Enhancing the performance of my 03 Max and adressing its issues.
02-03-2015, 10:11 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
Enhancing the performance of my 03 Max and adressing its issues.
Okay so I'm brand new to the membership of the site but you've all been a wealth of knowledge for me in keeping Maxine (my maxima of course) running like the champ she is. So a little backstory; she's an 03 GLE, all trimmings except navi. 151xxx miles but man that engine is a beast and runs smoooooooth.
So when I initially bought the car the front motor mount (which is electronic in my car) was SHOT. Cracked straight through lol. So I went the cheap route (to get rid of that annoying "jump" the engine gives you when taking off from a stop) because it was quick and easy. Well not an hour later (and even now 2 months later) I start getting heavy feedback in the cabin. Lots of vibration in the steering column and sometimes it causes vibrations so intense I hear my cat's heat shield rattle (messed up anyway, needs to be replaced) I've tried running it with the sensor attached and unattached and it seems to make no difference, the aftermarket one just doesn't work right. Could it be that I haven't reset the ECU to properly communicate with the new part? Should I just go straight OEM part and that should fix it?
I know these engines love to magically get rid of oil and I've noticed it in these few months. How often do you need to top off your oil between regular 3000 miles changes? What kind (brand and viscosity) of oil do you prefer/recommend? I never smell burning but I do commonly see oil spots in my driveway where the oil pan sits, is this a common point of leaking and where are leaks commonly found on these babies?
Finally, I want to make her nice and peppy but keep the low profile style. Aftermarket exhaust system, a ccoldair intake, New plugs and coil pack maybe. What else do you guys think are solid bolt on/cheap labor parts to install that will be low key and rather cheap (less than a grand) and still give me good performance and MPG? What brands specifically? Below are 2 parts I'm interested in and want to know your opinions and past experiences on/with the item. I'd also like some advice on spark plugs that are optimum for the VQ35DE.
http://www.erzperformance.com/mobile...FUVk7AodIzkAug
http://www.andysautosport.com/produc...__rd1940p.html
Thanks for any responses and info!!
So when I initially bought the car the front motor mount (which is electronic in my car) was SHOT. Cracked straight through lol. So I went the cheap route (to get rid of that annoying "jump" the engine gives you when taking off from a stop) because it was quick and easy. Well not an hour later (and even now 2 months later) I start getting heavy feedback in the cabin. Lots of vibration in the steering column and sometimes it causes vibrations so intense I hear my cat's heat shield rattle (messed up anyway, needs to be replaced) I've tried running it with the sensor attached and unattached and it seems to make no difference, the aftermarket one just doesn't work right. Could it be that I haven't reset the ECU to properly communicate with the new part? Should I just go straight OEM part and that should fix it?
I know these engines love to magically get rid of oil and I've noticed it in these few months. How often do you need to top off your oil between regular 3000 miles changes? What kind (brand and viscosity) of oil do you prefer/recommend? I never smell burning but I do commonly see oil spots in my driveway where the oil pan sits, is this a common point of leaking and where are leaks commonly found on these babies?
Finally, I want to make her nice and peppy but keep the low profile style. Aftermarket exhaust system, a ccoldair intake, New plugs and coil pack maybe. What else do you guys think are solid bolt on/cheap labor parts to install that will be low key and rather cheap (less than a grand) and still give me good performance and MPG? What brands specifically? Below are 2 parts I'm interested in and want to know your opinions and past experiences on/with the item. I'd also like some advice on spark plugs that are optimum for the VQ35DE.
http://www.erzperformance.com/mobile...FUVk7AodIzkAug
http://www.andysautosport.com/produc...__rd1940p.html
Thanks for any responses and info!!
Last edited by Sinscythe07; 02-03-2015 at 10:29 PM.
02-03-2015, 10:44 PM
#2
I have the Injen CAI. Lots of people are going to say it's great. Lots of people will say it's crap. I like it. Makes a little noise and power. Nothing crazy. It's also an easy DIY install. The main complaint is that it sits behind the side of the radiator. There's a thread on the forums that tells you how you can do a little work to make it a true COLD air intake though if that's something you'd be interested in.
The OBX exhaust is really up to you. Check out youtube to find exhaust sounds you like... but I guess you can never really be so sure unless you hear it in person. Install wise, exhaust can be hard since the parts are rusty. I can't do that myself, so I had to pay a mechanic friend to do it. Took a couple hours. A new exhaust note can be fun with a car though, but can easily break the low-profile. I kinda miss it.
Performance wise, you won't get much without a tune from either of these things. Ideally, exhaust size won't matter unless you plan to turbo, so 2.5" exhaust is fine. I haven't noticed any increase in gas mileage with my car since I started modding. If anything, the changes, especially the shift kit, have made the push to power a lot more noticeable and fast, which has made my gas mileage worse
The OBX exhaust is really up to you. Check out youtube to find exhaust sounds you like... but I guess you can never really be so sure unless you hear it in person. Install wise, exhaust can be hard since the parts are rusty. I can't do that myself, so I had to pay a mechanic friend to do it. Took a couple hours. A new exhaust note can be fun with a car though, but can easily break the low-profile. I kinda miss it.
Performance wise, you won't get much without a tune from either of these things. Ideally, exhaust size won't matter unless you plan to turbo, so 2.5" exhaust is fine. I haven't noticed any increase in gas mileage with my car since I started modding. If anything, the changes, especially the shift kit, have made the push to power a lot more noticeable and fast, which has made my gas mileage worse
Last edited by Cotozic; 02-03-2015 at 10:47 PM.
02-03-2015, 10:54 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
Thanks for being my first official respondent! I know cold air intakes are prone to making some noise especially when accelerating hard so I'm fine with that, I just want the HP boost and this looks like one of the best on the market.
I also know an aftermarket exhaust will give it a throatier sound and likely make it louder but I was hoping someone could point me towards one which helps with performance and is also on the quieter end of the spectrum.
Also, any advice on the motor mount issue before I go dropping 250 for a factory Nissan part?
and this looks like one of the best on the market. I also know an aftermarket exhaust will give it a throatier sound and likely make it louder but I was hoping someone could point me towards one which helps with performance and is also on the quieter end of the spectrum.
Also, any advice on the motor mount issue before I go dropping 250 for a factory Nissan part?
Last edited by Sinscythe07; 02-03-2015 at 10:57 PM.
02-04-2015, 02:05 AM
#4
if you want to spent a lot of money for noise and no performance then get an injen. or you can spend $100 on a jwt pop charger and build a midpipe for performance. the best bang for the buck mod would be to gut your precats.
and just check your oil once a week.
and just check your oil once a week.
02-04-2015, 11:53 AM
#7
02-04-2015, 01:07 PM
#8
02-04-2015, 02:13 PM
#9
NWP 5 pc spacing kit
http://www.nwpengineering.com/Phenolic_Spacers.html
CAI or short ram intake
Trans-Go shift kit
http://www.nwpengineering.com/Phenolic_Spacers.html
CAI or short ram intake
Trans-Go shift kit
02-04-2015, 05:29 PM
#11
Trans-go shift kit makes your 1/2 to full throttle accel shift harder and faster, as well as making your low accel shifts faster.
I would recommend any product from NWP as well, they make great products.
02-04-2015, 07:56 PM
#13
02-27-2015, 10:22 AM
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
Just did the GAB mod and it worked wonderfully! I used two high gauge wire coat hangers that gave it excellent support. I made a traditional GAB hanger bracket for support at the top and a second one for the bottom which I twisted around so it braces the middle and bottom of the filter. Thing is in there rock solid and after a thoroughly bumpy test drive I'm satisfied with its integrity. And the sound!!! I'd step on the pedal and get a viciously mean growl from the intake! Butt dyno says maybe a couple horses added, nothing to write home about but very cool.
Last edited by Sinscythe07; 02-27-2015 at 10:24 AM. Reason: Spelling and grammar
02-27-2015, 03:11 PM
#15
Just did the GAB mod and it worked wonderfully! I used two high gauge wire coat hangers that gave it excellent support. I made a traditional GAB hanger bracket for support at the top and a second one for the bottom which I twisted around so it braces the middle and bottom of the filter. Thing is in there rock solid and after a thoroughly bumpy test drive I'm satisfied with its integrity. And the sound!!! I'd step on the pedal and get a viciously mean growl from the intake! Butt dyno says maybe a couple horses added, nothing to write home about but very cool.
02-27-2015, 07:12 PM
#16
Follow to the tee:
http://powerblocktv.com/post/the-top...s-for-your-car
http://powerblocktv.com/post/the-top...s-for-your-car
02-28-2015, 07:36 AM
#18
Here is how my car sounds on revs under 4k.
Mods for the exhaust are:
cattman headers and y pipe
warpspeed adjustable test pipe
greddy sp2 catback
I know its not a 3.5, so yours may have more gurgle. Look into the admintuning catback. Its 3" and sounds great on a 3.5.
If you can find either OBX v2 headers (if those are still around), or use the ones that the 3.5 altima uses you can have your own y pipe made.
Mods for the exhaust are:
cattman headers and y pipe
warpspeed adjustable test pipe
greddy sp2 catback
I know its not a 3.5, so yours may have more gurgle. Look into the admintuning catback. Its 3" and sounds great on a 3.5.
If you can find either OBX v2 headers (if those are still around), or use the ones that the 3.5 altima uses you can have your own y pipe made.
Last edited by Fauken; 02-28-2015 at 07:40 AM.
03-01-2015, 12:50 AM
#20
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
Yeah I'm looking for something that rumbles but not too much. I really like the sound of the OBX but after I'd read some of the nightmare fitment issues people had with the headers I got put off a bit. I've also looked at the BRM and Megan Racing catbacks. Anyone know if the current OBX catbacks on the market fit directly?
I'm loving the sound and feel of my GAB mod but the sketchyness of the hangers have me checking it out every time I get out of the car lol. I've been thinking of creating some kind of metal bracket I can fit in there similar to the hangers but much more secure. Anyone ever attempted this or have opiniona on it? Im also currently looking for another filter holder to drill/top chop.
I'm loving the sound and feel of my GAB mod but the sketchyness of the hangers have me checking it out every time I get out of the car lol. I've been thinking of creating some kind of metal bracket I can fit in there similar to the hangers but much more secure. Anyone ever attempted this or have opiniona on it? Im also currently looking for another filter holder to drill/top chop.
03-12-2015, 07:26 AM
#21
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
**UPDATE**
Found a nice performance exhaust place nearby my house that's making a custom exhaust for me! 2.5" SS piping from the catback and putting in a straight pipe instead of a resonator. They're doing all the bending themselves on a mandrel and popping on a nice performance flowmaster muffler. Quoted ~300 parts and labor! Can't wait for the result.
Found a nice performance exhaust place nearby my house that's making a custom exhaust for me! 2.5" SS piping from the catback and putting in a straight pipe instead of a resonator. They're doing all the bending themselves on a mandrel and popping on a nice performance flowmaster muffler. Quoted ~300 parts and labor! Can't wait for the result.
03-12-2015, 09:39 AM
#22
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
**UPDATE**
Found a nice performance exhaust place nearby my house that's making a custom exhaust for me! 2.5" SS piping from the catback and putting in a straight pipe instead of a resonator. They're doing all the bending themselves on a mandrel and popping on a nice performance flowmaster muffler. Quoted ~300 parts and labor! Can't wait for the result.
Found a nice performance exhaust place nearby my house that's making a custom exhaust for me! 2.5" SS piping from the catback and putting in a straight pipe instead of a resonator. They're doing all the bending themselves on a mandrel and popping on a nice performance flowmaster muffler. Quoted ~300 parts and labor! Can't wait for the result.
03-12-2015, 04:17 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Prince Georges, MD
Posts: 564
:
03-16-2015, 01:46 PM
#28
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 119
I was able to record some videos and post them on YouTube. The in cabin video is a bit hard to hear. I'm working on finding someone to hold my phone for me to get a take-off/drive-by video. But as promised..
03 Maxima Custom Catback Exhaust System:
03 Maxima In Cabin Custom Catback Exhaust System:
03 Maxima Custom Catback Exhaust System:
03 Maxima In Cabin Custom Catback Exhaust System:
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JoshG
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
51
09-21-2015 10:41 PM
97_GXE
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
20
09-17-2015 08:12 PM