5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.
View Poll Results: What will you spend most of your money on?
Performance Upgrades (like intakes, shock absorbers, new struts, performance wheels/tires etc...)
774
63.44%
Appearance Upgrades (like new grill, new bumper kit, tints, new fogs etc...)
244
20.00%
Entertainment Upgrades (New CD player, DVD System, speakers, sub etc...)
102
8.36%
Miscellaneous/Non-Standard/Comfort/Convenience Upgrades (Massaging Leather seats, climate control, hard wired radar detectors, climate control, new emblem, etc...)
21
1.72%
None! This car comes with everything, we got the best bang for the buck so let's keep it as it is. I would rather buy a better car, than spending any more money on enhancements/upgrades...
79
6.48%
Voters: 1220. You may not vote on this poll

Top 5 Maxima Upgrades / Enhancements

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Old 10-07-2003, 10:46 AM
  #41  
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I recently started modding my 2001 SE. Here's what I've done so far. Tint (had 25% went down to limos). Powerslot rotors. FSTB. RSB. K&N FILTER. As for looks- Stillen Battery tie down and oil cap. Ventvisors (which i think i'm goin to remove soon). Carflector (to protect the hood). Indiglo door sills. AE headlights. And I think thats all.. Not much yet, but gettin there. Net is prolly painting the calipers black. Thinking about the suspension (Tokico's and Eibach springs). Flywheel and UDP also in the back of my mind. And changing all the bulbs soon.
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Old 10-07-2003, 10:50 AM
  #42  
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And I forgot to ad tires.. MICHELIN PILOT A/S
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Old 10-15-2003, 07:08 PM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by Y2KMaxGXE-R
I have the same car & the same rims! when did you buy your car, and how many miles on it now? 2k GXE 5spd is a $10-12,000 car. My own opinion that it is stupid to throw $5,000 needlessly on a $10,000 car. If you have extra $, then rather buy a better car outright. Also, explain how would stock suspension fail on a 3-yr old car (considering its not FORD), what were the symptoms?
I got my 2k GXE 5sp mid 2001 with 7k miles, and now have 72K miles (10/2003). I would never needlessly throw $5K on a $10K car too. All the money I have thrown on my car was not needless, and even if I had spent more $$$ on a new SE, I still would have done the same mods, thus spending even MORE money.

Regarding my shock failure, the ride was noticably bouncy over certain sections of road. Knowing how my other cars have and do handle these sections of road, I knew my shocks were toast. Installation of new KYB shocks did the trick, and made the ride compliant once again.

Regards,

Jason French
2000 5sp GXE
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Old 10-29-2003, 04:59 AM
  #44  
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1) Handling - Courtesy FSTB, Addco RSB, Warpspeed Subframes, Eibach Springs, KYB AGX Struts, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Looks nice, easily adjustable ride stiffness, handles like it's on rails.

2) 30% Tint - on a black car, the only appearance mod I felt necessary to give it a slightly distinguished look.

3) Braking - Axxis Metal Master pads. Cross drilled/slotted rotors in the near future.

4) Transmission - (intermediate future) Cooler, VB recalib, maybe drop resistor mod, maybe higher stall speed TC.

5) Engine - Berk Intake, Warspeed Y-pipe and B-pipe. ECU's, internals, and forced induction are a long ways away...but on the horizon.

I think people who pursue this as a hobby should do whatever makes them happy, and do it in moderation, taking their time, enjoying each step of the process they choose. My car is at the dealer having ignition coils replaced right now under the extended warranty I am damn glad I got. I can't wait to put new rotors on in the near future.
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Old 10-29-2003, 12:36 PM
  #45  
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I've got a 2k2 Black SE 6 speed. This is what I did, in order, and why:

1) Tint - protect interior, looks, privacy.
2) Courtesy Nissan FSTB - performance
3) Frankencar intake - performance
4) Redline MT-90 syn Trans oil - performance
5) Cattman/Progress RSB - performance
6) Tokico Blue Shocks/struts - performance

These were not expensive upgrades and they made a significant difference in the car. I'm done for now until someone comes out with remapping for the ECU. I suspect these engines can do 300+ HP easy with the right upgrades without messing with cams, porting, etc. NOS will certainly give you a boost, as would a turbo or supercharger, but I don't plan to go there in this car.
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Old 10-29-2003, 08:31 PM
  #46  
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1) Frankencar w/ apexi.
2) Progress RSB
3) Otto FSTB
4) Greddy Evo
5) TS ecu?
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Old 12-02-2003, 12:47 PM
  #47  
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I agree with keeping it real.

1) Chrome gauge rings from Paradox
2) Window tint
3) Cell phone hands free kit (for safety and reception)
4) K&N replacement air filter
5) Just do the regular maintenance.
6) Tweeter upgrade from ABS

IMHO, my '02 is plenty fast. I would rather have a car that is reliable for years to come.
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Old 12-02-2003, 03:19 PM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by Quicksilver
My vehicles have almost always been all go and no show. I like the sleeper look. It catches more people off guard that way...
nuf said
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Old 12-03-2003, 08:24 AM
  #49  
VTEC This!
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im not sure which i like better, im kinda equal with performance, and visual...i think ive done a few more visual though.
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Old 02-04-2004, 10:29 AM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by SR20DEN
Look stock and carry a big Nitrous bottle

second the motion started above me.
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Old 03-03-2004, 04:41 AM
  #51  
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Dont bother wasting your time with systems and such

1.Tint (depending on color)
2. Suspension, drop, FSTB, RSB
3. Intake
4. Y pipe
5. Rims

All done
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Old 03-03-2004, 05:01 AM
  #52  
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tint
springs
shocks
y-pipe
wheels
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Old 03-03-2004, 05:54 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by FameMax
1.Tint (depending on color)
2. Suspension, drop, FSTB, RSB
3. Intake
4. Y pipe
5. Rims

All done
Catback Exhaust!
and your stereo system...
thats what i am working on now!
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Old 03-03-2004, 12:44 PM
  #54  
It's business time.
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What can I say? We are entusiasts, we bought an enthusiasts car. We like our performance upgrades! and it shows.
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Old 03-03-2004, 05:57 PM
  #55  
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Performance

1. NX
2. Hotshot Headers
3. Budget B and test pipe
4. Illuminas
5. Drop Resistor Mod with WOT switch.

Thats what I will have on my 2k2 within the next month or so.
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Old 03-03-2004, 10:27 PM
  #56  
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Here's what I did in order:

Berk Technology Intake
Stillen Y-pipe
JIC FLT-A2's
SSR GP-Theta 18x8.5 w/ Nitto NT555
Addco Rear sway bar
Courtesy front strut tower bar
Hyper ground
Stereo System

With the above suspension/wheel/tire mods my Max has better grip than my MR2 Turbo w/ Yokohama AVS's on H&R springs.
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Old 09-30-2004, 07:53 PM
  #57  
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I know the in thing is to drop the height...but has anyone just dropped the front and left the rear at stock height. It would give the max a sportier more rakeish look like the 90's intrepids
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Old 09-30-2004, 07:58 PM
  #58  
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Originally Posted by SR20DEN
Why bother with a CD changer whan you can get a HU that plays a gazillion MP3's on one CD ?
Phat Noise makes a portable hard drive that fits neatly under the seat that holds 2,500- 10,000 songs and it plugs into and is controlled by the factory radio. No more losse unmarked CD's scattered in the car. It's a must have in my book, along with a lowered suspension and wheels and tires.
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Old 09-30-2004, 09:42 PM
  #59  
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Originally Posted by grange
I know the in thing is to drop the height...but has anyone just dropped the front and left the rear at stock height. It would give the max a sportier more rakeish look like the 90's intrepids
I think it'd look out of place on ours cars. They used to put stiff, low suspension up front and raise the back and put real loose suspension in the back of RWD cars. The idea was to transfer as much body-weight as possible to the rear (driving) tires for traction...aaaaanddd as such... sounds silly at best for our front-wheel drive SEDANS....

by the way, can someone explain what RSB and FSTB is... sorry, i know SOOO n00b....
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Old 09-30-2004, 09:48 PM
  #60  
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There is a larger picture on the last page of my cardomain site, but I have the car sitting very low in the front and the rear is only about .5" or so lower than stock. BTW the front lip is now painted so I gotta update the pictures Suspension is of course coilovers.
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Old 09-30-2004, 10:38 PM
  #61  
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Rims, tint, drop and stereo are the top for me
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Old 09-30-2004, 11:12 PM
  #62  
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what the car needs the most in this order
better tires
brakes
suspension
Then audio upgrades,
then power upgrades (it's got more power standard than the suspension can handle)
 
Old 10-01-2004, 06:44 AM
  #63  
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I think the most expensive yet most popular mods is larger rims and tires. This is a exterior styling mod and a performance mod. If you left tires and rims off and made it a seperate selection. I believe it would be #1
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Old 10-01-2004, 08:57 AM
  #64  
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where can i find turbo kits for our cars??
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Old 10-01-2004, 12:17 PM
  #65  
drag racing is for wussies
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http://www.turbokits.com/maxima_turbo_kits.html
Turbo kits for a Maxima, don't think they are a fairly simple bolt on. They also require tuning to get them to run right.
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Old 10-01-2004, 04:42 PM
  #66  
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y2k max i definately agree with you. Do what you guys want, as long as you do it right!!!!
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Old 10-02-2004, 04:50 PM
  #67  
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Originally Posted by bk2kmax
I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with looking good and being slow.

1.Tint
2.Springs / Struts <drop>
3.rims
4. A/V system
5.Bodykit


bk2k im stealing that for a sig line
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Old 10-02-2004, 06:13 PM
  #68  
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Lights seem to be popular.
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Old 10-03-2004, 09:55 PM
  #69  
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bodykit, rims.
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Old 10-04-2004, 08:13 AM
  #70  
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full suspension
vb mod
headerback exhaust
fi

thats all you need.
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Old 10-14-2004, 10:48 PM
  #71  
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vb mod weere to find a trustworthy place to do the work?
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Old 10-15-2004, 09:40 AM
  #72  
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More expensive is on the left.

1. Berk intake or a K&N panel filter
2. Tint or clear side markers
3. Headers or Y-Pipe
4. Garmin GPS or Stereo
5. New tires or springs
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Old 10-19-2004, 09:34 PM
  #73  
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The order I'm going in:

1) Tint (done)
2) FSTB and RSB (done)
3) K&N (soon to be Place Racing CAI)
4) Rims/tires (done)
5) 02/03 HID's (done)
6) Springs/shocks (done)
7) Hyperground kit (coming soon)
8) Header/high flow cat/full exhaust
9) LTB stage 1 and 2 (coming soon)
10) VB mod stage 2
11) Brake/rotor/caliper upgrade
12) Alarm
13) NAV?
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Old 11-30-2004, 12:19 PM
  #74  
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1. lose the Craptenza's and get real tires
2. Intake
3. Y-pipe
4. VB Mod
5. paint your grill (stock looks UGLY!!! not too much flash for a subtle effect.)

Here's mine so far (3 outa 5 done):
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Old 11-30-2004, 02:25 PM
  #75  
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Oh ya, forgot to mention: I'd add a 3' wing to the back too since we have FWD cars and all.
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Old 11-30-2004, 08:24 PM
  #76  
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My projected order:

1) Leather seats - done
2) DVD/MP3 double din HU - done
3) Springs + Shocks - coming in a week
4) Rims + Wheels
5) Body Kit
6) Speakers

Luxury on the inside and sporty on the outside ... arghhhh
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Old 12-01-2004, 04:28 PM
  #77  
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Perfectly said.

Originally Posted by Torgus
full suspension
vb mod
headerback exhaust
fi

thats all you need.
Couldent have said it better myself. Full suspension is by far number #1. I dont consider getting new tires a mod. It should just be a given that your going to have to change your stock tires.
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Old 12-01-2004, 05:34 PM
  #78  
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More Practicality for the "Sleeper"

I think these are SAFE mods, and improve the things that truly suck (performance wise) on the Max.

1. Suspension: Struts, Springs, (RSB, FSB optional)
2. Brakes: Anything BUT Nissan OEM. Bigger IS always better here!
3. Tires: Stock Potenzas are death. 235/45/17 on stock 17's is ok.
4. Paint Protection: 3M ClearBra or reg. Bra
5. Lubricants: Mobil1 Full Syn, and Full Syn Tranny Fluid
6. Wheels: Optional & Expensive. Will improve handling, looks, & tire choices
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Old 12-18-2004, 05:42 PM
  #79  
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i think suspension and performance mods are just useless in our maximas, i mean is not like this is a racing car........although some of you do race with it.

if i had the money to upgrade performance, i would rather just buy me a 100% sports car.

Anywayz, these are the mods that were worth it for me:

Tints
Rims
Lips/body kit
clear lights
HIDs
Spoiler (OEM) the max just looks ugly without one.
A/V

The stock engine and suspension are fine for my everyday deliveries, no need to upgrade either, not like it's gonna make a huge difference for what i do anywayz.

I guess it's just me, i'm all for looks.
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Old 12-18-2004, 07:05 PM
  #80  
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My car already has everything for the most part.
List:
V2 Stillen Supercharger
NRH Transmission (next week) Level 10 Now tho
custom y pipe and hollowed cat no resonator and stillen muffler
Alpine CVA 1003 indash screen
JL 4x300 and 2x500 amplifiers
2 JL W3 12's custom enclosure
Focal highs in front (componet set)
JL highs in rear
Tints
Stillen lip kit all the way around
Next:
Wheels 19" of course
New paint
Tranny cooler next week
Hardend axles next week
Posi diff next week
2500-3000 stall next week
SOON (maybe)
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