is) requirements will kill ya.

Okay, well obviously I'm ignorant of what is possible with a supercharger...

... but I figure that if Subaru can get 300 horsepower out of their turbo 4 cylinder (WRX STi), it shouldn't be too hard to get 300hp out of the Xterra's 6.

oh well - this wasn't really a performance question anyway - just wondering how many people opted for the extra expense for seemingly small gain

Those are set up for horsepower, the Xterra is set up for torque. Torque is what we want in a truck. The SC is also set up to give more low-end torque.

I got the SC because I found a good deal on a used one.... we like the wheels and interior better, and more power is always good. The gas isn't that big of a deal. I don't live in CA and I'm used to buying 93 octane for my other car.

For me, it is well worth it because I drive a lot of miles in the mountains here in Colorado. Although the torque/HP gains are mild, they are very much appreciated at 10,000 feet above sea level trying to pass some stupid ass semi-truck.

I thought it was noticeable enough to change my mind from getting an NA to an SC.

Couple it with the 5 speed and it makes the X a very fun and responsive vehicle.

I picked up an extended warrenty to cover the SC, and for me premium fuel wasn't that big of a deal.

I really liked the upgraded interior, and the rims - so I bought it. With the shock blue, it makes a great overall package - very sharp (road around in a 2003 Canteen XE this week, and I really like the SE SC interior)

I used to have an 01 SE I just purchased the 03 SE/SC I think the added power is outstanding.

Nissan also up-graded their standard V6 by i think like 10-15 horses?? in the 2003s so thats also part of it. being a young drive the SC was out of the question for me anyhow because on insurace

your insurence asked if you had a sc? that sounds a little crazy to me. its not like it makes it that much faster.

It's not the speed, but the total cost of the vehicle - the SC simply ups the cost of the vehicle. I dunno about you, but my insurance company also asked about the trim level (XE vs SE), the engine type, and if it was 4x4 or not - all things that will affect the replacement cost of the X - all things the insurance company would have to replace if I totaled my X.

More replacement cost to them = more premiums for you to pay.

Is the SC worth it?

Yes.

The SC is not the only improvements over SE, as far as I know (from brochures etc), the SC model has stronger internals and bigger injectors too.

For me, the SC is worth it. and the higher octane requirements doesn't equate to that much more $. I also like the SC interiors and wheels over SE/XE.

I imagined changing sparkplugs will be a bitch with the SC sitting on top though.