Tuning Nissan Tino: how to turn a compact van into a stylish and powerful car

1. External tuning: how to make Tino more modern

Factory design Nissan Tino looks outdated, but it's easy to fix. Let's start with the most noticeable changesthat do not require major investments:

• 🔥 Front bumper: Install the bumper from Nissan Primera P12 (2002–2007) - it is wider, with aggressive air intakes. A replica from Veilside or D-Max (price ~25,000 ₽).
• 💡 Optics: Replace the yellow headlights with LED lenses from Morimoto (from 8,000 ₽ per set) or install angel eyes (3,500 ₽). Tail lights can be taken from Nissan Almera N16 - they are narrower and have a modern design.
• 🚗 Radiator grille: Metal grill from Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (2000–2005) will install without modifications. An alternative is a carbon overlay (~5,000 ₽).
• 🎨 Screws and stickers: Vinyl roof wrap in color matte black or chameleon (from 12,000 ₽) will visually lower the car. Stickers "Tino GT" or "SR20" will add sporty charm.

For radical changes, consider body kits from Japanese tuning studios. For example, a set from Mine’s includes extended fenders (+40 mm), skirts and spoiler (~180,000 ₽). But keep in mind: such modifications require welding work and re-registration with the traffic police.

2. Engine tuning: from chip tuning to swap

Standard motors Nissan Tino — QR20DE (2.0 l, 140 hp) and QG18DE (1.8 l, 114 hp) - have potential for upgrade. Let's start with budget options:

• 🔧 Chip tuning: ECU firmware (for example, from HKS or EcuTek) will add 10–15 hp. and improve responsiveness. Cost: 8,000–15,000 rubles. For QG18DE, it is necessary to replace the fuel pump with a more efficient one (for example, from a Nissan Silvia S15).
• 💨 Inlet and outlet: Install zero filter (K&N, ~5,000 ₽) and spider 4-2-1 (from 18,000 ₽). For QR20DE, an exhaust system from Nissan Primera GT.
• ⚡ Turbo kit: You can install a turbine on the QG18DE Garrett T25 with intercooler (~120,000 ₽). A reinforced gearbox will be required (from Nissan Almera Tino V6).

For serious power gains, consider engine swap:

When swapping SR20DET be sure to install:

Reinforced gearbox (from Silvia S15)

Lightweight flywheel (for example, from Nismo)

High flow fuel pump (Walbro 255 l/h)

Intercooler and piping 2.5"

ECU with turbo support (Power FC or Apexi Power FC)-->

⚠️ Attention: When installing VQ25DE the front subframe will need to be replaced with a version from Nissan Primera P12 and modification of the cooling system. Without this, the engine will not physically stop.

3. Suspension tuning: how to improve handling

Standard suspension Nissan Tino soft and not designed for sporty driving. To improve controllability we recommend:

• 🏁 Springs and shock absorbers: Set Tein SS or Koni Sport (lowering by 30–40 mm, ~45,000 ₽). Suitable for the track BC Racing BR with adjustable hardness.
• 🔩 Anti-roll bars: Install stabilizers from Nissan Primera GT (front 22 mm, rear 19 mm). This will reduce roll when cornering.
• 🛠️ Bushings and silent blocks: Polyurethane bushings Powerflex (~12,000 ₽ per set) will eliminate “play” in the suspension.
• 🚗 Brakes: Front calipers from Nissan 350Z (4-piston) with discs 320 mm (~60,000 ₽). The rear brakes can be left standard, but installed ferodo from EBC Redstuff.

For radical improvement, pay attention to multi-link suspension from Nissan Skyline R34. It requires welding, but provides excellent directional stability. Cost of modification: ~150,000 ₽.

4. Interior tuning: comfort and style

Interior Nissan Tino rustic, but easy to transform. Let's start with budget improvements:

• 🪑 Seats: Leather cases from Covercraft (~15,000 ₽) or sports seats Recaro SRD (from 40,000 ₽ per couple). Heated seats can be purchased from Nissan Almera Tino.
• 🎛️ Steering wheel: Three-spoke steering wheel from Nissan 350Z (with airbag) or Momo Mod.78 (~25,000 ₽). Don't forget the mounting adapter.
• 🔊 Audio system: Replace the original radio with 2-DIN with Apple CarPlay (For example, Pioneer AVH-X5900, ~30,000 ₽). It is better to take component speakers: Focal PS 165 front and JBL GTO939 behind.
• 💡 Backlight: LED strips under the dashboard (RGB with remote control, ~2,000 ₽) and foot lighting (Philips LED, ~1 500 ₽).

For a complete interior transformation, consider:

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the steering wheel with a model without an airbag (for example, Nardi Deep Corn) you will need to disable the squib in the ECU. Otherwise, an error will appear on the device AIRBAG.

5. Transmission tuning: gearbox and drive

Standard 5-speed manual transmission Nissan Tino can withstand up to 200 hp, but if the power increases, it will have to be strengthened. Upgrade options:

• 🔗 Clutch: Set Sachs Performance or Clutch Masters FX300 (~25,000 ₽) can withstand up to 300 Nm of torque.
• ⚙️ Gearbox: For engines more powerful than 220 hp. suitable gearbox from Nissan Silvia S15 (6-speed, ~50,000 ₽ used). Drive adaptation required.
• 🔄 Differential: Self-locking differential Nismo (1.5-way, ~40,000 ₽) will improve traction on the front wheels.

For all-wheel drive version Nissan Tino AWD (rare modification) transfer case tuning available. Install central differential lock from Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 (~60,000 ₽), but keep in mind: this will require modification of the driveshaft.

6. LED tuning and electronics

Modern technologies make it possible to do Nissan Tino smarter and brighter. Let's consider popular improvements:

• 💡 LED optics: Full LED headlights Morimoto XB (~40,000 ₽) or adaptive bi-xenon lenses Osram Night Breaker (~20 000 ₽).
• 📱 Multimedia: Install Android Auto to the standard radio using Joying JY-UQ128 (~15,000 ₽). Suitable for rear passengers headrest monitor (~8 000 ₽).
• 🔋 Additional equipment:
  • Rear view camera with dynamic markings (~5,000 ₽).
  • Parking sensors with output to mirrors (ParkMaster, ~7 000 ₽).
  • Keyless Entry System Keyless Go (~12 000 ₽).

Installation available for exclusive lovers digital dashboard from Nissan Leaf (2018+). Adapter required CanBus and ECU flashing (~50,000 ₽ for work).

7. Sound insulation and noise insulation

Nissan Tino known for high levels of noise in the cabin. To make your trips more comfortable, follow these steps: comprehensive sound insulation:

• 🔇 Materials: Use Bimast Bomb (2–3 layers) for the floor and arches, Splen for doors and roof. Total cost: ~30,000 ₽.
• 🚪 Doors: Glue the inside surface of the doors vibroplast and install additional speakers in the armrests.
• 🔧 Engine: Replace the standard engine casing with a sound-insulating one (Dynamat, ~5 000 ₽).

After soundproofing, the noise level in the cabin will decrease by 30–40%. For maximum effect, set double glazing (from ~15,000 ₽ per set), but this will require re-registration with the traffic police.

8. Extreme tuning: drift and track

If you plan to use Nissan Tino for drifting or circuit racing, you will need radical improvements:

• 🏎️ Engine: Install SR20VET (2.0T, ~300 hp) with turbine Garrett GT28 and intercooler 600×300 mm.
• 🔧 Suspension: Fully adjustable suspension Ohlins Road & Track (~200,000 ₽) with a hardness of 12k/10k.
• 🛡️ Security:
  • Safety cage Sparco (6-point, ~80,000 ₽).
  • Racing chairs Sabelt with 4-point harness.
  • Fire extinguisher Lifeline Zero 360 (~15 000 ₽).

For drifting, be sure to install hydraulic handbrake (~25,000 ₽) and strengthen the axle shafts (for example, with drives from Nissan 200SX S14).

⚠️ Attention: When preparing your car for the track, be sure to replace the standard brake hoses with steel braids (For example, Goodridge). Standard hoses can burst at high temperatures.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tuning Nissan Tino