Hi all. I just purchased a 2000 SE, and I'd like to perk up the performance, though I dont want it to sound too loud like some of the exhausts I hear around town. I'm 47 and I'd rather keep it sounding stock if I could,though I want it to be a sleeper. Its stock now, but my kids just bought me a front strut bar, so I'll probably put a rear anti-sway bar on it too for starters. But for engine mods how do I start? An intake? Chip?(who makes a good one?) Or exhaust first? I have read a few threads and I dont want to bolt on anything that will make lights come on on my dash-lol. I'd appreciate anyone that could steer me in the right direction

Tom

 

use the search function, the sticky threads up top, and the FAQ. But for beginners, you can get an intake, y-pipe, and underdrive pulley if you want to keep your car relatively quiet and gain the most performance.

 

I think your requests are valid. I've put some performance modifications on my maxima but it sounds somewhat stock. Only under full throttle does it come to life.

I've done a Y-pipe, replaced my factory resonator back to the stock muffler with a glasspack and a mandrel bent B-pipe. Its even quieter than I remember stock to be once I removed the pre-cats (y-pipe) and the crushed section of the b-pipe.

The intake can be somewhat noisy. However, if you go with the injen...I think you won't hear the gasping noises a cone filter might make since its entrance is at the front of the engine block versus the driver's side fender well. You might add just a drop in Panel filter (KN).

Y-pipe/exhaust and intake will give you the desired kick. Any chips for the Maxima are bogus and have yet to be proven to give performance gains.

Good luck! Congratulations on your choice of vehicle.

 

and the RSB, too. You'll notice great handling improvements with them.

I'd go with an intake...sounds stock during normal driving, but will growl when you step on it. I think the 2K MAF's are pretty good...shouldn't cause a 'check engine light'.

Use the search function to get detailed info about intakes as well as exhausts.....

BTW - I'm 47, too.....welcome to the org!!

 

Definately go with the Injen CAI, it sounds stock till 3K rpm and then it growls to life. You'll notice a difference too, not huge but enough. I am also interested in doing a Y-pipe/exhaust so any other input on this would help!!

 

is it manual? regardless just listen to the last few posts, the best bet for the buck is to go with the ypipe, i have a bbipe,ypipe, and intake noticing a much better throttle response. im still negotiating on wether to get the udp's or a random tech catalytc converter, anyone got advice on which to get first?

 

Yes I have a 5 spd-why would anyone consider an automatic?

Tom

 

Don't touch your muffler. Leave that part stock and mess with everything else if you want it to be quiet. I am speaking from experience.

 

Check out the for sale forums for used parts. Last time I saw there was a few used Injen intakes for sale. There are a lot of parts that come and go between all the members and getting something slightly used for much cheaper is always good in my opinion.

 

Does an underdrive pulley really make that much of a difference? Also... isn't it a pain since you have to replace all the belts?

-R

 

 

get the UDP after intake/y-pipe... it does make a bit of a difference. The install isn't too bad... just have to twist and bend a bit to get to the power steering tensioner.

 

What is the breakdown for gain on each step... i.e.

1. What is the gain for intake?

2. What is the gain for Y pipe?

3. What is the gain for pulley?

and how does each affect emissions, etc?

I am seeing a lot about members who do an intake mod and pay for it down the road after replacing the MAF a few times?

 

1. A couple WHP, at most

2. Maybe 10 WHP (realistically)

3. Not sure, but it's not going to be much, really. Maybe 1-2 WHP

 

The type of intake you buy will determine what kind of gains you'll get. If you get a true cold air intake like Injen or Place Racing you'll get more than a few ponies, the same goes for Frakencar WAI.