Owner: Import TunerDynamometer model: AEM Mustang DynamometerTesting: Jasper Chan
Dyno 1baseline148.0 hp 157.0 tq
ProsFor the sake of comparison, Nissan enthusiasts regard the SE-R the same way Civic enthusiasts regard the big "H." No other Nissan model has garnered more loyal enthusiasts over the years than the SE-R badge. The SE-R first appeared in 1990 as a two-door sport compact powered by the lethal SR20DE engine. Unfortunately the SR20 engine found in the States was not the truly lethal turbocharged variant found overseas. However in normally aspirated trim, the 2.0-liter 140-hp engine is definitely capable of hanging with Integras and Civics. Fast forward to 2004, and Nissan recaptured the soul of the SE-R with the introduction of the new Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V. This time around the engine size has grown to a 2.5-liter displacement. The SE-R is rated at 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Spec V gets a 5 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque bump to 180. Only the Spec V is offered in a close-ratio six-speed transmission with limited-slip differential.
ConsThe downside of the 2.5-liter engine is it quickly runs out of breathe at 6500 rpm, when redline kicks in.
TempAir temp @ 70 Degrees Fahrenheit
NotesAlthough our tester was rated at 180 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque at the flywheel, the engine generated 9.0 lb-ft of torque more than the horsepower reading. When cruising in the Spec V it doesn't matter which gear you are in, because you can smash the throttle and the torque will pull you through the gear.
Dyno 1AEM Cold Air Intake155.0 hp 159.0 tq
ProsThe AEM intake generated horsepower throughout the powerband. The largest gain was witnessed at peak power with a gain of 7 hp. From 3500 rpm until redline the AEM cold air intake generated more power than the stock airbox.
PartsAluminum intake piping, low-restriction filter, hose clamps, hardware, license plate frame and stickers
| 2000 to 3500 HP range: -1to 3 | 2000 to 3500 TQ range: -1 to 2 |
| 3500 to 5500 HP range: 3 to 4 | 3500 to 5500 TQ range: 2 to 3 |
| 5500 to redline HP range: 3 to 7 | 5500 to redline TQ range: 3 to 4 |
| Peak HP 155.0 | Peak TQ 159.0 |
ConsAt lower engine speeds (3500 rpm and below) the stock airbox performed better, but the loss is minimal (less than 1 hp). We think the larger intake piping decreased air velocity in the low end and caused the lower output.
Tools10- and 12mm sockets, ratchet extension and needle-nose pliers
NotesThe AEM cold air intake is 50-state legal, so if you ever get pulled over, feel free to let the pig-I mean cop-pop your hood. There is nothing the porker can do about it; it's all legit.
installation time20 min
TempAir temp @ 70 Degrees FahrenheitTemperature difference from previous run: +0 degree Fahrenheit