2005 Nissan Altima Se R Specs

Alright, let's dive deep into the specs of the 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R. This wasn't just another Altima; it was a performance-oriented variant, and understanding its nuances is key if you're planning on maintaining, modifying, or even just appreciating one of these vehicles. We'll cover the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and some key dimensions and weights. Consider this your comprehensive guide.

Engine: The Heart of the SE-R

The most significant difference between the SE-R and other 2005 Altimas lies under the hood. Instead of the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 or the 3.5L VQ35DE, the SE-R got a specially tuned version of the VQ35DE. This is a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) V6 engine. Let’s break that down:

Displacement: 3498 cc (213.5 cu in). This is the total volume displaced by all the pistons in the engine during one complete cycle. Larger displacement generally translates to more potential power.
Bore x Stroke: 95.5 mm x 81.4 mm. The bore is the diameter of the cylinder, and the stroke is the distance the piston travels within that cylinder. This ratio influences the engine's characteristics - more stroke often means better low-end torque.
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1. This is the ratio of the cylinder's volume when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke (BDC) to the volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke (TDC). Higher compression ratios can increase power and efficiency, but they also require higher octane fuel to prevent detonation (knocking or pinging).
Valve Train: DOHC, 24-valve. DOHC means there are two camshafts per cylinder bank, one for intake valves and one for exhaust valves. This allows for more precise control over valve timing and lift compared to a SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) design. 24-valve means each cylinder has four valves: two intake and two exhaust. More valves generally improve airflow into and out of the cylinder, boosting performance.
Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection. This system injects fuel into each intake port, just upstream of the intake valves. It provides more precise fuel control compared to older systems like carburetors.
Power: 260 horsepower @ 6000 rpm. This is the rate at which the engine can perform work. The SE-R's VQ35DE made significantly more power than the base Altima's QR25DE.
Torque: 251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. Torque is a measure of the engine's twisting force. This is what you feel as acceleration. The SE-R's high torque figure at relatively low RPMs made it a fun car to drive on the street.

The SE-R's VQ35DE also featured a revised intake manifold, free-flowing exhaust system, and recalibrated engine control unit (ECU) compared to the standard VQ35DE found in other Altimas. These changes contributed to the increased horsepower and torque.

Engine Management System

The engine management system, controlled by the ECU, is responsible for optimizing engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions. The ECU uses sensors to monitor various engine parameters, such as:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor: Measures the amount of air entering the engine.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): Indicates the position of the throttle plate.
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP): Monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft.
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP): Monitors the position of the camshaft(s).
Oxygen (O2) sensors: Measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas, which is used to fine-tune the air-fuel ratio.

Based on this information, the ECU adjusts fuel injection timing, ignition timing, and other parameters to ensure optimal engine operation.

Transmission Options

The 2005 Altima SE-R came with two transmission choices:

6-speed manual transmission: This was the preferred choice for enthusiasts, offering more driver engagement and control. It featured a close-ratio gearset for quick acceleration and precise shifting.
5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode: This offered the convenience of an automatic with the option to manually select gears. However, it's generally considered less sporty than the manual.

The automatic transmission, while robust, can suffer from the typical automatic transmission woes as it ages. Regular fluid changes are crucial for maintaining its health. The manual transmission is generally more reliable, but the clutch may need replacement depending on driving style and mileage.

Suspension and Handling

The SE-R received significant suspension upgrades compared to the standard Altima. These upgrades were designed to improve handling and reduce body roll during cornering. Key features included:

Stiffer springs: These reduce body roll and improve handling response.
Stiffer struts and shocks: These dampers control the movement of the suspension, providing a more controlled ride.
Reinforced front strut tower brace: This brace connects the two front strut towers, increasing chassis rigidity and improving steering response.
Larger diameter front and rear sway bars: Sway bars (also called anti-roll bars) connect the left and right wheels, reducing body roll during cornering. A larger diameter sway bar provides more resistance to body roll.

These suspension enhancements resulted in a noticeably firmer ride compared to the base Altima. While some may find the ride harsh, it delivered significantly improved handling and cornering capabilities. When evaluating a used SE-R, pay close attention to the condition of the struts and shocks. Worn dampers will negatively impact handling and ride quality.

Brakes

Stopping power is just as important as horsepower, and the SE-R was equipped with larger brakes than the standard Altima. Key features included:

Larger front and rear rotors: Larger rotors provide more surface area for the brake pads to grip, resulting in greater stopping power and improved heat dissipation.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

The upgraded brakes provided a noticeable improvement in stopping performance. Regularly inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear. Consider upgrading to performance brake pads for even better stopping power, especially if you plan on track days or aggressive street driving. Also, ensure the brake fluid is flushed regularly to maintain optimal braking performance.

Wheels and Tires

The SE-R came standard with:

17-inch alloy wheels: These wheels were unique to the SE-R and added to its sporty appearance.
215/55R17 tires: These tires provided good grip and handling.

Tire choice can significantly impact the handling and ride quality of the SE-R. Consider upgrading to performance tires for improved grip and handling, especially if you plan on aggressive driving. Ensure the tires are properly inflated to maintain optimal handling and fuel economy.

Dimensions and Weights

Understanding the dimensions and weight of the SE-R can be helpful for various purposes, such as choosing aftermarket parts or determining towing capacity (although the Altima isn't really meant for towing).

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 70.3 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Curb Weight: Approximately 3350-3450 lbs (depending on transmission and options). Curb weight refers to the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment.

The relatively low curb weight, combined with the powerful V6 engine and upgraded suspension, contributed to the SE-R's sporty driving characteristics.

Conclusion

The 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R was a special car. It offered a unique combination of performance, practicality, and value. Understanding its specifications is essential for maintaining, modifying, or simply appreciating this sporty sedan. Remember to pay close attention to the condition of the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes when evaluating a used SE-R. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will ensure that your SE-R continues to provide years of driving pleasure.