My WSP Y-pipe just arrived so I can now replaced my rusted out stock pipe. I'm considering having a jet-hot coating applied to the WSP Y-pipe and if I do that I'm thinking about doing the exhaust manifolds at the same time. So far as I know, there are no 'header design' cast iron manifolds for the VG, so the jet hot process seems like the only way to improve the performance of the stock manifolds (they claim a lower underhood temp and a 1-3% hp gain because the coating keeps the exh. gases hotter, ergo, better exit flow). My concern is that I have 198,000 miles on my VG and none of the studs have broken so far. I'd like to hear from anyone who has experience with removing the manifolds. If all the studs are likely to snap, I'll probably leave them alone.

 

Headers have been attempted on a maxima before (I believe it was a 4th Gen, but I can't remember who did it.). They were VERY nice headers, in addition, they tried ported stock manifolds. Neither showed any significant HP increase. Actually, if I remember correctly, one ended up reducing power (HP or TQ, can't remember) at certain points in the power curve. I do remember them saying as a final note that Nissan did a good job engineering our VG's, and headers (even porting the manifolds) made no real improvement, were pointless. I want to say that this test car was supercherged too. Yeah, I think it was. SO anyway, there is no point in doing it. Save your money for other power adders. That's alot of miles dude, so first of all, if it aint broke, dont fix it,(ever try to do the manifolds on a vg? I have twice, sucked equally bad both times) and second of all, I'd be wary of modding the hell out of a 200k mile engine. Good luck. You'll like what the Y-pipe does for you.

 

I appreciate your knowledgable considered opinion and I'll leave the manifolds alone. BTW, I know it sounds goofy to mod a 200,000 mi. max but technically what I do are "repairs" not "mods" because my car is 100% business usage. Everytime something breaks I just replace it with aftermarket stuff (which usually costs less than the stock equivalent) and it's tax deductible in the year in which I make the repair. If I buy a new car the cost of the car must be
amortized over a few years.

 

Business write-offs are cool. I'm about to start a business with my friend..so I'm looking forward to the tax benfits. What business are you in? I like your philosophy on replacing stuff with aftermarket stuff...I do the same thing. That is of course until the turbo comes in to play!

 

When people retire, I help them invest their money to get the highest return with the least amount of risk and I help them pay the least amount of tax allowable by the IRS code. I think you're right about the turbo; since the Maxima didn't come with a turbo it would be difficult to convince the IRS that the cost of the turbo was a "repair". Good luck on your business and if you're going to write off expenses consider hiring an accountant but whether you're doing the actual expenses (as I do) deduction or the mileage deduction, make sure your business meets the following criteria: 1) You have a written business plan 2) You keep excellent records 3) You must demonstrate the intent to make a profit

 

Thanks for the tips. I have already prepared our business on all three accounts..especially the intent to be profitable! That's the idea. I fully intend on acquiring a good accountant too. In fact, I'll need one for m personal finances soon too. Best of luck.