Hello,

I am new to this site, and was referred to it for good info. I am considering buying a 92+ SE w/ manual tranny (190 horses being the main reason) as I've always liked those Maximas, they're fast, have got a decent audio system, and are generally reliable. However, I recently heard about the problem of the VTC sprockets failing. My questions to you guys about this are:

1. Should I avoid a Maxima of this generation, and look for a newer or older one?

2. Is this a LIVEABLE problem or is it something that I should avoid because of longterm damage, repair costs, etc.

3. I only have about 6K to spend, so I'll probably be getting a 92. Are there major differences between 92, 93, 94? As far as I know it's only minute cosmetic differences.

4. What other problems should I expect, and what should I look out for when going to look for a 3rd gen Maxima w/ the 190 horse engine.

5. What would you suggest the first modification be?

 

If the engine is quiet, then they are probably okay. Most guys here just leave them ticking anyway. If you get a quiet one, make sure to change the oil and use synthetics. At this time frame, the 92-94 SE's are about the same. But the 94 is supposed to have upgraded versions of the VTC. But if you SE has had the VTCs done already, it will have the upgraded ones anyway. The first mod should be a rear swaybar, then shocks/springs, then Y-pipe/intake.

 

Another question: I've heard the VTC problem occurs during start-up, when the engine is cold. I live in Massachusetts, so it is cold right now, but I'll be buying this car sometime in May. Will a cold engine in a warm temperatures still click?

 

It depends on how bad they are. It's been along time since I fixed mine but here it goes. They will usually tick at start-up then go away. Then they will tick when you have parked the car for 1 hour+, then restart the car. Then it will eventually tick all the time.

 

"Then it will eventually tick all the time."

Do you mean even after start-up? As in having it ticking while driving around??

 

Yup

 

Crap. That sucks. Sorta turns me off from buying one, or saving up for a 94. How did you fix yours? Repair them or disable them?

 

I replaced them(not rebuilt or grounded) and at the same time, fixed the exhaust manifold studs, did a clutch job and did a head gasket. I took the engine out to peform all this.

http://www.zing.com/picture/p2df3683...2.jpg.orig.jpg

 

So, would you suggest staying away from 92-94 SE?

 

Read my first reply.

 

well, from what i heard is that if you get a 92-94 se, you can get it in automatic with the 190hp & avoid the vtc problem

 

Nope. ALL 92-94 SEs have the VE30DE, which have VTCs. Now the autos DON'T HAVE THE POWER VALVE in the manifold.

 

oh my bad, but wat if u rewire it. there have been some posts on here sayin that you can just rewire it & everything is the same, is that tru?

 

I don't do rewires, sorry. I only do the correct fix.

 

Don't believe that the 3rd gen Maximas have great audio systems either. I have the BOSE, which does sound real good (way better than any aftermarket systems with </= 200 watts running no larger than 6 x 9 speakers), but only if its running right. Lately BOSe has been a nightmare for me. The 3rd gen BOSE amps are subject to failure, and I have had a couple fail in big ways. Yesterday, I was driving and one amp blew causing some VERY loud popping in the speaker, and the speaker was blown as well, one that I had just replaced. Anyways, right now I have two blown back speakers (some sound but lots of buzz), two blown rear amps(they are sporatic... sometimes they will work and other times I have no sound out of one or more speakers), and one bad front amp, as well as a broken CD player. All in all don't buy a 3rd gen based on the BOSE system. I will be soon ripping it out for an afteramarket system....