6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008) Discussion of the 6th generation Maxima. Come see what others are saying.

Chernmax Phase 4 begins

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Old 04-15-2008, 02:26 PM
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Chernmax Phase 4 begins

OK guys 5 things are scheduled to be accomplished during Phase 4.

1. Transmission rebuild (complete) and upgrade
2. Install rear Racingline Motor Mount insert (complete)
3. Install Nissan Altima SE-R larger front lower anti-sway bar (delivered)
4. New LED Tail lights (delivered)
5. Final Dyno Tuning (at PTuning in Manassas, VA)
6. Polish Turbo Intake Pipe (complete)

Car goes into the shop tomorrow for the tranny upgrade and I'll do my best to post all information with pictures of the work. Tomorrow I'll add more but the below is a picture of the new Torque Converter (TC) I had modified by Florida Torque Converter (FTC) USA (Member of the Torque Converters Rebuilders Association). Marcin, the owner and Master tech beefed up the converter with computer balanced machine welds, heavy duty bearings and added 300 stalls as well as some other internal shaving that is beyond my expertise but is meant to increase performance. FTC has been working with me to get everything just right and they are actually happy to be helping our Maxima community. Marcin even did all the leg work to find the TC because no US facility had a new or used 2004 Maxima tranny TC in stock (unless you were buying the whole transmission). He found these in Canada, had shipped to Florida, did the rebuild then shipped to me in Maryland. Anyway it's the first part highlighted.

2004 Nissan Maxima SE
My tranny is a 5AT: RE5F22A (AW55-50SN)

Stock Torque Converter is: AF33-5

Modified torque converter:


Last edited by chernmax; 04-28-2008 at 10:28 PM.
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Old 04-15-2008, 02:43 PM
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These are going to be the must have parts for our weak trannies for future rebuilds. Excellent work Chern.
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:06 PM
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With our "weak" transmissions...is the TC the main thing that is weak?
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:13 PM
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And wont added stall increase stress?
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by redls1
And wont added stall increase stress?
That's why the rebuild process includes computer balanced tig welding to reinforce the cast mold of the OEM TC.

FTC was going to do 500 stalls, I opted for a little more conservative number of 300 stalls to balance the added stress that I will have and needed to support increased engine power which will exceed 440+hp

Last edited by chernmax; 04-15-2008 at 03:29 PM.
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:49 PM
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Naiiiiiiiiice !!!!
And damm!!!! How many more phases is there to go?
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:24 PM
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Phase 5: Back to stock
lol
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by chernmax
That's why the rebuild process includes computer balanced tig welding to reinforce the cast mold of the OEM TC.

FTC was going to do 500 stalls, I opted for a little more conservative number of 300 stalls to balance the added stress that I will have and needed to support increased engine power which will exceed 440+hp
Curious you keep using the word stalls. I thought a converter was set to one stall or specific point?
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Old 04-15-2008, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by larsim
Naiiiiiiiiice !!!!
And damm!!!! How many more phases is there to go?
Done!!! Phases just help us older people focus better on specific goals...
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Old 04-15-2008, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by IHAVEA2KMAXIMA
Phase 5: Back to stock
lol
LOL, may take me longer to reacquire the original parts...
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Old 04-15-2008, 05:45 PM
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its sad ur project is about to be over

jw why u don't convert to manual?
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Old 04-15-2008, 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by redls1
Curious you keep using the word stalls. I thought a converter was set to one stall or specific point?
Yes so they modified mine to a new specific point by adding 300 Stalls!!!

For others FYI

Stall. The prime mover is applying power to the pump but the turbine cannot rotate. For example, in an automobile, this stage of operation would occur when the driver has placed the transmission in gear but is preventing the vehicle from moving by continuing to apply the brakes. At stall, the torque converter can produce maximum torque multiplication if sufficient input power is applied (the resulting multiplication is called the stall ratio). The stall phase actually lasts for a brief period when the load (e.g., vehicle) initially starts to move, as there will be a very large difference between pump and turbine speed.
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Old 04-16-2008, 06:50 AM
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Originally Posted by bdmaxima
its sad ur project is about to be over

jw why u don't convert to manual?
Nothing is ever really over!!!

LOL and if I want manual, I switch to manual matic mode, that's what I've been using now for 2 months to go from 1st 2nd then jump to 4th, 5th since my 3rd gear was shot!!!
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Old 04-16-2008, 06:59 AM
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WOW great work man. Musty be nice to have unlimited funds. LOL.. can't wait to see how it comes out.
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Old 04-16-2008, 07:32 AM
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chris i'm so envious!
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Old 04-16-2008, 08:24 AM
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So what's the new stall speed ( RPM )?
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Old 04-16-2008, 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by !PrjctMax!
With our "weak" transmissions...is the TC the main thing that is weak?
not according to the tranny wholesaler that I visit. They said valve bodies and solenoids just fail.
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Old 04-16-2008, 05:05 PM
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what do you mean just fail sounds to me like they were talking out their ***. I mean come on these transmissions are supposed to be bulletproof. Not exactly the truth as many are finding out.

I am monitoring this thread very closely so don't hold back on any of the details there chern.
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Old 04-16-2008, 06:16 PM
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Update 1, 4/16/2008

OK got to Fred's shop around noon and they have all the Turbo Exhaust piping off or disconnected. Almost broke my heart seeing the Turbo laying on her side :-( We did find potential horse power (hp) loss due to a failed and almost failed gasket on the exhaust piping. In the pictures you can see on the piping where the exhaust gas was escaping. Another picture shows a blown $3 dollar gasket compared to the new high hp metal race gaskets I got at Advanced Auto for $27 bones ($24 dollars with my veterans discount). We also removed the rackandpinion and disconnected everything attached to the top of the tranny. The Tranny will be out tomorrow and the real work begins. Once the tranny is dropped, I'll finally be able to install the rear Racingline Motor Mount Insert (MMI) which should augment the front MMI and contribute to the overall performance. Less side to side engine vibration leads to faster power transfer down to the wheel...












Last edited by chernmax; 04-17-2008 at 04:20 AM.
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Old 04-16-2008, 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by po8pimp
what do you mean just fail sounds to me like they were talking out their ***. I mean come on these transmissions are supposed to be bulletproof. Not exactly the truth as many are finding out.

I am monitoring this thread very closely so don't hold back on any of the details there chern.
They are not talking out of their ***, there is no reason to. They operate legite multi-million dollar business here in Brooklyn. They have a humongous warehouse where they rebuild trannies too. They are talking based on parts sold for these trannies. The owner told me that they sell a lot of parts for these trannies, unproportionately high number comparing to other "newer" cars. He said it will take another year or so for retrofit kits (rebuild kits) to be available from aftermarket manufacturers. I've seen catalog from one and there are plenty of mods & fixes to fix other car's trannies with upgraded valves, larger springs, shafts etc. ect. but nothing available for our trannies, yet.

I provide IT services to these guys on some weekends and after my tranny failed, i just asked them if it's not unusual. You still think they are talking out of their ***? It must be a coincidence that 3 more trannies were replaced at the dealership that same day I went in. Oh well, hope yours doesn't fail on you, right after your warranty expires.
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Old 04-17-2008, 02:19 AM
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Originally Posted by xoomer.com
They are not talking out of their ***, there is no reason to. They operate legite multi-million dollar business here in Brooklyn. They have a humongous warehouse where they rebuild trannies too. They are talking based on parts sold for these trannies. The owner told me that they sell a lot of parts for these trannies, unproportionately high number comparing to other "newer" cars. He said it will take another year or so for retrofit kits (rebuild kits) to be available from aftermarket manufacturers. I've seen catalog from one and there are plenty of mods & fixes to fix other car's trannies with upgraded valves, larger springs, shafts etc. ect. but nothing available for our trannies, yet.

I provide IT services to these guys on some weekends and after my tranny failed, i just asked them if it's not unusual. You still think they are talking out of their ***? It must be a coincidence that 3 more trannies were replaced at the dealership that same day I went in. Oh well, hope yours doesn't fail on you, right after your warranty expires.
Funny you mention that, I am getting my second transmission repaired within the next couple weeks. I postponed getting it done due to part availability. This transmission is not only in the Maxima or only Nissan's for that matter. The transmission has been out for quite a few years now. Parts are available just hard to find. I didn't mean anything by my comment. Just upsetting to hear someone say something is supposed to fail. you know what I mean. you don't make something this complex knowing it's going to fail. there is something causing these parts to fail and I am on a mission to find out. I read the whole service manual on this transmission and I realize now that this transmission is more complex than the engine itself. Of course that is my opinion. Anyways I appologize if I stirred anything up with my comment deffinitly not the intent.

chern the engine bay is looking a little empty.
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Old 04-17-2008, 11:53 AM
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Originally Posted by xoomer.com
They are not talking out of their ***
I just got a mental picture of Ace Ventura, talking out his ***

xoomer, since you know these guys how about asking them what the hell is happening with the 6speed Toyota trans in the Camry V6 and ES350
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Old 04-17-2008, 12:16 PM
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Which vehicle is that gasket originally made for?
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Old 04-17-2008, 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by JeEvE
Which vehicle is that gasket originally made for?
It's a universal high performance gasket. Not vehicle specific...
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Old 04-17-2008, 01:22 PM
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Update 4/17/2008

Subframe removed (damn would have been a great time to upgrade the front lower anti-sway bar like Deus did with the Altima SE-R bar.



Tranny removed





Tranny Rebuild kit (Note, chemically cleaned transmission housing in the background, looked brand new when I walked by it!!!)



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Old 04-17-2008, 01:32 PM
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Update: 4/17/2008

Tranny disassembled for cleaning and inspection.







Valve body



Chemically cleaned transmission housing (looked brand new!!!)

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Old 04-17-2008, 01:40 PM
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Most modified maxima ever. nice work.
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Old 04-17-2008, 03:03 PM
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great work chris... this car sure is amazing...

do u think w/ the new tranny work your times will be better??? and will u be pumping up[ the boost at all now that the tranny can handle it ?
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Old 04-17-2008, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Fastmax05
great work chris... this car sure is amazing...

do u think w/ the new tranny work your times will be better??? and will u be pumping up[ the boost at all now that the tranny can handle it ?

Yes and yes!!! PSI at 6, moving up to 8 when complete...
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Old 04-17-2008, 07:43 PM
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how much whp you are expecting at 8psi? 400 or higher? and why didnt you put this car on modified mag or something?im pretty sure you will be feeatured. it will probably say "400+whp Max?!!"
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Old 04-17-2008, 07:51 PM
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Update 4/17/2008

Transtar Master Overhaul Kit K9200 Parts listing.



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Old 04-17-2008, 07:56 PM
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I wonder if I have to drop my subframe for the 6 speed when I get a Stage 2 clutch with lightweight flywheel.
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Old 04-17-2008, 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by dineth00i30
how much whp you are expecting at 8psi? 400 or higher? and why didnt you put this car on modified mag or something?im pretty sure you will be feeatured. it will probably say "400+whp Max?!!"

Being optimistic at 8PSI with the tranny upgrade I'm hoping for 360-390whp which is well within the 450-460+hp range.

And before I do any more mags, I'd like to be able to submit actual dyno and track numbers, makes for better reading...
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Old 04-17-2008, 08:20 PM
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impressive, but I also think you should hit 2 birds with one stone and change out that OEM front sway bar
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Old 04-17-2008, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by STARR
impressive, but I also think you should hit 2 birds with one stone and change out that OEM front sway bar
Understanding my own handling goals since I don't autocross, my current suspension and handling modifications are way more than enough for my current needs...
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Old 04-17-2008, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by chernmax
Understanding my own handling goals since I don't autocross, my current suspension and handling modifications are way more than enough for my current needs...
I never doubted you for a second, was just voicing my opinion typing
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Old 04-17-2008, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by STARR
I never doubted you for a second, was just voicing my opinion typing
Cool, so others understand my statement is because:

1. I don't autocross
2. Shaved a lot of weight off the car
3. Have the following handling mods:
- D2 Coilovers
- Front and rear Racingline V2 endlinks (with www.energysuspensionparts.com bushings)
- Stillen Rear anti-sway Bar
- Stillen Front Upper strut brace
- BFG g-force 255/45 ZR 18/99Y
- Eibach 5mm spacers

Handling wise this works great for me...
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Old 04-19-2008, 04:35 PM
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that is whole alot of **** done to this car.
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Old 04-19-2008, 06:51 PM
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nice work but i need to help you out alittle here, coming from a 400whp sentra SE-R and blowing gaskets all the time i would suggest you dump those gaskets and use just and yes JUST RED RTV(high temp). This stuff works wonders. I had it on the manifold to head, turbo to manifold(with a metal gasket) and NEVER had a leak. the only gasket i would use is a complete metal gasket not one that has a metal center with the materal on both sides(like the ones you are showing in the pics).

Also the torque convertor has 1 stall point...if he added 300 stall then its 300rpm higher then the OEM.

Nice progress and write up. Did you install an LSD while you had the trans apart?
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Old 04-19-2008, 07:11 PM
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FWIW stock stall is 2,430 - 2,730 rpm
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