Hey, I am looking at buying a '99 Maxima SE 5-speed and am just wondering if there was anything different about the '99's that I should know. I am mainly talking in terms of mod potential. Aren't there some '99's that certain mods don't fit on? And is there really a "99.5", and if so, how do I tell whether it's a 99 or 99.5? Basically, I am just wondering if there is any downside whatsoever to getting a '99 versus a '98 or '97. I know no JWT ECU, but I want a '97-'99 anyway. Anything beyond that that's different about it? Thanks...

 

Well, supposedly the 97-98 are supposed to be a little faster then the 99 because of restrictions. The only mod problem with 99s that have been mentioned are on some forms of FTSB.
The 99.5 is called the SE-L

 

the 99.5 also has something to do with Nissan using some new exhaust they were planning to use for the 2k model I believe

 

Thanks guys. So if I were to replace the full exhaust and maybe even get the VI, then those restrictions would be pretty much obsolete, right? Like a well-breathing '99 would be as fast as a well-breathing '98?

 

I have a 99.5 GLE. How do I know? Cause I have a useless bracket that is situated on the driver side strut tower. The bracket stops an FSTB from being installed. I just removed the bracket with a hacksaw. Its ok to do that because the bracket is not being used by anything.

However, I don't know about any differences in exhaust on the 99.5?

 

I bought my FSTB and fit it on my car without any problems. I believe the '99 FSTB is slightly different though. I got mine from Courtesy and told them I have a '99 and no fittment problems :P Also I'm pretty sure the "useless" bracket that people cut is a clutch bleeder.
-hype

 

the bracket is nothing. it just holds up two little rods that are connected to something used for emmisions. i took out the bracket and rods and just connected it to a shorter hose...

as for differences, the exhaust system is like the 2000 maximas. the y-pipes have a 3rd O2 sensor.