New and have questions...

[laukensai]

First, let me say that I don't believe an I'm new thread belongs in General Discussion. However, I didn't see a newby sub-forum, so General Discussion seemed the closest place. If however this isn't the appropriate section I apologize up front.

Now for the questions...

Don't worry, I'll read the stickies first before I start going crazy. Basically my story is that I had a 02 Audi A4. Fell asleep, and through a gaurd rail it went. So, in my needing a car to get to work, I bought the first thing I came across. An 02 Nissan Sentra Spec-V.

It's a really fun car, with a whole, whole lot of torque for it's size. Only problem is that Nissan gave those things two fatal design flaws.

1. They eat their butterfly valve screws, and destroy the block. You therefore have to take your intake manifold apart, and loctite those bad boys.

Simple enough. I did that. Problem adverted.

2. The pre-cat that is part of the header actually falls apart, and upon downshifting, is sucked back into the motor where it scores up your cylinder walls, and causes oil to burn. The problem only gets worse as time goes on.

Bought the car with that one, and didn't know it. That gets an oops, and an I'm an idiot for not doing my research.

Now, I learnt all this about my car because I joined a Spec-V forum AFTER I had bought the car. I hope to not make the same mistake here.

I'm considering buying a TC, and so I have joined this forum to find out what the problems are before I buy. This way I can do preventative maintenance while it only has a hundred miles or less on it.

So, now you know why I am here. I haven't read the stickies yet, and will do so shortly, but I wanted to introduce myself. If anyone has heard about the precats on the TCs breaking up like the Sentras please tell me as they look to be a very similar design. It won't stop me from buying the car, it just means I'll be replacing the brand new header before it has a chance to be old.

Thanks for the information I'm sure to find in advance, and I'll see you around.

[JRBRUIN7@aol.com]

I have never heard of that problem on the tC, Im going on 34,000 with no issues, and if you plan on changing the Header and the pre cat you will throw the CEL, but there are ways to shut that off, some headers come with the eliminator or there is a great DIY on a spark plug fouler trick. Hope this helps and good luck in your search!

[bwood87]

Its not really a pre-cat though, it is the primary cat and the one on the mid pipe is the secondary cat. I have never heard of this problem, or any problem of this severity on the tC.

[navylife59]

Your starting in the right place at Club-tC. We got the answers for your questions. Homework first. Your high school teachers would have been proud!


The is very indestructible. After all, it is a Toyota. Stock you safe. Boosting or juicing has a limitation based on the piston ringlands. This car can safely and reliably make 300WHP. Unless you are completely afraid of that left pedal, you will want a 5-speed. After 1000 miles new, drop in synthetic an your good to go. The ECM will keep your motor good and safe. Pretty much your only pitfall is the same for all engines; going boost crazy. You can juice it on a dry system up tp 50HP shot but would suggest a safer wet system. Also, be aware that the Spec model does not have a sunroof.

[Overdrive23]

Also, be aware that the Spec model does not have a sunroof.

This might be true for the 08's but I just bought an '07 spec and its got two glass sunroofs. and i like

[navylife59]

Those are considered moonroofs. The front one on any spec is a sealed glass roof.

[Overdrive23]

yep. i guess i was wrong; whoops! lol

[navylife59]

Don't feel too bad. I thought the same when I was looking to buy one for my Son. When the saleswoman told me about it, I thought to myself, "You cheap basturd! You can't buy your Son a tC with no sunroof to save money. That is just wrong.". That is why I had to fork the money and go for the RS3.0

[Clueless]

hey navy,
i just got my baby and i'm still under 400 miles but what synthetic do you suggest. also i'm use to getting old changes every 3000 but the dealers were saying to only get it changed every 5000. it that ok?

[bwood87]

Mobile 1, Royal Purple, Amsoil are some of the best and yes every 5000 miles is all that is necessary. Changing every 3000 is just a waste of money these days.

[navylife59]

3K still holds true for conventional oils. Blends and pure synthetics can go much longer with pure synthetics easily going 6K between changes. Most of it really depends on the quality of the oil, the environment, and your driving habits.