Old school trick to get more HP is move up the timing... How do we do this on a 98 Max???

 

I don't think there's any other way other than an aftermarket ECU and or piggyback ECU.

 

yup, and our compression ratio is already pretty high you can't do much with only pump gas. once you have the ecu installed you can't adjust it on the fly either, damn computerized stuff.

 

Many of the "old school tricks" don't work on modern computer-controlled engines. That's because the computer controls engine parameters such as ignition timing and fuel mixture. The 4Gen Maxima runs ignition timing as far advanced as you would ever want it, and backs off when pinging occurs.

 

OK, so much for advancing timing... How about retarding the timing for NO2 applications, supercharging, etc.?

 

Ignition timing is not adjustable on the 4Gen Maxima engine. There is no distributor. There are no weights and springs to tinker with. There is no vacuum advance. It is all electronic, and all under control of the Engine Control Module. The best you can do is replace the stock ECM with an aftermarket unit, and I don't know if those allow the individual owner or technician to control spark timing.

 

I have a question along the same lines as this discussion. My 95 Maxima has a pinging problem. It happens when the car shifts from 1st to 2nd but only between 2500 - 4000 RPM. Also, when I am going up a hill and the A/C is on, it pings continously in any gear. It also increases the tempeture and begins to overheat. I have been told that this is a timing problem. I have always put 76 or Mobile gas ( 91 or better octane ). Can someone direct me on what will solve the problem.

 

Pinging, also called engine knock, has a sound often described as an unpleasant irregular metallic rattle, similar to shaking a coffee can full of marbles. Pinging is pronounced when the engine is under load, such as climbing a hill or rapid acceleration.

Causes of pinging include:
- fuel AKI too low
- ignition timing too far advanced
- lean mixture
- carbon deposits in combustion chambers
- EGR valve stuck closed
- EGR passages obstructed with soot
- EGR vacuum signal hose(s) split, broken, or disconnected
- engine running too hot

There are other vehicle sounds which are similar to pinging. The most common example is an exhaust system heat shield which has become loose and rattles or buzzes, especially at certain engine RPMs.

Your Maxima has a Knock Sensor which detects pinging and signals the Engine Control Module (the computer). The ECM responds by retarding the ignition timing to eliminate the pinging. For this reason... IF your Knock Sensor is working... you have never heard your Maxima engine pinging.