i just bought a 2000 se 5 spd. the only thing i'm upset with in the car is the "row boat" style shifter. i did a little research and found both a pacesetter and stillen short throw shifter for my model. has anyone else done this mod and would you recommend it? i'm very used to my old honda civic's quick and short throw's, and would like something similar in my maxima. thanks for the help.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=139936

 

The STS will shorten your throw but will require extra strength to shift. This is because you're changing the leverage (you have less leverage and therefore harder to shift). After a few days, you won't notice the hard shifts but it's not for everybody. Don't expect to get short smooth shifts out of it. Expect hard short shifts.
I like it personally (especially with the fact that I race my car) but it's sure as hell ain't for everyone. No one in your area has one installed for you to check out? That would really be your best bet.
As for the installation, you need to take out the main cat to reach everything (some have done it without removing it and I can't even imagine how they did it). You will also need to make a bigger hole in the heat shield. I ended up just taking it completely out (I tried making the hole and it didn't look pretty).

 

You can do it without taking out the cat - not really that hard. If your cat bolts are frozen, that certainly helps.

You'll find numerous posts about the STSs. IMO don't get the pacesetter. I had a problem with mine and the only way I could make it work properly was to shave down the ball.

I would suggest the B&M shifter - nice shifter and less expensive than the Stillen or just get the Stillen. Both are complete replacements for the stock setup. The Pacesetter is cheaper because it uses most of the stock parts (except shift lever and ball).

If $$$ is an issue, go with the pacesetter. I prefer mine over stock now that I've fixed it.