I found out I will be receiving my parents' 95 Maxima GLE and I would like to make a lot of modifications to it including power, handling, appearance, basically everything. My first question is, what is a rough estimate of the maximum power that I could get from the maxima engine? Unless I am mistaken, I am under the impression that turbo is pretty much unavailable for the Maxima, just Stillen supercharger. I suppose a follow-up question to this one is whether or not I can put in a different engine, say, for example, a Skyline engine.
Also, it's an automatic transmission, which I would like to be changed to manual. Does anyone know where I could get these changes done?

As you can tell, I am very very new to this stuff, but am extremely interested in pursuing this hobby. If anyone has any other links on the web for more information regarding maxima modification, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for tolerating my amateur-ness in advance

 

ok, the most hp i know of without some crazy **** is around 400 and thats without an SC but a lot of NOS. I dont know of anybody that has done an engine swap as the VQ is a great engine, especially a skyline engine. Check out my list of above Mods for Horsepower, that my be a good start, if i were you, i would get teh intake and Y pipe first. Try warpspeed performance for the Y and check ebay for intakes. Best handling for the buck is bushings, but those are a bish to install. something very easy and great for the buck is the FSTB. also check ebay, around 30 dollars shipped. The most HP i have heard of is Don in Texas, he should have around 600 when he gets done with his weird project.
Also, i assume you have an auto, i would suggest Dons VB mod, it takes out the lag when you shift, and makes it more immediate, the con: its not as smooth. wah. big whoop. i think thats like 450 dollars. anyway hope this helps and good luck with the max.

 

welcome bro... it's awesome that you are interested in hooking up your max... all i have to say to your questions are that almost anything is possible now a days with cars... as long as you have the time and money to put into it... conversions such as engine swaps and auto to manual trans will definitely take both! but hey if you got the passion, patience and the loot... it's all good... you can also go to www.custommaxima.com for info on some mods....good luck!

 

yeha i believe that Dons car has the most out of any Maxima's around here. His car is tweaked more than anyone elses though. I am going to buy his VB mod very shortly so ill let you know how that works out. Take Care

 

Thanks for the info, I've been looking for information online like crazy...
My question is, is there a recommended order to go about modifying that might make things easier (ie, modify performance before body kits or whatever). Basically I'm trying to avoid running into conflicts later on that will cause me to uninstall something that I already paid for because the new parts won't work with it. Anyone have any experience or stories regarding this?

Thanks!

 

Just avoid buying a Cold Air Intake and Underdrive Pullies if you plan on getting a supercharger.
Now starting with fast or fashion is all up to you...If I were you I would get a fast Maxima first, a real sleeper, then make it looks nice...Its your car and its all up you...during the performance modding treat yourself to rims or front clears...Just remember one thing..HAVE FUN !!!
Definetly start out with Y-pipe...about 12 hp to the wheel best bang for the buck..

 

I've only got one question about Don's VB modification. How hard exactly is it to install? I've seen the step by step directions on Maximadriver.com, but they seem a little confusing to me. I am contemplating doing this mod, but if it is far too difficult to do, then I jus won't worry about it. Is there anyone who has done it themselves and would care to share how the project went? Thanks in advance.

 

Not hard, just messy, tedious, and annoying. The instructions are fine, once you see the VB, you'll understand them immediately. But a few little details could probably be explained better. And the instructions do gloss over a few things, but nothing you can't figure out by just looking at it.

 

I suppose you could think of mods improving handling, traction, and speed. I would recommend you do them in that order. You can take or leave the fashion end of it at your discretion. I like a sleeper...

Struts & springs improve handling, and a front strut tower brace and a rear anti-sway bar improve handling even more.

Tires and wheels improve traction/cornering/braking. Polyurethane engine mounts eliminate wheel hop.

Some mods work better in groups compared to one-at-a-time results. If you add a hi-flow intake, y-pipe, hi-flow cat, and cat-back system, for example, you will see the entire group of mods outperform the sum of the parts. That doesn't mean you can't add them one-at-a-time, it just means you'll get best results when the grouping is completed.

If you are considering a supercharger, I'd consider upgrading your brakes. If your car is going to go significantly faster than stock, you'll need brakes significantly better than stock, too.

As far as engine swaps and auto-to-manual changes are concerned, it may be cheaper to sell the car you're getting from Mom & Dad, and buy another car equipped closer to the way you want it. For example, trade the GLE for an SE 5-spd, and start modding from there.

Research what others are doing. Be patient. Take it one step at a time. No shortcuts.

Remember, an extremely important thing about modding your car is SAFETY... Your personal safety, and the safety of others. Be careful.

Good luck.

 

If you are new to this stuff you might want to start off small and basic. For example, basic bolt on modifications. That should keep you happy for a while

 

I've considered trading the car in, but it's hard to let go of a car that I learned to drive on and have been driving for 5 years now. Basically, and I know I'm setting myself up for major insults here , but I want to make my car fast and furious without the happy and pretty paint jobs or stickers.

 

What's there to learn how to drive on an auto?

 

Good call...