Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

Would you experience the spacers benefits in an automatic as much as a manual?

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Without a doubt, yes! Since they improve low end and midrange power, you should feel more of an improvement in an automatic.

MoeBelikeMax

iTrader: (1)

iam just waiting for this to come out on the 2000-2001 And ill be the first to buy

02Maximan

iTrader: (7)

If you have read through all of these pages of this thread, you will know that the development and production of the spacers for the 5th gen 3.0 is not very important. Why? the throttle body is plastic therefore heatsoak isn't nearly as much of an issue as it is with the 3.5 with the metal TB.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Thank you. We will need to conduct a lot of testing before we can determine if there is a potential gain or not. We might be able to concentrate on this kit once the 4th gen kit is released.

The TB is not plastic, it's the UIM that is made of a plastic composite. But you are right, heat soak isn't really a big problem with the VQ30DEK. But the engine could still benefit from lengthened runners with port matched spacers. That is why we will have to do a lot of testing with various thicknesses of material to determine which setup is best.

Stormzusmc

iTrader: (17)

just ordered mine...hope it works well...downfall however is, its almost winter....she is gonna be stored....hopefully ill get some nice days though

crazy97

iTrader: (1)

You will, it wont snow here until December I swear.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Thanks for bumping this thread. There is a ton of useful information in it for those that don't know about Thermal Intake Spacers.

Your package will go out today and you should get it by Friday or Saturday.

wyche89

i got mine sitting in my room and waiting to put them in hey, is there any strut bar out there that will provide adequate clearance above the IM and below the hood with the spacers installed? i have an ebay one right now, and i dont know if it'll still fit

doublea

iTrader: (7)

I'm using Cattman strut and it clear the UIM.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Simply measure the clearance between the bottom of your strut bar and the top of the intake manifold/elbow.

With the spacers installed, the upper intake manifold will be raised exactly 3/16" and the elbow will be moved towards the firewall by exactly 1/4".

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Stormzusmc

iTrader: (17)

Yeah i havent been back here in snowta for the last 4 years...good to be back and takin care of the max...i just got them today so yup friday delivery was right, that was fast

nismology

iTrader: (8)

Hey Aaron, do you think it'd be possible for one to buy just the pieces that go between the LIM/heads and for the TB? The other two pieces will not be necessary for my application.

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

stillen bar gives tons of clearance, if you have the ES motor mounts

nismology

iTrader: (8)

So the ES mounts have been confirmed to lower the drivetrain?

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

i have about 1/2" at least after the spacer install. I will take photos tommorrow to prove it

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

i have the Otto bar and OEM motor mounts and i have plenty of clearance with the spacers

wyche89

yeah, i was able to put my old bar back on with the spacers installed

nismology

iTrader: (8)

I just didn't think the ES mounts made any difference as to whether there would be sufficient clearance or not.

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

Well i'm just going by what I have read on the org. I do know that my friends auto had a really hard time with a strut bar after the spacers were installed.

reeloop

iTrader: (3)

I have nwp spacers, rear es motor mount, and a "factory tuned" strut bar. you can't put your finger between the manifold and strut bar thats for sure. i am automatic

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

The VQ35DE Kit isn't really being separated right now, but shoot me an email. I'll see what I can do for you. [aaron@nwpengineering.com]

vastmax

iTrader: (18)

i have an auto with the Cattman strut bar and it hits. Time to run to the Home depot and get some washers...

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

How much room is there between the bottom of the bar and the top of the manifold?

vastmax

iTrader: (18)

I'll let the pics speak for themselves...

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Thanks. It looks like it's touching the bar. Is it?

I know it's only a 1/16" thick, but did you remove the metal UIM gasket and install the spacer by itself?

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

Aaron-have you done any dyno testing to see if the spacers get back some of the torque/hp loss between 2800-3800 rpm (according to the dyno sheet that was linked in another thread) after installing your block-off plate? The power gains I saw from 3800 rpm and up with the block-off plate are impressive but with an automatic, midrange torque is important too. Probably going to get the block-off plate soon and the spacers after the new year when I change plugs. Just want to see how well both mods work together.

The Law

iTrader: (39)

Just an FYI, but you install a new motor mount, it lowers the engine by quite a bit. I know from experience since my IM had rubbed the crap out of my strut bar.

vastmax

iTrader: (18)

Yes, it's actually touching it and I can hear it "rattle" when I start the car and when i put it in reverse. All that's there is the spacer and the silicone, no gasket.

Torgus

iTrader: (10)

holy dirty engine bay batman

vastmax

iTrader: (18)

I dont know what it is about the max, but i can spend an hour making it perfect, but like 2 months later, it's dirtier than it was originally. Thanks to these spacers, I stumbled upon my rear valve cover leak. It is getting fixed this weekend and I plan on cleaning up the bay alittle.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

I haven't conducted dyno testing specifically for this. But, by removing the VIAS assembly, that won't effect the low end and midrange power that's given strictly b/c of the lengthened intake runners.

Everyone that has done spacers after removing their VIAS and/or doing the SSIM have noticed better low end and midrange power.

With the VQ35DE I'm putting in my 3rd gen, I will most definitely have spacers with my SSIM along with quite a bit of other goodies.

I see. Try to see if you can get away with only one, maybe two, washers for each strut mount stud. The more washers you cram under the strut mount, the weaker things get.

Also, as mentioned, new engine mounts should help situate your engine in the engine bay correctly and will increase your clearance.

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

You can adjust that with either washers or or some grinding!

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Yeah, some people have removed material from the lobes on the UIM.

But I always recommend good motor mounts.

vastmax

iTrader: (18)

I'd rather not have to grind or change mounts. I'll start with 1 washer as recommended and see what happens then.

bilzy7

theres so many pages and my comps screwed up right now so sorry if this has been asked, but i found out 1 answer concerning auto i just got 1 more. this will still give the 10hp-12tq bonus above what my intake is giving me? i know stupid question and im a buncha months late. im just trying to find out as much as possible before i start throwing stuff into my car... i got a 2005 3.5sl(ya ya its an altima).

vastmax

iTrader: (18)

Buy these, you will not regret it, the butt dyno feels awesome with these.

phxgold

iTrader: (5)

Had mine installed last week. along with the stillen intake and a megan exhaust. This thing feels ALOT more powerful than before. It does seem to kind of bog a bit between 2000 and 3000 rpm is that normal for an otherwise stock auto?
I have read that this can be alleived somewhat after installing these by advancing your timing 2 degrees, is this true?
also what is removing your vias and an ssim? sorry for the probably elementary questions.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Yes, this will still provide the proven HP gain even if you have an aftermarket intake with cone filter. The test vehicle had an aftermarket intake.

You shouldn't feel any power loss between 2K-3K. If anything, you should feel a power increase in that range with the spacers. The bogging issue must be caused by something else. In theory, the spacers can only help HP in that area.

Advancing timing by 2 degrees should help throttle response and low end torque. The gains may be slight, but it will still help.

The VIAS Block Plate that we offer is strictly a block plate kit for those that want to remove their VIAS (Variable Induction Air Control System). That will hurt low end power, but since you are removing an obstruction, it will help top end.

The other use for this block plate and considered the best option as far as performance is known as the SSIM (Secret Sauce Intake Manifold). That name was created years ago by a member of the Maxima discussion forums. This involves cutting the shelf out of the main chamber of the upper intake manifold and removing the VIAS assembly. This will still lose low end power, but the gains in the top end are very noticeable. It's definitely a modification that is worthwhile if you are serious about increasing HP. An engine tune and extended rev limiter is recommended if you want to get the full potential out of the SSIM.

026speed

The spacers are an awesome mod!! Aaron knows his SHI*.. Quick install & def gets the job done... I have the stillen fstb & the elbow rubs when i pop it into reverse too quickly... The e.s. mounts will help wit that tho = less motor flex..