13 seccond SpecV and FIRST MSP track times

Dave_13_2002 said:
The quote I got for the SpecV was from Nissan's website. Then I added in about 800.00 for ttl.
yea I know, all Im saying is that nissan is willing to go down on the price of the specV (I got mine for 17,2) unlike mazda who wont budge on thier prices...

Internet prices are just guidelines not written in stone :)
 
Lawerence..Good job pulling a 14.9. (thumb)

what was the temperature at the track when you ran that?
What's the best rpm to launch the MSP?
Best shift points?
 
Lawerence said:

I wouldnt go so far as to say that.
In fact the specV is a pretty hard car to mod. You have the overly sensitive KS, the power draining BS's, and the ever so mysterious oil consumption.

to top it off no one has turbod a specV yet (there is one in the works), but it will only be pushing 220-240whp.

The FS engine lie the QR25 (specV engine) both puke and die around 250whp. Where both engines will need new internals (pistons, rods). Actually I think The MSP will be easier to get to its whp threshhold because it comes with a turbo stock. Right now the aerage modded specV (with i/h/e) only puts down 160-165whp. Which in the MSP should be easily achieved with a turboback exhaust and a downpipe.

Basically both engines are similar in that they cant take more than 250whp reliably without changing the internals.

JWT is in the works of a turbo spec v :) (along with a kit :p)
for All motor the spec should be around 220 whp...it'll be expensive...but it'll be reliable.

14.9 is a good time for a MSP, my friend hit 14.8 with new tires...so techincally it's stock...cept for the tires..they're the exact same tires as the MSP tires, he got some, on an 03 spec.

MSP handling is great...but for the price diffence (in canada) I'm buying JIC coilovers :))))

my sunroof has no troubles, nor any paint problems. only some slight rattles (like one...from the front side door)

the knock sensor is easy to take care of, and balance shafts...well those are the problem parts, they rob roughly 10 whp, and like 7-8 ft-lb of torque. And the balance shafts do **** the warrenty good.
 
To Altima SE and whoever else is looking for a car.

Oh yea to anyone looking to buy one of these cars, they're both great cars, you can't go wrong with either choice.

If you go with the Spec V get the 2003. Espically in canada, where side impact airbags are an option :)
 
Daemos said:


JWT is in the works of a turbo spec v :) (along with a kit :p)
for All motor the spec should be around 220 whp...it'll be expensive...but it'll be reliable.

the knock sensor is easy to take care of, and balance shafts...well those are the problem parts, they rob roughly 10 whp, and like 7-8 ft-lb of torque. And the balance shafts do **** the warrenty good.
actually the JWT kit is going to be pushing 300hp+ :eek:
of course it has forged internals and a slew of other things. But I do believe they are making a 200whp kit also.

The knock sensor might be "easy" to take care of, but after some mods I/H/E/P/BS removal then you have to worry about deronation...which happens on highly modded QRs with the KS mod done. Untill an ECU comes out (it wont be more than 7 months) it wont be completely safe to fully bolt on a QR. But the newer ones (03) with different internals seem to hold up a little better.

Anyway, I on my first launch I was at 4500 rpm and dumped the clutch..hence the horrid 60'

On my last launch I was at 4000rpms and slipped the clutch, but the 60' was okay...I think you can definitely pull some 2.0's with these tires. BUt it was kinda cold (50 degrees) out and grip wasnt the best.
 
Lawerence said:

actually the JWT kit is going to be pushing 300hp+ :eek:
of course it has forged internals and a slew of other things. But I do believe they are making a 200whp kit also.

The knock sensor might be "easy" to take care of, but after some mods I/H/E/P/BS removal then you have to worry about deronation...which happens on highly modded QRs with the KS mod done. Untill an ECU comes out (it wont be more than 7 months) it wont be completely safe to fully bolt on a QR. But the newer ones (03) with different internals seem to hold up a little better.

Anyway, I on my first launch I was at 4500 rpm and dumped the clutch..hence the horrid 60'

On my last launch I was at 4000rpms and slipped the clutch, but the 60' was okay...I think you can definitely pull some 2.0's with these tires. BUt it was kinda cold (50 degrees) out and grip wasnt the best.

O.o; damn launching at 4000rpms, I wish I could do that...I can't even launch at like 2000 rpms without getting mad hop and spin, I usually launch at 1500 rpm :/ but I'm not that good of a driver.

Hopefully with motor mounts I Can launch much higher and pull off some good times.
 
Thanks guys

Well at least the thread finally got back on track (sort of). :)

Thanks for the info guys. There's been posts with the whole Spec-V vs MSP thing on both here and b15, but I think I get better insight here. Both guys are supportive of their cars, but I do find the MSP people on here to be a little more mature.

Hey Grimace, have you ever visited thevboard.com? Maybe it's just me, but the guys over there seem even more like little punks than a few of the ppl on b15 can. Overall I've found both b15 and this board to be GREAT sources of information in helping me make a decision.

I think Grimace said about the best thing I've heard in a while and that is that I'll just have to go and test drive both cars back to back and decide that way. In a way I'm sort of glad I don't have to decide now. This way I'll get the benefit of seeing how both the 03 Spec-Vs and the MSPs hold up as far as engines and other issues.

I'm gonna try and not start another thread on this subject in the future cause there's definately enough out there on both boards. But that doesn't mean I won't welcome any future thoughts and info that you guys (especially Lawerence and Grimace) have in the future about the two cars.

Thanks again guys for all the info.
 
Lawrence would probally be a very good source of info, probally better than most people, just because he's owned a spec V and a now a MSP. But the spec v was a 2002.

if I were looking for cars all over again, and if it came down to a spec V it would have to be an 03, because I've driven a few 02s, and the tranny in the 03s were 100 times better, and it felt it had a smoother power flow (maybe just my imagination) and side impact air bags, and a nicer interior, (the 03s also got new pistons, and rods in the engines, japanese ones, not american ones) (I can't find the link right now)

if I had to get a MSP I'd wait for the 2003.5s because there may of been some revisions to improve it. And cuz I love that titanium grey colour.

But in the end it's up to you.

The rest here will be biased towards my personal tastes.

the MSP is a limited run car, and it's probally the best handling FWD car on the market (as with the MSP). And it seems to have better less interior rattles, and a nicer gauge cluster, it's a turbo (even though, IMO if a car is turbo, tne engine and tranny should of atleast been beefed up). The audio system, I really could care less, just because I'm an audiophile, it's better than the stock spec v, but It wouldn't be enough to sway me. It also has a permeter alarm (compared to the Spec's normal alarm). some people have complained about a mysterious "clunk" and slight rattles, and a dead spot in the powerband.

the spec v, had ONE thing that I wanted in a car of my own, and it was a sunroof, once I rode in a car with a sunroof in the summer, I needed one in my car. It also has supposedly better seats, and side impact airbags (not an option on the msp). It also had cruise control (but I've never used that on any car I've owned). It also has the imobilizer key system, and a large engine, which can be boosted (around the same limit as the MSP, for the engine, the tranny is supposedly "impervious" (from SCC)) but it's also good for NA mods (which is something I wanted as well) But it also has things like the over sensitive knock sensor, and the balance shafts which are supposed to "reduce" (they really don't do anything) vibrations. And some people have complained about paint quality(no issues with me), interior rattles (I've only had minor), and a notchy tranny (went away with syns tranny fluid).

In terms of handling I would rate the Spec V maybe the 2nd or 3rd best FWD stock handler on the market.

1/4 speeds they are similar.

price..in the US they are similar with the MSP being 1-2 grand more

in canada...I've been hearing various stories...so I'm assuming it's the MSP slighly more expensive being 1-2 grand more.

in the end it comes to you, and you test driving all the cars.

(PS DON'T settle for a 30 min test drive, or just ONE test drive, when I was shopping around, I went to all the diffrent dealerships I could to get the feel for each car, and which one suiited me the most)

(I also agree with the fact that this board seems more mature, but there are alot fewer members as well, and there are still some immature people on this board)
 
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Daemos said:
Lawrence would probally be a very good source of info, probally better than most people, just because he's owned a spec V and a now a MSP. But the spec v was a 2002.

if I were looking for cars all over again, and if it came down to a spec V it would have to be an 03, because I've driven a few 02s, and the tranny in the 03s were 100 times better, and it felt it had a smoother power flow (maybe just my imagination) and side impact air bags, and a nicer interior, (the 03s also got new pistons, and rods in the engines, japanese ones, not american ones) (I can't find the link right now)

if I had to get a MSP I'd wait for the 2003.5s because there may of been some revisions to improve it. And cuz I love that titanium grey colour.
Agreed. The tranny is much better on the 03's (I do like the older gaer ratios, but the smoothness of the new trany is worth it). And the japanese internals, and ring make the engine more reliable.
And with the 03.5 MSPs hopefully they will have fixed some minor problems (I havent had anything but TWO cluncks in 1200miles).
But in the end it's up to you.

The rest here will be biased towards my personal tastes.

the MSP is a limited run car, and it's probally the best handling FWD car on the market (as with the MSP). And it seems to have better less interior rattles, and a nicer gauge cluster, it's a turbo (even though, IMO if a car is turbo, tne engine and tranny should of atleast been beefed up). The audio system, I really could care less, just because I'm an audiophile, it's better than the stock spec v, but It wouldn't be enough to sway me. It also has a permeter alarm (compared to the Spec's normal alarm). some people have complained about a mysterious "clunk" and slight rattles, and a dead spot in the powerband.
The interior is slightly nicer...but I miss my old red seats :( and the SpecV seats hold you in place MUCH better.

the spec v, had ONE thing that I wanted in a car of my own, and it was a sunroof, once I rode in a car with a sunroof in the summer, I needed one in my car. It also has supposedly better seats, and side impact airbags (not an option on the msp). It also had cruise control (but I've never used that on any car I've owned).
Funny you mentioned the sunroof. I love them, but in the SpecV it took away some headroom and my head was always rubing the roof :)

It also has the imobilizer key system, and a large engine, which can be boosted (around the same limit as the MSP, for the engine, the tranny is supposedly "impervious" (from SCC)) but it's also good for NA mods (which is something I wanted as well) But it also has things like the over sensitive knock sensor, and the balance shafts which are supposed to "reduce" (they really don't do anything) vibrations. And some people have complained about paint quality(no issues with me), interior rattles (I've only had minor), and a notchy tranny (went away with syns tranny fluid).
You might have the KS and BS to worry about. But people think there are no mods for the specv...its worse for the MSP.

In terms of handling I would rate the Spec V maybe the 2nd or 3rd best FWD stock handler on the market.

1/4 speeds they are similar.
I havent driven every FWD car, but the SPecV is definitely up there!

price..in the US they are similar with the MSP being 1-2 grand more

in canada...I've been hearing various stories...so I'm assuming it's the MSP slighly more expensive being 1-2 grand more.

in the end it comes to you, and you test driving all the cars.

(PS DON'T settle for a 30 min test drive, or just ONE test drive, when I was shopping around, I went to all the diffrent dealerships I could to get the feel for each car, and which one suiited me the most)

(I also agree with the fact that this board seems more mature, but there are alot fewer members as well, and there are still some immature people on this board)
agreed.
and agreed about the board, but your right they dont have half as many people as B15...but you have to start somewhere. :)
 
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Hearing all these reports about the transmission feel being better in the '03 Spec makes me want to take another test drive (I drove an '02). I knew the tranny gear ratios were revised, but I didn't know they improved the shifter feel.

price..in the US they are similar with the MSP being 1-2 grand more

in canada...I've been hearing various stories...so I'm assuming it's the MSP slighly more expensive being 1-2 grand more.

Canada MSRP is $22000 for a Spec V for 2003, $500 more than for 2002. The only option packages is $2900 (!) and includes the sunroof, ABS, upgraded stereo, folding rear seats, side airbags, and alarm. Add that option package and the Spec V is $24900, that is only $2100 less than the MSP. If ABS were a standalone option for $500-800, I would be climbing in a Spec V right now (are you listening Nissan? Enough with the assinine option packaging!)

Hey Grimace, have you ever visited thevboard.com? Maybe it's just me, but the guys over there seem even more like little punks than a few of the ppl on b15 can.

Yeah, I was there for about 10 seconds. :) Its pretty bad. I guess the b15 board ain't too bad in comparison.
 
yea, I agree, the 02 gear ratios seem to be alot more powerful, but I feel that the 03 is just slightly faster, like not even .1 faster in the 1/4 mile, but it's just there, probally because the tranny gear ratios, but what makes up for it, is how much faster you can shift in the 03 than in the 02, because it's alot more smooth, I basically just "flick" into the gears, if you watch me drive, it's really wierd, everyone always asks me about the way I shift, I do it because I find it's the fastest possible way for me to shift.

I should get a video up ;) it'll be entertaining according to some people who've been with me driving.

But that doesn't help the fact that I Can't launch at all, I'm terrible, wheel hop and spin everywhere -.-;;

I've driven alot of cars, RSXs, Sirs, Celicas, Prelude SHs, focuses (not SVTs though), tiburons, GTis, Neon (or the R/T SX in canada), etc...but those above are like the performance catagory ones :)

I found even though the Spec V felt a little more unstable than then some of the cars, it could still hold out better at higherspeeds while turning than all those other cars. But the Spec Probally had the worst ride quality out of all of them, and maybe sat the highest off the ground, next to the Civic Sir.

But still a FWD car is still a FWD car, for handling purposes a RWD is the way to go.

hmm...that's REALLY wierd :/ ABS isn't a standalone option...
 
Daemos said:

I should get a video up ;) it'll be entertaining according to some people who've been with me driving.

But that doesn't help the fact that I Can't launch at all, I'm terrible, wheel hop and spin everywhere -.-;;

The same thing happened to me. Insane wheehop & wheelspin.
Are you dumping the clutch? I used to dump it around 1800-2000rpms.
But I found the bast way to launch it was to keep it around 2200rpms, and slip the clutch out real fast. For me this was good for 2.0' 60fts.
 
Hi .. new to the board.. was looking between the spec-v and the MSP too... except up here in canada..

The thing is.. its a hella lot cheaper to get the spec V, but the damn thing is built so poorly.. mexico... sigh...

I went to test drive a new 2003 spec and was so dissappointed.. the doors were missaligned, and the paint was mismatching from the factory!

I also notice a few other things.. namely the mirrors that don't fold in and the shifter refused to go into reverse..

but anyways..
here was the price difference on the spec vs msp...
keep in mind.. the specs are negotiable in pricing... the msp aren't. so there's probably an even bigger difference..



Spec V - base $22,000

MSP $27,000
---------------------------------
$5,000

Tax $350-$700
----------------------------------

Minimum diff of $5350 <== over $3750 USD difference!
 
I've diven both as well. I'm with Grimace, had the ABS been a single option, i may have gone with the Spec V. the $2900 option kills the car. I would have loved the roof too, as i've never had a car w/o one.
As for the Fosgate Stereo in the Spec V...it sucks...plain and simple. I was spoiled with my Integra as i used to work in a stereo shop, my 'Teg had a better stereo than the MSP does.
Another thing for me was the trunk. I use my MSp as a daily driver, and I ski and Mountain Bike, the apss through in the Nissan, most Nissan's for that matter is tiny. And with the sub in the way, half of it is lost.

I did a brief test drive in the Spec V, like the seats better than the MSP's, which suck. Again the "teg had better seats. I liked the power and the brakes.
I did not like the shifter, the dash, or the interior for that matter. and the trunk/pass through.
I guess its a matter of preference. I think the way to go would be to get the Spec V without the option package. The only big loss would be the ABS.
At $21,000 in Canada, great bang for the buck. You still egt the engine, the 6 spd, LSD, 17's etc.

man i miss my moonroof...and it's still winter !

Just my 2 cents.

MS MSP - Spicy Orange
 
Yellospeed said:
the specs are negotiable in pricing... the msp aren't. so there's probably an even bigger difference..
Who says the MSP isn't negotiable?
Everything is negotiable. I ordered mine for somewhere around $1200 (Canadian) less than MSRP including discount on Freight and PDI.
Don't forget the grad rebate if you're eligible. $600!
 
i love my msp and not to take anything away from it, but the paint on the orange MSPs is mismatched too. Its minor, and can almost be attributed to the different shades and flecks of the paint, but its there. Plastic/fiberglass parts are a different shade slightly than the rest of the car. Due apparently to being different materials, having been painted at different times, and maybe a slightly imperfect pearl coat match...

i still recommend the MSP, only thing i wish it had was a sunroof.....
 
Yellospeed said:
wow $1200 off?
Around here... they're all presold months ahead of time.

Did you trade in or something?
Nope, no trade.
I just spent a long time researching and visiting the dealer, showing some interest, but not lots.
There are a few good websites on how to buy a car, I used those.
I'm getting pissed now though, because I just want to know WHEN it's going to get here...
 
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