Hi, my name is Robert and I just got a 92 Maxima. I've been into building up Jeeps ever since I was 15, but I need a daily driver while the 76 CJ5 sits in the driveway waiting for the weekend. I picked up the Maxima from my parents who got a 2000, and now just like every other motorhead in the world, I can't stop thining about building up the DD.

I know pretty much nothing about Japanese cars. On the CJ I've done just about everything myself, including setting the differential gears and swapping in a 360 in place of the inline sux (i mean six).

On the Nissan I have 121k on the motor. I have no idea what motor it is, I read there are 2 different ones, and just now found out I have a 3rd gen. The maxima doesn't have a spoiler, and I've been told its the lesser of the 2 models that were offered that year. Its an auto transmission too.

What are some things I should look out for before they go wrong, and what would be the best bang for the buck upgrade?
I'm looking at either a K&N, strut tower brace, or maybe some exhaust work.

Sorry about the lengthy post, and thanks for any help and info.

 

Let me be one of the first to say welcome.I am sure that on this site you will always be able to find someone to lend you a hand.And the Maxima's are very good cars I have 201,000+ miles on mine and I am still modding it and it is still driving hard.And when it comes to mods I would say go to www.warpspeedperformance.com and pick up a Y and a CAI that will be your favorite bolt ons of all.Definately the biggest bang for your buck.

 

Thanks, I think I'll be getting the CAI kit pretty soon. Are there any ignition upgrades besides the computer that can be done? or is the ignition pretty much rock solid from the factory?

I keep reading here that everyone likes courtesy nissan in Richardson Tx. Being from North Dallas, thats where the Maxima went for service when my parents owned it, but the last time it was there, they told my dad the power steering pump was about to go out. Well it took me and some friends a whole 30 seconds to see fluid spewing out of the crimped end of a PS hose. They had a really cool parts dept, but just letting you know my experiences with the service dept.

 

Well it sounds like you have a VG motor.So I know there are some other mods you can do to the ignition.Like a new distributor and some new plug wires.But you might want to find another VG owner like DA-MAX or Matt93gxe,Kaleb.Or some of the other VG veterans on the board and ask them.

 

as for ignition upgrades, by word of mouth, Jacobs seems to be the choice. their claimed HP gians 8-10+(validity??) on ther lowest output system the Omni Magnum is pretty good, so the output of their more advanced systems like the Import Ice PAK and Pro Street should be even better! but yes the stock ignition is fine, but I would think you'll get a little more "kick" out of the Jacobs unit.
THE MAX has the Jacobs Pro Street ignition on his nitrous'd Maxima and I think he said he saw a 25hp gain from it alone.....
look for the Import ICE PAK($325) or the Pro Street($4-500) model, but check the Ice Pak out here: http://www.jacobselectronics.com/pro...aks/icepak.htm

and like Dmontzmax said, look into the WSP exhaust and CAI, you'll be very pleased with the results from this combo!!

okay I'm done rambling!!!

 

Its definatly got a distributor. I found out the hardway that you NEED that heat shield on the cap or it will warp in a matter of minutes. I was reading some site that explained the differences between the 2 motors. Does the VG, the one I have, use a timing chain or belt? I'm sitting here at my desk at work, if not I'd go check myself. Also, its got 121k on it like I said earlier, I've heard some different opinions on changing the tranny fluid. All the guys I've talked to tell me not to change the fluid in a Japanese transmission because its got tight clutch plate clearances and more harm than good will come out of it. Is this BS, and whats involved in changing it? I've changed the fluid in a TH400 and a TF999, and it was really easy, but this car stuff is getting to me, I just want to get my Maxima faster off the line than my Jeep (jeeps got AMC 360 + 4.56 gears, and thats w/ 36" tires)

 

the VG has a timing belt(unfortunately) so the usual 60k mile change is necessary. as for the trans fluid I'm not sure on the manuals, but I know the auto is suggested for 15k flushes and refills.

 

welcome to the board! btw, i'm in dallas too, near mesquite.

 

Welcome to the site. Here you will learn alot about your Max and also the advice can save you heaps of money. Good to see you have a Maxima. They are a great car and if you look after it well you should have no troubles.
I do recommending that you get your tranny flushed and serviced if it has not been done recently. My car needs a flush and service at the moment. Also put a transmission cooler in to protect the tranny. There not that expensive, just find out at your local auto shop. Anyway have fun with your Max and remember....A serviced Maxima is a happy one..

 

He may save money on service here, but he'll spent 10x that in mods if he hangs around too long. When I first came here, my car was completely stock and intended to stay that way.. now look at it!