5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.
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Newbie to the site and new to the 5th Gens. I just bought an 03 SE TE 6-Speed. I am new to mods with a N/A engines as my past 2 vehicles have been Turbo AWD DSM's (Talon/Eclipse). It is easy and relatively inexpensive with turbo vehicles... Intake, Exhaust, bigger turbo, more fuel and you can almost double the stock horsepower and torque. As I have been reading night after night I am finding it hard to determine a good starting point with my new Max. It seems like the ideal would be to mimic the 350Z. What are the differences between the VQ35DE in the Z's from the VQ35DE in the Max? This might help determine a good starting point. Thanks for all the info guys!
If you're looking for 'hardcore' internals work (where most of the Z/Max engines have some common parts), check out the All Motor forum here.
For the 5.5-gen maxima, your best power bolt-on is going to start at the headers and go to AF tuning, IM spacers, plus the usual intake, exhaust, etc.
The real weak point of the maxima, though, is not the power side but the suspension and chassis....and where more improvement for the money can be made. I'd start there, personally. Springs, struts, RSB, lower tie bar up front, and subframe connectors.
Then move on to brakes (another maxima weak point), look into the z32 kits available here for an inexpensive upgrade in that department.
Once the turning and stopping is settled, then move on to the power side, IMO.
Make sure to check the stickies at the top of this forum and in the advanced performance forums for more info.
btw, I hope your username isn't referring to the girvin bicycle fork.....
__________________ Sold: 2000 Maxima SE - PR Intake - Frankencar CB - Truax SFCs - Wilwoods - Eibachs - Blehm LTB - Cattman Ypipe
Stillen RSB - RSTB - FSTB - ES Bushes - G wheels - Raxles - Mach1 lip - Illuminas - and plenty more
well it's noticeable above 30-35 mph, but even worse when i'm turning right (when the load falls onto the front left wheel). I looked and they added SEVEN or eight of those little metallic weights to the left front wheel. It's just crazy lots more noticeable... not sure how it got to be that bad when it clearly wasn't before.
the balance really shouldn't affect the noise made by the wheels - that really affects vibration. The noise is the tread pattern of the tire as it wears - that and sometimes tires are simply defective and have strange resonances when under load.
What kind of tires are you using? That should tell us alot.
__________________ Sold: 2000 Maxima SE - PR Intake - Frankencar CB - Truax SFCs - Wilwoods - Eibachs - Blehm LTB - Cattman Ypipe
Stillen RSB - RSTB - FSTB - ES Bushes - G wheels - Raxles - Mach1 lip - Illuminas - and plenty more
they are actually different tires, but purchased within a month or so of one another. one is a kumho ecsta and the other is a continental... can't remember which one specifically. tread seems to be relatively even b/w the two.
they are actually different tires, but purchased within a month or so of one another. one is a kumho ecsta and the other is a continental... can't remember which one specifically. tread seems to be relatively even b/w the two.
That is problem #1. It is always a terrible idea to have different tires on the right and left side of the car. Front and back is *ok* but not good, but you need to have the same tires on each side of the car for predictable handling and traction.
Kumhos, generally, are pretty loud tires though, especially when they're getting worn below 50%...
__________________ Sold: 2000 Maxima SE - PR Intake - Frankencar CB - Truax SFCs - Wilwoods - Eibachs - Blehm LTB - Cattman Ypipe
Stillen RSB - RSTB - FSTB - ES Bushes - G wheels - Raxles - Mach1 lip - Illuminas - and plenty more
I have a question about my 02 6spd max. Sometimes when im just easing around and then I step on it pretty good say in 2nd or 3rd, the car kina lurches. it kind of reminds me of how an auto downshifts but its not nearly that major. My initial thought was that the engine mounts were shot but i'm not sure now because it doesn't do it all the time. Maybe the MAF? Someone wanna help me out here?
I have a question about my 02 6spd max. Sometimes when im just easing around and then I step on it pretty good say in 2nd or 3rd, the car kina lurches. it kind of reminds me of how an auto downshifts but its not nearly that major. My initial thought was that the engine mounts were shot but i'm not sure now because it doesn't do it all the time. Maybe the MAF? Someone wanna help me out here?
perhaps you're thinking of "torque
__________________ Sold: 2000 Maxima SE - PR Intake - Frankencar CB - Truax SFCs - Wilwoods - Eibachs - Blehm LTB - Cattman Ypipe
Stillen RSB - RSTB - FSTB - ES Bushes - G wheels - Raxles - Mach1 lip - Illuminas - and plenty more
hint: his number is in the 5th gen stickies (FAQ's)...
I got in touch with him yesterday, and he shipped it right out, got it this morning, and what a great guy he is !
I have an appointment at the dealer tomorrow. Dave B, and Dealer are both concerned that I may have a ECM problem as well. I'll have that checked, and Dave B can get me a ECM in few days if needed. Thanks again for all your help, and SlickRick help well. I'll let you know how it progresses. Randy
Hahaha no I think I know what torque is lol! Although this IS the first 6 speed maxima i have drove. Maybe thats just how it is and I gota get used to it.
It feels like a hesitation. Its not just seamless power to the redline. I'm not sure how to describe it....
BTW what are the signs of broken engine mounts as far a how the car reacts?
The reason I thought that it might be the motor mounts was because it seemed like as power built (engine torqued against the mounts) it shifted inside the bushing/bushings. Is this a logical reason?
I have a question about my 02 6spd max. Sometimes when im just easing around and then I step on it pretty good say in 2nd or 3rd, the car kina lurches. it kind of reminds me of how an auto downshifts but its not nearly that major. My initial thought was that the engine mounts were shot but i'm not sure now because it doesn't do it all the time. Maybe the MAF? Someone wanna help me out here?
its standard with the 6-speed
"drive by wire" throttle + close gearing.
once you get used to it, you will know when you need to downshift to prevent the problem
__________________
Represented by: Graham Motorsports Media 2008 Xterra Off Road (N50 | VQ40DE | KH3)
06 Mazda 6
Maxima - A33 | VQ35DE | RS6F51A | KH3/G
NWP Engineering Thermal Intake Manifold Spacers
Hybrid Berk/Frankencar Intake | Frankencar catback | Cattman STS | ES 6-speed bushings
H&R Springs | Tokico Struts | Progress RSB | Otto FSTB | Blemco LTB | Hawks HPS Pads | Custom Front Lip
i'v only seen one maxima like this and i can't find a pic to show you. but how do i make my grill only two slats and remove the nissan emblem without it looking horrible? how much custom work is involved? is there a write up? thanks in advance.
OK, sign shows what i have done. and my car still rides bumpy as hell. small bumps are felt not to bad, then theres the 101 hwy in cali my car feels like its shaking all over the place and like theres a flat, any sugestions. and yes have gotten it balanced and aligned, only thing not listed was i had my pass side wheel bearing replaced at dealership.2k1 ae se auto
__________________
Kumho ECSTA ASX / ES FSB Bushings / KYB GR-2 / Progress Springs & RSB / Berk Tech APEXi Power Intake / Stillen FSTB / Active Tuning Grounding System / Cattman Y-Pipe, High Flow Catt, Catback Exhaust /
i'v only seen one maxima like this and i can't find a pic to show you. but how do i make my grill only two slats and remove the nissan emblem without it looking horrible? how much custom work is involved? is there a write up? thanks in advance.
--jon
You might PM Nathan. I happened to see a pic of his car about halfway down on this page. check it out... http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=511154 I'm also pretty sure its been discussed recently, search around.
I just finished changing my clock from green to white and while i was doing that I realized the security LED and thought about changing that to a different color. Has anyone done this or heard about doing it?
Wondering if you've completed this already, or if anyone else has. Were you able to access this whole clock unit through the center console easily??
I have this plug on my 02 SE auto that isnt attached to anything (the brown plug). Its right behind the auto tranny dipstick close to the coolant temp sensor. Anybody know what it is? Dont all go check your cars at the same time.
I just got my 03 gle! I am very exited I really love this car its so smooth and pretty fast stock. I was wondering about some simple mods. I was looking for a good intake and headers. any other tips would be awesome.
As for outside mods I found the carbon fiber trunk and rear window lip. I am also getting the window visors and tints(I am in Miami). I was wondering about the blacked out tail lights. are there lights like this or do most tint them? Also I was wondering the best way to clean my headlights or buy the new assemblys? Also I was wondering a good place for a front lip...and some good springs Any help with websites is greatly appreciated! =)
I just got my 03 gle! I am very exited I really love this car its so smooth and pretty fast stock. I was wondering about some simple mods. I was looking for a good intake and headers. any other tips would be awesome.
As for outside mods I found the carbon fiber trunk and rear window lip. I am also getting the window visors and tints(I am in Miami). I was wondering about the blacked out tail lights. are there lights like this or do most tint them? Also I was wondering the best way to clean my headlights or buy the new assemblys? Also I was wondering a good place for a front lip...and some good springs Any help with websites is greatly appreciated! =)
I know GAB has been beaten to death but i have yet to see my idea in my search ....this is what im thinking ,would it be better or possible to remove the resonator and cut into the snorkel and run a column wall straight to the airbox and also cut into airbox , this way you have a like a straight ram cai and i know the snorkel has limited opening but the cool air will still fill the now big column chamber ....something like this
Hahaha no I think I know what torque is lol! Although this IS the first 6 speed maxima i have drove. Maybe thats just how it is and I gota get used to it.
It feels like a hesitation. Its not just seamless power to the redline. I'm not sure how to describe it....
BTW what are the signs of broken engine mounts as far a how the car reacts?
The reason I thought that it might be the motor mounts was because it seemed like as power built (engine torqued against the mounts) it shifted inside the bushing/bushings. Is this a logical reason?
Well guys my MAF went out last night. So maybe this hesitation that I was experiencing was more than the typical 6spd jerkiness that sooner suggested. I will see if it disappears when a new one is installed.
BTW there isn't anything wrong about driving around with the MAF dead is there? Obviously can't go over 2400 rpms but just easing around is not goin to hurt anything right?
I want to replace my headlights, but I have a problem with my passenger side mounting assembly. In the picture, both piece are missing from the passenger side, but the driver side has the clip which the bottom of the headlight snaps into, and the plastic piece the other side bolt snaps into as well. I have searched the net for the pieces, even called junk yards in my area, but can't seem to find them anywhere. If anyone could point me in a direction, I would appreciate it. I found part numbers on them, but couldn't get much from them either.
The grey L clip: NF1 and 359P-1 were both on there
The white piece: NF4 and 0285
hey, i have wired up some hella's angel eye fogs for my 03, i just dont know where the fire wall is to run the wire/switch to the inside of my car. any pics, or help please
HELP I am the orig owner of a 00 se auto (for wifey). This car has been well cared for and i recently replaced most components of the cooling system including the h2o pump, what a mfer. Hoses, belts, thermostat, radiator,and cap and i am having a overheating prob still. The only part i can think thats left is the water control valve and temp send unit for gauge.What effect or symptom would a faulty water control valve show??? If the A/C was working improperly would it heat up the condenser and cause overheating? What are the correct pressures for the high and low side of the A/C I got readings of 135 low and 250-275 high. is this ok. My clymer manual doesnt tell ya Thanks if you can help?
HELP I am the orig owner of a 00 se auto (for wifey). This car has been well cared for and i recently replaced most components of the cooling system including the h2o pump, what a mfer. Hoses, belts, thermostat, radiator,and cap and i am having a overheating prob still. The only part i can think thats left is the water control valve and temp send unit for gauge.What effect or symptom would a faulty water control valve show??? If the A/C was working improperly would it heat up the condenser and cause overheating? What are the correct pressures for the high and low side of the A/C I got readings of 135 low and 250-275 high. is this ok. My clymer manual doesnt tell ya Thanks if you can help?
Have you made certain the electric cooling fans on the radiator are working?
hey, i have wired up some hella's angel eye fogs for my 03, i just dont know where the fire wall is to run the wire/switch to the inside of my car. any pics, or help please
You don't know where the firewall is?
__________________
Hotshot Headers/Cattman Catback/VAFC-II/Zt-2/Progress+Illuminas/Cleared HID's/HID Fogs/G35 Aero Rims/Berk Intake/ES Motor Mounts/STS
Just look around, you will find it, there is a hole about 1ft down and to the left of the brake booster, may have a rubber plug that you will need to remove. Feed a little wire through, lay under dash, find wire, pull through, continue wiring, drink a beer.
irish44j & Slickrick
Received the new IACV from Dave b., and made a beeline for the Dealer. They replaced the valve, hooked up the consult, and advised me the ECM was ok! I was thrilled. They then did an upgrade on the ECM firmware. The car is performing well again. Thanks again for all your help.
Randy
Both of the fans are good to go. As stated in the manual, Start the car and turn on A/C and both fans should light up. They do. It actually cools down when it idles but will heat up in stop and go driving. I should mention that the only part that isnt oem in the whole cooling system is the radiator. Is there a 3 row high performance radiator for sale anywhere. Any link would be cool. I can do mild fabrication to make something work and do it right.
alrighty i just did gab like irish but i didnt make the holes instead i just cut all the squares out ...as i searched i saw a gutter intake and resonator being capped but neither of them mention if they had also gab im assuming they just have stock filter as is ,so my dilema is
I have a new question. I have a 2002 Maxima and I just replaced the stereo. Now my check engine light is on. I have yet to have it looked at, but does anyone have any idea what it might be? The stereo and all other electronics work. My guess is its because I had to disconnect the wiring for the steering wheel controls. What do I do now?
I have a new question. I have a 2002 Maxima and I just replaced the stereo. Now my check engine light is on. I have yet to have it looked at, but does anyone have any idea what it might be? The stereo and all other electronics work. My guess is its because I had to disconnect the wiring for the steering wheel controls. What do I do now?
see...this is the correct place to ask this. not in someone else's thread. please delete the other post. thanks.
im 99% sure the SES light has nothing to do with the stereo. SES light is always emmissions related
__________________
Represented by: Graham Motorsports Media 2008 Xterra Off Road (N50 | VQ40DE | KH3)
06 Mazda 6
Maxima - A33 | VQ35DE | RS6F51A | KH3/G
NWP Engineering Thermal Intake Manifold Spacers
Hybrid Berk/Frankencar Intake | Frankencar catback | Cattman STS | ES 6-speed bushings
H&R Springs | Tokico Struts | Progress RSB | Otto FSTB | Blemco LTB | Hawks HPS Pads | Custom Front Lip
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