Just dropping by to re-introduce myself. I *was* the guy with the 89' max with 406k original miles; and now i'm the guy with the slightly newer 92' max with 143k miles. No shock, but it's already giving me VTC problems and exhaust leaks. Doh, but i just can't stay away.



Anyway, posting mostly to inquire about the Courtesy FSTB and a comparable RSTB. Apparently, they're no longer available (or are well hidden) at the Courtesy Parts website. Anyone know of something similar or better?

Also, a basic aftermarket (preferably not just a drop-in) intake setup? I've been through the FAQs, but few of the sites listed still have what i'm looking for, or seem to get pretty rough reviews.

 

So what happened to the 89? With 406K, that would be one of the highest mileage max's on the board!

 

For the new people, its had 1 new upper radiator hose, transmission redone at 250k, 6 sets of Yokohama tires and 1 of brand X, 2 brake jobs, and simple routine maintenance. No rebuild. All highway.

Mom was taking her to work one morning, and the next thing she remembers, she was in a ditch with 3 paramedics screaming at her.

She had sneezed, passed out, swerved head-on into the other lane and into an A8 (bumper in 1st pic) at roughly 25mph each. No one was hurt more than a few bruises, and the woman in the Audi came to clean out her car in a *then* brand new 03' Camry. Mom is punished with my old 94 camry 2.2 i4 for the rest of its days.

 

well for the fstb the OTTO bar from procarparts.com for the 2k3 is a great fit...no moving of the air conditioner hose or anything. Check my site for pics.

There isnt a rstb mass produced. You can make your own and AFAIK only one person has done that on this board.

just buy a filter adapter and a K&N filter or equivalent for the intake.

btw the car looks nice.

 

Understandably - you like 3 gens... anyone who gets 400k from one is a believer..

But why did you buy one with 140k miles ?? There are 3 gens around with 50k - 90k.

Why did you buy one with vtc and exhaust leak problems??

A 3 gen - or anything else with a 140k city miles is dang near worn out..

Granted your previous vehicle was all highway - but most are not.

Just wondering... (Did you get it real cheap??)

 

Hey nice lookin max! (Black is the best color btw ) Is that an auto or 5-spd?

 

Actually, i payed blue book for it. The VTC issue was totally unknown to me, coming from the SOHC. It had all the options i wanted (black/black with the electronics package, and an absolutely pristine interior). The exhaust leak actually isn't in the studs, but in the (missing) gasket between the manifold and the first pipe. And it wasn't ticking till its fifth fill-up under my ownership.

I've been extremely pleased with it thus far. It's a 5 speed, and the plaque on the bulkhead indicates that it has a VLSD. Quite fast, and handles pretty well for its age. Currently, its in "beater duty," but spending a lot of time surfing through old posts has me thinking maybe i should put her into a more active role : )

Also, i've been looking at a similar 92SE with the same options (minus leather and heated mirrors) that has HORRIBLE VTC noise, and barely runs at all as a sort of parts car. I'd kind of like to either rebuild the engine and transmission of the second one to just toss into this one, or maybe do some sort of engine swap?

 

you should definitly promote that to something other than a beater you have a beast on your hands and i guess are kind of unaware of its potetial

 

Well, before it reaches it's potential, i'd really like to just elevate it to "running well."

Also, 99' Maxima SE wheels are in the garage, as well as a VQ30DE from a 97' (buddys' garage, actually). It just leaves me thinking.... hmmmm. There certainly seems to be enough room.... And the mounts aren't too far apart.... And this engine harness is sitting right here...

As long as this VE is going to cost me for VTC work (i have the rebuild kit sitting in the floorboard from my local dealer, and i've been quoted $500 each for new VTCs) why not toss in something still in the maxima family, more powerful, and more efficient? Seems like one mean maxima to me ..... ?

 

If you are going to fix the exhaust leak, you may as well put in a new y-pipe. The otto FSTB is probably your best bet, since it clears the a/c hose. I have a cheap ebay special for the 5th gen that works fine, but it's a tight squeeze with the hose.

You have a nice looking max. VE 5-speeds are the only way to go

If you get a good deal on the second "parts" car VE, let me know, I have some VE specific parts I am looking for (along with probably a dozen or so other VE owners). I would say get that one if it's a good deal -- even after you take the parts you need, you will likely make money selling us the remainder of the thing.

Good luck!

 

Your 89 is an inspiration- Sorry to see it go, but glad no one was hurt. Now mine with 178K seems like a baby. Nice looking 92 you have there!

 

::looks at his '89 with 158,631 miles and feels tiny::

 

Daym, that is a clean car. I wish my SE looked so clean and good (in due time, though).

 

Man I wish I had a 5 speed.

 

They keep popping up in my area...I may get one after all, mwahaha. If not, I'll hunt a 4th gen 5spd

 

I thought that all 92 SEs have heated mirrors

 

The 92SE project car i was thinking about is pretty much getting canned. I'll pull the engine and transmission this saturday, but the body had been in a good sized rear end collision, and was fairly well covered back up. It *didn't* have heated side-view mirrors.