The Nissan Versa is a popular compact car with excellent fuel efficiency and easy-ride facilities. Even the latest version (2023) is becoming famous with its unique and refined style. Still, some people want to make this vehicle faster for more fun and better performance. But they are not acknowledged how to make a Nissan Versa faster.
Well, there are many ways to make your Nissan Versa faster. You can change the engine, brakes, exhaust, and suspension to get more power and better handling. Besides, some popular upgrades include performance chips, air intake filters, lighter flywheels, and suspension upgrades.
In this guide, I will discuss different upgrades to make Nissan Versa more furious. You will learn the benefits and explanation of these upgrades. So, I suggest you read till the end of the blog.
How to Make a Nissan Versa Faster – A Brief Overview
According to Wikipedia, the first Nissan Versa was introduced in 2007. You can find Versa in sedan and hatchback (Versa Note) configurations. This entry-level compact car offers a solid platform for performance modifications. Once you upgrade the components, your vehicle can reach its fullest potential.
You can upgrade or modify these components to make Nissan Versa speedier:
- Engine
- Suspension and Chassis
- Brakes
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Aerodynamics
- Wheels and Tires
In the rest of the part, I have discussed these upgrades to make you understand better.
Engine Upgrades
You can focus on the performance air intake, exhaust system, turbocharger installation, and engine tuning for engine upgrades.
Performance Air Intake
Upgrading the performance air intake for your Nissan Versa can bring several benefits. It allows more cold air into the engine, which contains more oxygen than warm air. Hence, this extra oxygen helps the engine create more power. You will experience a boost of speed while driving Versa, as AEMIntakes says.
A better intake also improves throttle response. When you press the accelerator, you will get more responses from the car for the air intake. One more thing, you can keep the car engine cooler by upgrading the air intake system. It will increase the lifespan and performance of the Nissan Versa.
Exhaust System
Like air intake, you can also upgrade the exhaust system to freely flow exhaust gases. It can potentially boost your engine’s horsepower. Also, you will get better acceleration from the sedan by reducing back pressure for upgraded exhaust. (NissanUSA) This increased efficiency offers better fuel economy and overall performance.
If you love more aggressive and sportier exhaust tones, you can upgrade the exhaust system of Versa. In fact, a performance exhaust system is the most economical way to enhance car’s performance without notable changes to the engine.
Turbocharger Installation
According to Forbes, turbochargers use the exhaust gases from the engine to spin a turbine. In return, it drives a compressor that forces more air into the engine’s combustion chambers. The machine can burn more fuel due to the increased air supply, increasing the HP and torque. Thus, I suggest installing a turbocharger in your Nissan Versa for multiple benefits.
Turbochargers improve fuel efficiency by reusing spent exhaust gases rather than letting them escape into the atmosphere. It leads to better gas mileage than a naturally aspirated engine with similar power output. Therefore, you may need to consult a professional to install this component in your vehicle.
Engine Tuning
Engine tuning means the process of adjusting various engine variables. Proper engine tuning ensures smooth engine operation in Versa. Also, it can increase the car’s performance, fuel economy, and lifespan. (RepairSmith)
Proper engine tuning can reduce emissions by optimizing the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing. It ensures that your vehicle meets or exceeds environmental regulations. Thus, there are several tuning options available for the Nissan Versa.
- ECU Tuning: ECU (Engine Control Unit) tuning involves adjusting the engine’s computer to optimize performance variables.
- Spark Plugs and Ignition Components: Replacing worn-out spark plugs and ignition components can improve engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Also, a regular tune-up, as recommended by Nissan, can help maintain optimal engine performance.
- Fuel System Cleaning: A fuel system cleaning service removes dirt, varnish, and carbon deposits. They accumulate mostly in Versa’s fuel injectors, throttle body, and throttle plate. Cleaning them can improve fuel system performance and overall engine performance.
Suspension and Chassis Upgrades
Suspension and chassis upgrades involve lowering the springs and coilovers, and upgrading sway bars and strut braces.
Lowering Springs and Coilovers
Lowering your Nissan Versa can improve handling and performance. This modification includes reducing the vehicle’s center of gravity, increasing stability during turns, and reducing drag due to better aerodynamics. Additionally, a lower stance can enhance your Versa’s visual appeal.
There are a few ways to lower your car, such as lowering springs or coilovers. Both options can provide better handling. But they differ in adjustability and overall performance.
- Lowering Springs: Lowering springs provide a lower ride height and typically higher spring rates. They are a more affordable option for lowering your car. You can handle the car more comfortably and safely by lowering it.
- Coilovers: These components replace your entire factory strut. They usually come with height and damping adjustments for better performance and customization. Also, they offer to fine-tune your suspension for optimal handling and ride quality.
Sway Bars and Strut Braces
Sway bars work as connectors for the left and right sides of the suspension. Again, strut braces connect the strut towers to minimize chassis flex and maintain suspension geometry. Upgraded sway bars and strut braces can help enhance stability during cornering. They reduce body roll and chassis flex to provide better control and a more enjoyable driving experience. (tonybassogm, drifted)
When you upgrade these components, you can reduce stress on suspension components. So you will get a more comfortable and refined ride. Besides, older models of Versa with higher body flex levels can get more benefits from this upgradation.
Brake Upgrades
Modification of brakes can be a compelling idea if you want to make Nissan Versa faster. It includes the upgrades of performance brake pads and rotors.
Performance Brake Pads
Performance brake pads offer several advantages over standard brake pads. They offer improved stopping power to decelerate Versa more quickly and efficiently. Also, these pads are made from higher heat resistance materials. So, you will love high-speed or aggressive driving with consistent braking performance installing them.
According to MAPerformce, high-quality brake pads can last longer than standard ones. They reduce the frequency of pad replacements and maintenance costs. Besides, you can control the car better, especially on winding roads. Some items can produce less noise and dust than regular brake pads.
Performance Rotors
Upgrading or modifying performance rotors is beneficial for spirited driving, track events, or performance-oriented driving. These rotors with drilled or slotted surfaces can dissipate heat more effectively than standard rotors. Through this, they can prevent brake fading during aggressive driving or heavy braking.
The upgraded rotors remove the gases and debris from the brake pad’s surface. It prevents glazing and improves brake pad bite for more effective braking. Moreover, the better stopping power helps to decelerate the hatchback Versa more safely.
Transmission and Drivetrain Upgrades
Give your Nissan Versa a gift of transmission and drivetrain upgrades for a brilliant speed on the track. It includes upgrades of the clutch and short shifter.
Clutch Upgrades
You can install an advanced clutch to Versa to handle the increased strain on the drivetrain. It will definitely last longer than a stock clutch, as FastCar claimed. Besides, this clutch offers increased clamping force to improve torque transfer to your crankshaft.
The smoother gear shifts for installing a performance clutch will improve your driving experience. They can also handle high-performance conditions. So they last longer than their stock counterparts.
Short Shifter
A short or short-throw shifter reduces the distance your hand travels when shifting between gears. Motorverso says your hand travels less by shortening the throw of the gear. So you can change gears quickly. After installing a short shifter, you will feel more confident as the shifts remain firmer and the gearbox feels less laggy.
Some short shifter kits come with custom gear sticks and gear knobs. They can enhance the visual appeal of your vehicle’s cabin. Additionally, you can install them quickly in a simple process.
Aerodynamic Upgrades
Aerodynamic upgrades include changes to body kits, and adding spoilers or wings. They can play significant roles in making Nissan Versa faster.
Body Kits
A body kit can significantly enhance the appearance and performance of your Nissan Versa. It may include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers. Like eye-catching sports car, they can improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics, stability, and visual appeal.
Body kits can help reduce air resistance. It leads to better fuel efficiency and stability at high speeds. Also, the body kit components improve the vehicle’s stability by reducing lift and increasing downforce.
Spoilers and Wings
Spoilers can reduce drag at highway speeds and provide better fuel efficiency. Then again, Spoilers and wings raise the downward force on the car’s rear. This rise in force increases traction and braking ability.
Nissan USA says, adding a spoiler or wing can transform a regular-looking car into a sportier and more visually appealing vehicle. These aerodynamic components can improve car’s handling and stability by increasing downforce at higher speeds.
Wheel and Tire Upgrades
Want to rotate your Nissan Versa’s wheels faster? Then, you should focus on this upgrade too. You can install performance tires and lightweight wheels to existing Versa for speedy driving.
Performance Tires
Performance tires have unique construction features, tread patterns, and rubber compounds. They can enhance handling, responsiveness, and traction. For instance, these tires can provide improved grip and precise handling. So you can navigate corners more confidently and enjoy a more engaging driving experience.
Upgraded tires offer optimal grip during acceleration, cornering, and braking. You can ensure superior control on the road or racetrack. Moreover, you can safely stop your Versa at shorter distances for these performance tires.
Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight wheels can enhance your vehicle’s acceleration and braking performance due to the reduced rotational mass. As a result, you will get quicker response times. Even Versa, with lightweight wheels, offers better handling in various driving conditions. Also, these wheels look great and match to enhance the car’s aesthetic appeal.
Installing these wheels can provide more traction to improve your vehicle’s grip on the road. Besides, the weight reduction for these wheels compared to stock ones can save you more fuel.
Conclusion
Throughout this discussion, I have covered several upgrades for your Nissan Versa to improve its performance, appearance, and driving experience. These upgrades include engine, suspension, chassis, brake, transmission, drivetrain, aerodynamics, wheels, and tires.
You won’t need to think about how to make a Nissan Versa faster anymore. I have tried to explain why you should upgrade the components and how they will turn your car into a sporty one. So, I hope you have understood them quickly and moved to the next step of upgrading the Nissan Versa.
Thank you for coming and spending time on this blog.
