Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

stagea_big.gif

M35 Stagea Info

There are a few different threads about the M35 Stageas on these forums, but most are early thoughts and opinions or specific queries. So I thought a more generic thread of info on them might be useful for people. Feel free to correct or suggest additions :P

Main Changes

Some of the main changes for the M35 over the earlier C34 models that I like:


Longer wheel base giving more leg room up front, and importantly 9cm extra "knee room" for rear seat passengers, but still larger boot space (500 litres, up from 475). Also more headroom.

Improved weight ratio. The longer wheel base also allows engine to shift back over front wheels and fuel tank under rear seat - giving a much better 52:48 weight ratio over the wheels (51:49 in 2wd models), and much better handling

5 speed tiptronic vs 4 speed

Larger fuel tank - M35 is 80L vs 68L previous model

Switch to VQ25DET engine, providing big increase in torque over the series 2, from 334Nm at 3200rpm to 407Nm at 3200rpm - and very noticeble pick up in pulling such a heavy car.

Half-hatch rear door - quick opening of glass section to access boot)

Much better
for crumple zones etc in accidents including a mechanism that 'drops' the engine in front-on collisions, as well as loads of new technoology features like the seat cushion protection system

Larger rolling diametre (680mm vs 540mm - larger again in AR-X)

New design improves aerodynamics with zero aerodynamic lift at high speed

Front mount intercooler in M35 vs side mount in C34... can use slightly modified factory piping etc and just put larger cooler in

New multi-link rear suspension designed specifically for wagons. Coil springs mounted separately from the shock absorbers and lowers the upper attachment position of the shock absorbers by 270 mm compared with previous model, minimising intrusions into the luggage area.

Integration of the plastic back door with the body structure. A newly developed rubber side wedge incorporating a spring and an automatic back door closure enable the back door to function as an integral part of the body structure. The damping effect of the plastic back door reduces the body vibration typically in wagons, providing superior handling and stability combined with increased comfort and lower noise.

Option of factory 200w Bose sound system including spare-wheel-well mounted subwoofer

New storage compartment under rear floor - lifts up on hydraulic sliders - made possible with moving fuel tank under back seat

DVD / Sat-nav option... even without the conversion - it has great engine management display functionality including mileage, fuel mix, etc etc

"Intelligent" cruise control which adjusts the cars speed according to the distance and speed of the car up front using a small grille mounted sensor


Model Variants:

From 2001 to 2003 the following range of models were available:

  • 250RS/RS V/RX: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), rear wheel drive NOT ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT
  • 250RS FOUR/RX FOUR: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), four wheel drive NOT ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT
  • 250tRS FOUR V/RX FOUR: VQ25DET engine (V6 2.5L single turbo, 205.94 kW), four wheel drive ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE UP TO 11/03 MODELS AVAILABLE
  • 300RX: VQ30DD engine (V6 3.0L NA, direct injection, 191.23 kW), rear wheel drive ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE NOT AVAILABLE

There were a couple of sub-variants:

  • 250tRS FOUR V HICAS: A 250tRS FOUR V with the addition of the Nissan HICAS four wheel steering system ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE UP TO 11/03 MODELS AVAILABLE
  • AR-X FOUR: A 250t FOUR (ie 2,5L turbo/4wd) model with increased ride height, leather, 18" rims and SUV-like body ornaments. 206 kW ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE UP TO 11/03 MODELS AVAILABLE
  • The were 4 'aero selection' models added in 2002 to the 250RS/250tRS FOUR/250tRS FOUR V/250tRS FOUR V HICAS ranges, this added a bodykit to the standard car.

From 2004 the range was modified:

  • 250RX: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), rear wheel drive NOT ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT
  • 250RX FOUR: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), four wheel drive NOT ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT
  • 350RX: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA 200 kW), rear wheel drive ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE NOT AVAILABLE
  • 350RX FOUR: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA, 200 kW), four wheel drive ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE NOT AVAILABLE
  • AR-X FOUR: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA, 200 kW), four wheel drive with increased ride height, leather, 18" rims and SUV-like body ornaments ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORT - COMPLIANCE NOT AVAILABLE

There was also an Autech variant called an AXIS (with bodykit, custom leather, lowered suspension, different rims), eligible for import and able to be complied for manufacture dates to 11/03 with the VQ25DET. The Axis 350S (VQ35DE and 6 speed manual transmission) is eligible for import but no RAWS currently have compliance approval.

Links to Information:

Official Nissan Stagea Site Loads of info on the M35s on the nissan site - just get the translator working! Has lots of moving images including diagramatic morph of the wgc34 into an M35 :ninja:

** more to come

Links to Aftermarket Parts etc:












Compliance

Compliance is currently only available for M35s fitted with the VQ25DET engine and with a build date of 11/03 or earlier. While other engine variants are indicated as 'eligible for import' they do not as yet have a RAWS that has successfully passed testing. It is rumoured testing might be underway for M35s with the VQ35DE engine (2004 - 2007 should be ok as the VQ35DE is unlikely to face the ADR79 emmission problems the VQ25DET is facing).

RAWS workshops currently able to offer compliance:

  • Northside Prestige in Sydney

  • Motovation Imports in Burleigh QLD

For the latest info, search for RAWS here

Assorted pictures:

HotM35.jpeg

1a_03_01.jpg

2b_03.jpg2a_06.jpg

2b_02.jpg

2b_03.jpg

topimage.jpg

axiss_02.jpgaxis_01.jpg

03.jpgstage03.jpg

Edited by Brazen
Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hi All. Awesome forum - i stumbled onto it accidentally, and found the stagea discussion. :-)

I've been looking at buying a stagea for a while now, and have been talking to Ben at J-Spec regarding this one -

l_d26c9f6dae27f7873a32d75d85fda36f.jpg

2002 Nissan Stagea 250t RS FOUR

Silver

15,000km

Tiptronic

2,500cc turbo 4WD

Leather interior

20" wheels

Body kit

Aftermarket suspension

Dual airbags

ABS brakes

It works out to be about $28,500 L+C'd.

My question is - how much are the new M35's worth??? There is another one on J-Spec for $17k, with an Axis front bar, but has 140,000k.

Robbie

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/#findComment-3404194
Share on other sites

That's a pretty sweet set of wheels there stagecoach

OH yes

But i think i have to buy new tyres for compliancing, right...???

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Might be runnin her on 16" pursuits for a few months if i get her!

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/#findComment-3405185
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Robbie, if you want to know the "official" value of an M35, check out

http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehic...s.php?id=111363

I have a 2001 250t RS four and I can honestly tell you that it is as close to a flawless a car as you will find (for the money, of course).

It has enough power, great economy (I am at 9.1km/L at the moment - usually 680km each time I put in 70-73L), nice handling, HEAPS of great extras, Lots of room... Just an incredible machine....

Just make sure you get it in leather. Really tops it off.

Best of luck Mate.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/#findComment-3423436
Share on other sites

Any idea on stud pattern? Is it the same as a 350Z?

Also any idea of anyone that can do the TV/DVD/Sat Nav conversion in Sydney?

One more...lol...Anyone know where I can get spring's from?

P.S. I've sorted a full exhaust in NSW if anyone wants to know...just need to confirm price...approx $1,500!

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/#findComment-3444634
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

More info for the ARX mod's:

Exhaust 3" cat back $1,100 from Charlstone Exhaust in Blacktown, Sydney.

Wheels are 350Z & Ford offset and stud pattern.

More mod's to come...for NSW anyway.

P.S. Hope I am not being a pain posting this...it's just it's taken some time for me and I wish I had this info to start with.

Edited by Jetwreck
Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/#findComment-3508185
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hi All, i am very interested in these M35.

Regarding the 4X4 system does any one no much about the distribution of power?

Is it like the older GTR systems full rear then spread to front when rear slips?

Are there aftermarket bias controllers available?

Regarding parts and so on what kind of costs are there? EG Auto failure Big Stuff and little stuff brake pads what fits.

The Big Question: Insurance? are there any 26 year olds on sau that have one of these fully insured? What does it roughly cost ?

Any futher info would be greatly appreciated

Pikie

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/185569-m35-info/#findComment-3525045
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Update 3: Hi all It's been a while. Quite a lot of things happened in the meantime, among other things the car is (almost) back together and ready to be started again. Things that I fixed or changed: Full turbo removal, fitting back the OEM turbo oil hardlines. Had to do quite a bit of research and parts shopping to get every last piece that I need and make it work with the GT2860 turbos, but it does work and is not hard to do. Proves that the previous owner(s) just did not want to. While I was there I set the preload for the wastegates to 0,9bar to hopefully make it easier for the tuner to hit the 370hp I need for the legal inspections that will follow later on. Boost can always go up if necessary. Fitted a AN10 line from the catch can to the intake hose to make the catchcan and hopefully the cam covers a slight vacuum to have less restrictive oil returns from the head and not have mud build up as harshly in the lines and catch can. Removed the entire front interior just shy of the dashboard itself to clean up some of the absolutely horrendous wiring, (hopefully) fix the bumpy tacho and put in LED bulbs while I was there. Also put in bulbs where there was none before, like the airbag one. I also used that chance to remove the LED rpm gauge on the steering column, which was also wired in absolute horror show fashion. Moved the 4in1 Prosport gauge from sitting in front of the OEM oil pressure gauge to the center console vents, I used a 3D printed vent piece to hold that gauge there. The HKB steering wheel boss was likely on incorrectly as I sometimes noticed the indicator reset being uneven for left vs. right. In the meantime also installed an airbag delete resistor, as one should. Installed Cube Speed premium short shifter. Feels pretty nice, hope it'll work great too when I actually get to drive. Also put on a fancy Dragon Ball shift knob, cause why not. My buddy was kind enough to weld the rust hole in the back, it was basically rusted through in the lowermost corner of the passenger side trunk area where the wheel arch, trunk panel and rear quarter all meet. Obviously there is still a lot of crustiness in various areas but as long as it's not rusted out I'll just treat and isolate the corrosion and pretend it's not there. Also had to put down a new ground wire for the rear subframe as the original one was BARELY there. Probably a bit controversial depending on who you ask about this... but I ended up just covering the crack in the side of the engine block, the one above the oil feed, with JB Weld. I used a generous amount and roughed up the whole area with a Dremel before, so I hope this will hold the coolant where it should be for the foreseeable future. Did a cam cover gasket job as the half moons were a bit leaky, and there too one could see the people who worked on this car before me were absolute tools. The same half moons were probably used like 3 times without even cleaning the old RTV off. Dremeled out the inside of the flange where the turbine housing mates onto the exhaust manifolds so the diameter matches, as the OEM exhaust manifolds are even narrower than the turbine housings as we all know. Even if this doesn't do much, I had them out anyways, so can't harm. Ideally one would port-match both the turbo and the manifold to the gasket size but I really didn't feel up to disassembling the turbine housings. Wrapped turbo outlet dumps in heat wrap band. Will do the frontpipe again as well as now the oil leak which promted me to tear apart half the engine in the first place is hopefully fixed. Fitted an ATI super damper to get rid of the worn old harmonic balancer. Surely one of the easiest and most worth to do mods. But torquing that ARP bolt to spec was a bitch without being able to lock the flywheel. Did some minor adjustments in the ECU tables to change some things I didn't like, like the launch control that was ALWAYS active. Treated rusty spots and surface corrosion on places I could get to and on many spots under the car, not pretty or ideal but good enough for now. Removed the N1 rear spats and the carbon surrounding for the tailpipe to put them back on with new adhesive as the old one was lifting in many spots, not pretty. Took out the passenger rear lamp housing... what do you know. Amateur work screwed me again here as they were glued in hard and removing it took a lot of force, so I broke one of the housing bolts off. And when removing the adhesive from the chassis the paint came right off too. Thankfully all the damaged area won't be visible later, but whoever did the very limited bodywork on this car needs to have their limbs chopped off piece by piece.   Quite a list if I do say so myself, but a lot of time was spent just discovering new shit that is wrong with the car and finding a solution or parts to fix it. My last problem that I now have the headache of dealing with is that the exhaust studs on the turbo outlets are M10x1.25 threaded, but the previous owner already put on regular M10 nuts so the threads are... weird. I only found this out the hard way. So now I will just try if I can in any way fit the front pipe regardless, if not I'll have to redo the studs with the turbos installed. Lesson learned for the future: Redo ALL studs you put your hands on, especially if they are old and the previous owners were inept maniacs. Thanks for reading if you did, will update when the engine runs again. Hope nothing breaks or leaks and I can do a test drive.
    • No those pads are DBA too  but they have colors too. I look at the and imo the green "street" are the best.
    • I’m not sure what happened I told them about sonic tunes free OTS tune and the next the I know .. I was booted..   To funny 
    • Yea - I mean I've seen my fuel pump which is decades old and uh, while I'm not saying this with real knowledge... but I sure get the ick at using anything in the fuel system that produced the state of that pump. Many years ago I went through multiple pumps (and strainers) before I dropped the tank to clean it out with extreme violence. I'm talking the car would do maybe 50km before coming to a halt, which resulted in me cleaning out the filter with some brake cleaner and going on my way. None of my stuff ever looked like what came out of your fuel tank. I don't think I'd be happy with it unless every single component was replaced (or at least checked/cleaned/confirmed to be clean here).
    • I'm not going to recommend an EBC pad. I don't like them. Just about anything else would suit me better. I've been using Intima pads for a while now.
×
×
  • Create New...