ok, here's the delema. I think alot of maxima owners face this when they first start to mod their maximas. Most simply start with bolt on performance parts, and lets face it, compared to hondas and toyotas, there really isn't much you can do to these 3rd max's. So do you start with Suspension, or try to get extra ponies out of your motor. Since i have an SE and that's what i know the most about, we'll start there. The 190 HP and decent torque curve in these motors makes em fun to drive. It seems to have ample power on the highway, and decent off the line. Lets look at suspension. maximas sit fairly high and their wheel wells look like they can acommidate Super swampers. Everyone seems quick to lower their max and bolt Tokikos on. Personally i'm holding out for a coil over kit that is engineered solely for the third gen maxima. I found a "compatible" Kit for the max, however i was none too thrilled about it not being specifically designed. so What is an owner to do. In my opinion, if it is an SE, Suspension. Adjustable shocks, Possibly PROGRESSIVE springs if you have your heart set on lowering it, Lower prof. tires. Larger Sway bars, stiffer bushings. If you lower your car, be sure to buy a camber kit to make that adjustable. You may think your car corners better, but where it is really noticeable is in hard, racelike transitions, where the max's understeer comes into play. Here is where the camber kit, stiffer bushings, and larger sway bars come into play. Strut braces dramatically help the max's tracking and steering. After you get your suspension where you want it, then i'd think about a possible intake, Y pipe, and underdrive pulleys. I am considering a shifting kit adn a lightweight flywheel also. If you ask me, the best shifting kit is a hacksaw. Just my opinion though. I've had numerous kits in the accord, CRX, and fiero. The hacksaw seems to work best. Again just my opinion, as is the rest of this article

 

I think that most guys on this forum dont have access to drive their cars at a road track every week. Therefore some of that money might want to be spent on performance engine mods. Most of the guys just want something that is pepy while driving to and from work. All the things that you list are great when it comes to racing. But to tell you the truth a lot of those suspension parts are not appreciated unless your own a full blown race track. Most of our maxes will never see a track like that. I know that is just your oppinion, but in my oppinion I would like to brag to another person that my car can outrun them in the 1/4 mile then on a road course. Honestly I wish I could brag about both, but speed to me is more important.


92GXE, touring wing, 18” racing wheels, Port&Polished intake, custom intake, custom yellow interior, racing seats, back seats taken out and replaced with subs and amps, NOS kit, Suspension tech. Lowering springs, custom grille, soon to be custom painted and have the whole engine rebuilt for big shot NOS and custom SC and tranny converted to 5-speed.