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94 SE VE30DE 5-SPEED

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Old 02-06-2008, 12:31 PM
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94 SE VE30DE 5-SPEED

Hay all. I was wandering if anyone could give me some info on this car. Anything like problems i should look out for or things that should be done to prevent any future failures. i really like this car and the factory power it produces. I havent done any time runs or top speeds yet so i cant compare to numbers after upgrades. I am really wanting to do these upgrades - cai along with a bigger tb, headers, piping and i have an OTTO race pipe i have had for a few years i am wanting to put on it along with timing advance, new plugs, tb spacer, phenolic intake spacers, lighter flywheel, and crank pully to start with. Is there anything else that would need to be done during this process to make everthing work better together. I just want to get it right and not ruin this car.
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Old 02-06-2008, 12:49 PM
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As long as everything is fairly well sealed in the engine bay, you don't really have to worry about leaking. BUT.. They have been known to leak here and there, primarily on the passenger side. Popular retrofits are for Nitrile/poly bushings for the Control arms. Isn't really necessary for both sides but its a good idea to make sure both units have matching bushings.

There might be VTC clacking later if not currently.. I'm not sure if anyone has a VE30DE without that problem as they didn't engineer that assembly very well in the first place.

Popular mods include standard transmission improvements, Plenum gasket for increased power/lower heat transfer, E36 headlights/projectors, and a few others.

I think that would summarize the easy stuff. I'm sure I left out some things.

You wouldnt be naming yourself after a 75 Tonner would you?

I leave the floor to the others.

Last edited by TimberJon; 02-06-2008 at 12:51 PM.
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Old 02-06-2008, 12:58 PM
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Tick, tick, tick to my lou.............
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Old 02-06-2008, 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Thanatos
Hay all. I was wandering if anyone could give me some info on this car. Anything like problems i should look out for or things that should be done to prevent any future failures. i really like this car and the factory power it produces. I havent done any time runs or top speeds yet so i cant compare to numbers after upgrades. I am really wanting to do these upgrades - cai along with a bigger tb, headers, piping and i have an OTTO race pipe i have had for a few years i am wanting to put on it along with timing advance, new plugs, tb spacer, phenolic intake spacers, lighter flywheel, and crank pully to start with. Is there anything else that would need to be done during this process to make everthing work better together. I just want to get it right and not ruin this car.
no headers, no bigger TB. if you know how to tune then get a standalone EMS
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Old 02-06-2008, 05:21 PM
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bump about the headers there arent any for the VE's even though warpspeed clams there headers will fit they are not a direct bolt up and will leave u dealing with fitment problems.
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Old 02-06-2008, 05:23 PM
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Search this forum for the modifications you listed, there is plenty of past information on all of them,except for the bigger throttle body.

The ve engine has factory header type exhaust manifolds,so there is no need to upgrade.Also, you might have problems finding an UDP,i believe they longer make them for the ve.

What is an otto race pipe?


Check out the general maintenance sticky for lots of good information on VE30DE specific issues and basic maintenance.
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Old 02-06-2008, 05:45 PM
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VE udp is still available from ASP
VG UDP was canceled by UR
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Old 02-06-2008, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
VE udp is still available from ASP
VG UDP was canceled by UR

Ahhh..i knew it was one of them they quit making.

how much do they run now brian?
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Old 02-06-2008, 06:18 PM
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no clue, ASP sells to the likes or summit et al. so I stay away from it.
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Old 02-06-2008, 08:24 PM
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The most common problem with the VE 5-speed is the ticking VTCs. Do some searching and you will find a lot of information on it. Like Jon said, they weren't engineered well enough.

The weakest part is probably the transmission, specifically the input shaft bearings in the manual trans. I think at least 50 percent of the member here that race/mod their VE-5 have had to replace them.

Otherwise, they are very reliable cars with a lot of power for what they are (early 90s "sports" sedan). They are quicker than a lot of other import sedan from the same time period (Accord, Camry, Millennia, Jetta, Diamante, Legend).
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Old 02-06-2008, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Greeny
What is an otto race pipe?
I think its a straight pipe that bolts on and replaces the stock cat, some are even engineered to look like a cat. They free up a few horses while letting your car pollute much more..
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Old 02-06-2008, 10:13 PM
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https://www.aspracing.com/ezRetail/s...php?msg_id=137

?...
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Old 02-07-2008, 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin
The most common problem with the VE 5-speed is the ticking VTCs. Do some searching and you will find a lot of information on it. Like Jon said, they weren't engineered well enough.

The weakest part is probably the transmission, specifically the input shaft bearings in the manual trans. I think at least 50 percent of the member here that race/mod their VE-5 have had to replace them.

Otherwise, they are very reliable cars with a lot of power for what they are (early 90s "sports" sedan). They are quicker than a lot of other import sedan from the same time period (Accord, Camry, Millennia, Jetta, Diamante, Legend).
actually bro i toyed around with legends from the same years and the legends are faster then the maxima also produce more hp then the maxima v6. alone a 1989 acura legend produces 225 hp from its v6. later years produced more hp from there v6 blocks.
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Old 02-07-2008, 04:56 AM
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Originally Posted by elusivemax93
actually bro i toyed around with legends from the same years and the legends are faster then the maxima also produce more hp then the maxima v6. alone a 1989 acura legend produces 225 hp from its v6. later years produced more hp from there v6 blocks.


http://www.hondanews.com/search/rele...?q=alb&s=acura

Originally Posted by Hondanews.com
Vehicle: Legend Sedan
Years Available: 1986-1990
Original Engine: 2.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6, 151 hp @ 5800 rpm, 154 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm
Original Transmission: 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:02 AM
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ok ok i retract my statement now greeny
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by elusivemax93
ok ok i retract my statement now greeny
Heh..no problem..

On the other hand though, the 1987-89 legends were fitted with the 2.7L 161hp engine,but still nowhere near the ve power..

1991-1992 legends have a 200hp engine, while the 93-95 legends were upgraded to a 230hp engine.
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 92gxe/cg2
I think its a straight pipe that bolts on and replaces the stock cat, some are even engineered to look like a cat. They free up a few horses while letting your car pollute much more..
frees up 0 horses and makes more noise
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
frees up 0 horses and makes more noise
And in some cases,reduced hp.
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:44 AM
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ive seen a dyno chart proformed from professionals showing an increase of 2.7 horses and 4 lb ft of torque on a focus four cylinder, 2.7>0.
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Greeny
Also, you might have problems finding an UDP,i believe they longer make them for the ve.
I got mine here, and it already had the extra ring on it... whatever its called, cant remember:

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/asp339800.html
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:47 AM
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Oh and it looks like no one mentioned broken exhaust studs as an issue, watch out for those.
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by mikekantor
I got mine here, and it already had the extra ring on it... whatever its called, cant remember:

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/asp339800.html
yea yea yea. It's already been covered,i thought the ve udp was the one asp stopped making,when it was the vg version.

the horse is dead already..
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Greeny
yea yea yea. It's already been covered,i thought the ve udp was the one asp stopped making,when it was the vg version.

the horse is dead already..
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Old 02-07-2008, 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Greeny
yea yea yea. It's already been covered,i thought the ve udp was the one asp stopped making,when it was the vg version.

the horse is dead already..
right... but this place has it cheaper. anyway, RIP horse.
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Old 02-07-2008, 08:12 AM
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Also... If your window regulators haven't gone out already, they probably will in the future. If you haven't read the stickies, here are some really helpful sites with a lot of write-up's on how to do some pretty cool stuff:

Bryan's Maxima Page:
http://members.csinet.net/tisch/maxima/

Craig Brace's Maxima Page: (really good one-- check how-to's)
http://www.geocities.com/craigbrace/

A Cool Site with a lot of write-ups and a smaller forum:
http://www.4dsc.com

A VG Help Page (But has other stuff too, from an older member):
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507

Nissan ECM Codes for when you test your ECU:
http://pages.cthome.net/bbachinsky/nissan_ecm_codes.htm
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Old 02-07-2008, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by 92gxe/cg2
ive seen a dyno chart proformed from professionals showing an increase of 2.7 horses and 4 lb ft of torque on a focus four cylinder, 2.7>0.
Ok, tell me what a ford 4 banger has in common with these cars? Two different worlds dude.
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Old 02-07-2008, 12:28 PM
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Well the only before and after Race Pipe test i had seen and could remember was for this car, and if it could free up 2.7 hp in a 4 banger, it can probably free up more in a six.
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Old 02-07-2008, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 92gxe/cg2
Well the only before and after Race Pipe test i had seen and could remember was for this car, and if it could free up 2.7 hp in a 4 banger, it can probably free up more in a six.
Not if the six cylinder stock cat has more then sufficient flow,which ours do.
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Old 02-07-2008, 12:57 PM
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Lets see some dyno comparisons! lol jk man, well now I've learned, that's what the forums for.
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Old 02-07-2008, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Greeny
Heh..no problem..

On the other hand though, the 1987-89 legends were fitted with the 2.7L 161hp engine,but still nowhere near the ve power..

1991-1992 legends have a 200hp engine, while the 93-95 legends were upgraded to a 230hp engine.
Well, according to the magazines of the time, the Maxima has a better 1/4 mile time than any of the cars I listed. Most of my magazines are from 91 or 92, when the VE first came out.

I was thinking the Legends were several hundred pounds heavier, too. More power doesn't always equal faster. I have a coworker with a 2007 Mustang V6 that is 210 hp and my Maxima leaves him like he's standing still.

Either way, I just said "most" import cars of the time. There are a lot of faster cars out there, but my point is, my old 92 Maxima is still very competitive compared virtually all other imports in the same price/year range (even several thousand more).

There will always be guys with 12 second Talons and turbo Civic hatches, but I doubt most of them would drive their car for comfort and reliability across the country. I would get in my car right now and drive it coast to coast.
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Old 02-07-2008, 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin
Well, according to the magazines of the time, the Maxima has a better 1/4 mile time than any of the cars I listed. Most of my magazines are from 91 or 92, when the VE first came out.

I was thinking the Legends were several hundred pounds heavier, too. More power doesn't always equal faster. I have a coworker with a 2007 Mustang V6 that is 210 hp and my Maxima leaves him like he's standing still.

Either way, I just said "most" import cars of the time. There are a lot of faster cars out there, but my point is, my old 92 Maxima is still very competitive compared virtually all other imports in the same price/year range (even several thousand more).

There will always be guys with 12 second Talons and turbo Civic hatches, but I doubt most of them would drive their car for comfort and reliability across the country. I would get in my car right now and drive it coast to coast.


Yeah chris, iirc even the first generation legends were around 3700-3800lbs,kinda hard to go faster with junk in teh trunk


Agreed,their will always be a faster little import come along,but as you said, these cars have a great combination of comfort/performance/reliability that is pretty much unmatched in any other car i've driving in my lifetime...and that is a long list..
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Old 02-09-2008, 09:45 AM
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You wouldnt be naming yourself after a 75 Tonner would you?
what is a 75 Tonner???
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Old 02-09-2008, 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Greeny
Search this forum for the modifications you listed, there is plenty of past information on all of them,except for the bigger throttle body.

The ve engine has factory header type exhaust manifolds,so there is no need to upgrade.Also, you might have problems finding an UDP,i believe they longer make them for the ve.

What is an otto race pipe?


Check out the general maintenance sticky for lots of good information on VE30DE specific issues and basic maintenance.
Product Description

19-INCH PERFORMANCE MUFFLER-STRAIGHT THROUGH,ONE CHAMBER DESIGN REDUCES BACKPRESSURE-4-INCH ANGLE CUT TIP -FINE TUNE THE SOUND WITH THE ADJUSTABLE/REMOVEABLE SILENCER-MANUFACTURED FROM HEAT-RESISTANT 409 STAINLESS STEEL FOR THE INNER TUBING, AND NON-MAGNETIC 304 STAINLESS STEEL FOR THE MUFFLER BODY AND OUTER CASING-FIBERGLASS/STAINLESS STEEL WOOL.
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Old 02-09-2008, 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Thanatos
Product Description

19-INCH PERFORMANCE MUFFLER-STRAIGHT THROUGH,ONE CHAMBER DESIGN REDUCES BACKPRESSURE-4-INCH ANGLE CUT TIP -FINE TUNE THE SOUND WITH THE ADJUSTABLE/REMOVEABLE SILENCER-MANUFACTURED FROM HEAT-RESISTANT 409 STAINLESS STEEL FOR THE INNER TUBING, AND NON-MAGNETIC 304 STAINLESS STEEL FOR THE MUFFLER BODY AND OUTER CASING-FIBERGLASS/STAINLESS STEEL WOOL.
Straight through, one chamber = Rice Can Sound... Not really any other way about it.
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Old 02-09-2008, 11:16 AM
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the thing is is that it doesnt make the usual ricer sound. the silencer makes all the diff in the sound area. if you take it out it makes that deep tuner note.
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Old 02-09-2008, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Thanatos
the thing is is that it doesnt make the usual ricer sound. the silencer makes all the diff in the sound area. if you take it out it makes that deep tuner note.
hmm, I ran with a magnaflow dual pipe for a while and it was okay, but just too damn loud. I went back to stock muffler with some nice tips, and a Warpspeed Y-pipe. It's nice and quiet and sleepery.
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Old 02-09-2008, 01:27 PM
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Im pretty sure, back then, the only car in it's class faster then the VE was the SHO, and only by a drop. I think the VE might even swallow it on really high speeds. I don't even find many modern sedans with alot more power to stand up to the VE's top end.
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Old 02-09-2008, 03:54 PM
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so what diameter exhaust would be good for the VE30DE with a CAI, Intake Spacers, TB Upgrade and Spacer also.
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Old 02-09-2008, 03:56 PM
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does the Max need the CAT. the sensor is located before the factory cat on mine. was wandering if it needed it. would i benefit if i took it off.
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Old 02-09-2008, 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Thanatos
so what diameter exhaust would be good for the VE30DE with a CAI, Intake Spacers, TB Upgrade and Spacer also.
Larger diameter exhaust is pointless unless you turbo the car,the only "pinch point" so to speak on the 3rd gen maxima exhaust system is the y-pipe, the only solution is to buy a warpspeed performance y-pipe..

Look----> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WARPS...mZ290112232685
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