“Nismo Nick” Scherr built this wild Nissan Xterra, dubbed Project X. “I wanted to create the ultimate Nissan Xterra,” Nick says, “but make it modern because it’s been gone for a decade.” The build took about a year and a half, during which Nick grafted late-model Frontier and Titan components onto an Xterra. The result? A one-of-a-kind, next-level creation that’s pure drool-worthy.
Bye Six-Cylinder Engine, Hello V8
Nick went big under the hood. Out went the Xterra’s 4.0-liter V6, and in went a Titan-sourced 5.6-liter V8. The ’plant sits on Concept Z Performance motor mounts and runs JBA Shorty headers, a Z1 Off-Road cold-air intake, and a Z1 Frontier-application carbon-fiber snorkel. Cooling comes from a CSF radiator, while exhaust gases exit through a modified Z1 Xterra system. An Optima YellowTop battery helps ensure all electrical needs are met.
Six-Speed Manual, Magna T-Case
Project X is packed with out-of-the-box thinking, and the transmission is no exception. Snubbing the typical automatic found in most 4x4s, Nick paired the V8 with an FS6R31A six-speed manual using a C3 Performance Adapters kit. A Z1 flywheel and clutch kit were also incorporated. He rows the gears using an LOJ Conversions short-throw shifter. Power runs through a Magna TX91A two-speed transfer case, while Z1 Xterra-application skidplates guard the transmission and transfer case from trail damage.
AAM Differentials, Forged Upper Control Arms, And More
Underneath, Nick swapped in Titan axles and suspension gear. Up front spins an AAM 8.25-inch diff, while out back sits an AAM 9.5-inch axle—both running 3.92:1 gears. The front suspension packs Z1 forged upper control arms and Locked Offroad remote-reservoir coilovers. Out back, Z1 medium-duty leaf springs pair with Locked Offroad extended-length piggyback remote-reservoir shocks. The result is a wider stance and adds four inches of lift over stock. Titan rack-and-pinion steering handles direction, and braking power comes from a Paragon Performance and Concept Z Performance setup featuring six-piston calipers and two-piece rotors. The rig rides on LT285/75R17 Hankook Dynapro XTs wrapped around 7.5-inch-wide bronze NISMO Axis beadlock wheels.
Frontier-Xterra Blend
One of the most eye-catching features of Project X is how Nick grafted 2025 Nissan Frontier body panels onto the Xterra shell. Up front sits a Frontier clip complete with core support. Nick fitted Frontier front doors and trimmed the rears to flow with the Xterra’s body lines. Out back, he blended in Frontier taillights and reshaped the hatch and door for a smooth, modern look.
Armor comes from Hammerhead Armor gear—a winch bumper up front, rock rails along the rockers, and a rear bumper with a tire carrier. Lighting the way are forward- and rear-facing LEDs from NISMO. Other mods include a Fly1 Motorsports carbon-fiber grille and a Seibon Carbon vented hood.
Modernized Interior, Bed Lined Cargo Area
Nick modernized the inside of the Xterra as well—going all-in with a complete 2025 Nissan Frontier interior. Interestingly, Nick notes that the components simply bolted in. To make the cargo area easy to clean after hauling grimy trail gear, he slathered it with Inyati bedliner. The result, he says, is a cargo area that can be quickly rinsed out.
The Bottom Line
Nick says another reason he built Project X is “Because it was time to bring the Xterra back and show Nissan there is a market for it.”
Judging by the positive response the SUV garnered at the 2025 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas, it appears there’s a lot of interest in an Xterra of this type. The handsome styling combined with the V8 engine, manual transmission, stout axles, and rugged suspension is a win.
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