I just purchased a Black 2003 Maxima SE 6 speed and I love it. It has the Titanium Package but not the leather and does not come with the HLSD. I was informed by my dealer that the HLSD and traction control are more important on automatic SE's than 6 speeds. Is this true? How much of a difference does the HLSD really make? I know it wouldn't be cheap but if I were to ever decide to get one installed later should I go with the factory one or get an aftermarket? Thanks.

 

HLSD is a MUST on the 6spd In my opinion. There are lots of topics on this, do a search and you will find them. As for putting one in later on, im not sure if you can just get it from nissan and drop it in. Better hope you can, the only other alternative is a Quaife differental, and i dont think they make them for the 6spd. Not to mention they are over $1,000, NOT installed!

 

hey 92 SE-R 02 SE, the search function is down..check out the big red letters at the top of the screen

to psyclone, I have the limited slip, but I don't know what it's like without it...

for me to say it's a "must" would be speaking without knowlegde...as I haven't driven them both...I have only driven a Limited Slip equipped Maxima...

-vq

 

Whoops! duh!

 

nice to see some people have good spirits this morning...

-vq

 

Thanks for the input guys, if I could search I probably would be able to get a wider array of opinions. Anyone who does NOT have the HLSD or has driven both want to weight in on their opinions? Thanks again.

 

Helical is definately an upgrade from an open dif but I still prefer a cutch type dif myself. See here on the advantages and disadvantages of various types of differentials.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

 

It is my personal opinion that the VQ35DE coupled with the 6 speed manual is incomplete without the HLSD. I've driven both, and the non-HLSD version can not perform in the turns as well as the one with it. Also, there's a slight difference in torque steer, but it's not something you'll notice with everyday driving (unless you drive like a bat out of hell all the time). It's an important performance part...

 

Does your dealer know that HLSD is not an option on a 2k3 Auto?

 

he said "HLSD and traction control"...and that it (it=any form of traction control) was more important on automatics...than on the 6 speeds.

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that's good to know...I knew the HLSD was good to have for traction, so I got it...it's even better to know it's also good for the turns!

-vq

 

High RPM launches suck azz without the HLSD!!

Then again, it could have something to do with the Craptenzas...

 

You'll find that you can accelerate out of turns much earlier and get better traction with the HLSD.

 

thats why i switched out my tires as soon as possible

 

oh yeah...I really can pull out of turns nicely...I guess if I could drive one without the HSLD I would learn to appreciate it more.

 

The search works for me

 

do you want a cookie? or a star?

-vq

 

mmmmmm coookkiiee

 

You dont need a HLSD, but it does quell torque steer a bit. Handling is compromised a bit by it (generates more understeer, but its not that noticable until you are pressing very hard through corners). The understeer comes from the nature of the device, it locks the wheels together during straight line and mid corner wheelspin (you'd only get mid corner wheelspin if ur driving hard or its sippery out). Rear drive (Yes, i know the maxima is FWD) cars with LSD's understeer more than cars that dont have them, but they do have alot more rear traction to keep unexperienced drivers in powerful cars from spinning out.

 

and

-vq

 

pity, no one has the part number(s)

I've been pining for this option since i first started shopping for the 2k2 max. Unfortunately, there were none in a 500 mile radius. Aint that something huh. I guess californians don't need traction or something.

Either way if someone has a diagram or a scan of the differential part in the service manual please post!

I figure it'll probably cost me in excess of $1300 in parts alone, but well worth it if you enjoy the road course.

 

The HLSD is awesome for being able to do a quick turn under heavy throttle from a stop. However you can't get the HLSD in the whimp shift tranny. It's only in the 6 speed.