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
07-24-2003, 11:48 PM
#1
What Are Your Top 5 Maxima Upgrades / Enhancements?
My car is still stock and I am still educating myself about cars. Before I start putting some money aside to mod my Max 03 SE auto, I want to collect some opinions on what some of you might consider are the BEST upgrades for our Max's (2002 and 2003 in particular). I am asking for the top 5 (or wtvr) upgrades that you think were the best you have done. I am not just talking about, " yeah, after I installed this, it was better", I want something that you felt, " Wow, what a huge difference! This upgrade is worth it, I feel every penny I spent on this was worth it, I am very satisfied..."
You can pick any upgrade type, audio, wheels, tires, shocks, bulbs, intakes, grilles, paint, exhaust, leather seats, cup holders, floor mats, clear corners... whatever, just pick your top 5 (or all), but try to be specific (if you have time ofcourse), like why you like the upgrade (looks? performance? reliability? economical? personal preference?...), what brand is the part, perhaps model#, where and how much did you buy it for, did you install it yourself or need professional installation, etc... post pics if you feel it helps.
If your car is still near stock, from your research and tastes, where do you want to put your money? What upgrades are you considering are worth doing...
I hope this thread will help a lot of people like me (young and/or new to cars, modding for the first time), and others in general who wants to figure out where their money should go. I hope the ORG crew will be generous enough to share the knowledge and information... It's exciting
Peace.
You can pick any upgrade type, audio, wheels, tires, shocks, bulbs, intakes, grilles, paint, exhaust, leather seats, cup holders, floor mats, clear corners... whatever, just pick your top 5 (or all), but try to be specific (if you have time ofcourse), like why you like the upgrade (looks? performance? reliability? economical? personal preference?...), what brand is the part, perhaps model#, where and how much did you buy it for, did you install it yourself or need professional installation, etc... post pics if you feel it helps.
If your car is still near stock, from your research and tastes, where do you want to put your money? What upgrades are you considering are worth doing...
I hope this thread will help a lot of people like me (young and/or new to cars, modding for the first time), and others in general who wants to figure out where their money should go. I hope the ORG crew will be generous enough to share the knowledge and information... It's exciting
Peace.
07-25-2003, 12:48 AM
#2
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 65
#1 In Dash CD Changer. This is a must if you drive alot. I cannot see having it any other way in a daily driver! Cost around $200, and I installed myself.
#2 Sub & Amp (For Bass) Factory system is weak and lacks bass. Started with Infinity Basslink for around $400 installed, however was kind of weak. I have since moved up to custom sub/amp setup JL 12" 12W6 sub in custom fiberglass enclosure with ~500 watt JL Amp, 1 Farad Cap, installed for around $2,000.
#3 Wheels & Tires for better handling. My factory 15" steelies with hub caps cannot compare to 235 ruber on 18" wheels for performance and looks. I got the 18" Sport Edition Tekno (sp?) with Kumho Ecsta 235 35? tires from Tire Rack. Reasonably priced, I think around $1,200. The Kumhos are cheap and squeal under hard cornering, but seem to last pretty good.
#4 Springs & Shocks: The Maxima is way too high stock. The H&R springs give it a nice factory look and new shocks soon followed due to factory ones not being up to task. I had them installed, and total cost around $1,000. Much better handling and ride. I considered getting the Tein S. Tech springs as the lower look appeals to me, however I tend to find myself in areas with many speed bumps, and do not want it to become an issue. The H&R's rarely cause scrapage over speed bumps (but sometimes!)
#5 Something to protect the front of the car from rock chips. The paint is soft and chips easily. I did not protect my car with a Bra, stongard, magnetic bra etc... and the paint is in poor shape. Protect your car before its too late!
If you drive hard, the factory brakes are not up to task, and the rotors warp easily. I highly recommend upgraded disks and performance pads. I got some slotted/dimpled disks thru a Maxima.org group deal, and metal matrix pads from Stillen. No warpage in over 30K miles, and still going.
Obviously not high on my prioity list is HP mods, as this car is plenty fast for the street. HP is expensive and can decrease the reliability of the Maxima (my opinion & justification for keeping my engine stock) These cars have a wonderfully usable engine in stock form, and I feel is the one thing that doesn't NEED to be touched. If I were to go for HP, then I would just bite the bullett and get the Stillen Supercharger kit, or get one of the turbo kits available for the Maxima! Both will result in serious HP! The rest of the items on my list are necessities to me!
Good Luck!
Jason
2000 5sp Max
#2 Sub & Amp (For Bass) Factory system is weak and lacks bass. Started with Infinity Basslink for around $400 installed, however was kind of weak. I have since moved up to custom sub/amp setup JL 12" 12W6 sub in custom fiberglass enclosure with ~500 watt JL Amp, 1 Farad Cap, installed for around $2,000.
#3 Wheels & Tires for better handling. My factory 15" steelies with hub caps cannot compare to 235 ruber on 18" wheels for performance and looks. I got the 18" Sport Edition Tekno (sp?) with Kumho Ecsta 235 35? tires from Tire Rack. Reasonably priced, I think around $1,200. The Kumhos are cheap and squeal under hard cornering, but seem to last pretty good.
#4 Springs & Shocks: The Maxima is way too high stock. The H&R springs give it a nice factory look and new shocks soon followed due to factory ones not being up to task. I had them installed, and total cost around $1,000. Much better handling and ride. I considered getting the Tein S. Tech springs as the lower look appeals to me, however I tend to find myself in areas with many speed bumps, and do not want it to become an issue. The H&R's rarely cause scrapage over speed bumps (but sometimes!)
#5 Something to protect the front of the car from rock chips. The paint is soft and chips easily. I did not protect my car with a Bra, stongard, magnetic bra etc... and the paint is in poor shape. Protect your car before its too late!
If you drive hard, the factory brakes are not up to task, and the rotors warp easily. I highly recommend upgraded disks and performance pads. I got some slotted/dimpled disks thru a Maxima.org group deal, and metal matrix pads from Stillen. No warpage in over 30K miles, and still going.
Obviously not high on my prioity list is HP mods, as this car is plenty fast for the street. HP is expensive and can decrease the reliability of the Maxima (my opinion & justification for keeping my engine stock) These cars have a wonderfully usable engine in stock form, and I feel is the one thing that doesn't NEED to be touched. If I were to go for HP, then I would just bite the bullett and get the Stillen Supercharger kit, or get one of the turbo kits available for the Maxima! Both will result in serious HP! The rest of the items on my list are necessities to me!
Good Luck!
Jason
2000 5sp Max
07-25-2003, 05:37 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The Bronx - 10461
Posts: 293
First and foremost,... U have an AUTO,u need a VB mod and tranny cooler.A Nice Intake is always a plus. Exhaust u dont need,as the exh. u have is a free flow to begin with. Shocks/struts/FSTB/& RSB is a must if u want better handling. U may also hafta upgrade ur tires,to something a bit more sticky. As far as body kits go,...Im not a big fan and really dont see a reason for them unless ur showing ur car.Other than that they r a waste of money.
Stereo-Thats up 2 u. The bose I know is crappola,if u dont have the bose ur in luck. If u do have the bose,just wait for it to crap out,then swap it out for something better.
As far as lighting and whatnot,I personally prefer the POLARG bulbs over stock. Clear side markers are a nice touch too. Also as Jason said,...I would also highly recommend the INVICTA-SHEILD clear bra. I saw it on NT2SHBBY's car and its invisible,and really does protect ur car from paint chips.
Thats all I can think of now,Hope this helps some.
Justin
Stereo-Thats up 2 u. The bose I know is crappola,if u dont have the bose ur in luck. If u do have the bose,just wait for it to crap out,then swap it out for something better.
As far as lighting and whatnot,I personally prefer the POLARG bulbs over stock. Clear side markers are a nice touch too. Also as Jason said,...I would also highly recommend the INVICTA-SHEILD clear bra. I saw it on NT2SHBBY's car and its invisible,and really does protect ur car from paint chips.
Thats all I can think of now,Hope this helps some.
Justin
07-25-2003, 06:36 AM
#7
Originally posted by NT2SHBBY
I say go for tint, drop, stereo, rims and call it a day
(in that order)
I say go for tint, drop, stereo, rims and call it a day
(in that order)
But here's my order with a few additions:
1) Tint
2) Stereo (the whole thing)
3) FSTB
4) RSB
5) Lighting* (replacing fogs and yellowish bulbs and interrior neon)
6) Drop
7) Rims & Tires (this will be my next and hopefully last mod)
07-25-2003, 06:55 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The Bronx - 10461
Posts: 293
Originally posted by ICULookN
What is the VB mod and what does the tranny cooler actually do?
What is the VB mod and what does the tranny cooler actually do?
This is taken right off the site,.....
stock upgrade-Improves shifting to extend tranny life without sacrificing a comfortable ride.
street/strip- greatly quickens 1-2 shift and slightly quickens 2-3 shift to improve tranny life(especially on vehicles with modified engines) Good for everyday driver/weekend racer looking for sreetable performance.
Race-Very hard 1-2 shift. Car will most likly "chirp" wheels under hard accelertation. Hard shifts will be noticed at all times.
The cooler helps to keep the trans. fluid cool,because the Faster shifting generates more heat in the clutch packs of ur auto tranny. We have a small trans. cooler built into our raditors. What they do is tap off the lines.Then put the bigger more efficient cooler somewhere that its gonna pick up cooler outside air.Then they run new lines,and they're done. Altogether my VB mod,cooler,and installation cost $448,and its well worth the money.
07-25-2003, 07:00 AM
#10
Originally posted by Black2000maxima Thanks man, never knew what it was.
Ok a VB mod is when they modify the valve body of ur auto tranny to make it shift quicker.
This is taken right off the site,.....
stock upgrade-Improves shifting to extend tranny life without sacrificing a comfortable ride.
street/strip- greatly quickens 1-2 shift and slightly quickens 2-3 shift to improve tranny life(especially on vehicles with modified engines) Good for everyday driver/weekend racer looking for sreetable performance.
Race-Very hard 1-2 shift. Car will most likly "chirp" wheels under hard accelertation. Hard shifts will be noticed at all times.
The cooler helps to keep the trans. fluid cool,because the Faster shifting generates more heat in the clutch packs of ur auto tranny. We have a small trans. cooler built into our raditors. What they do is tap off the lines.Then put the bigger more efficient cooler somewhere that its gonna pick up cooler outside air.Then they run new lines,and they're done. Altogether my VB mod,cooler,and installation cost $448,and its well worth the money.
Ok a VB mod is when they modify the valve body of ur auto tranny to make it shift quicker.
This is taken right off the site,.....
stock upgrade-Improves shifting to extend tranny life without sacrificing a comfortable ride.
street/strip- greatly quickens 1-2 shift and slightly quickens 2-3 shift to improve tranny life(especially on vehicles with modified engines) Good for everyday driver/weekend racer looking for sreetable performance.
Race-Very hard 1-2 shift. Car will most likly "chirp" wheels under hard accelertation. Hard shifts will be noticed at all times.
The cooler helps to keep the trans. fluid cool,because the Faster shifting generates more heat in the clutch packs of ur auto tranny. We have a small trans. cooler built into our raditors. What they do is tap off the lines.Then put the bigger more efficient cooler somewhere that its gonna pick up cooler outside air.Then they run new lines,and they're done. Altogether my VB mod,cooler,and installation cost $448,and its well worth the money.
07-25-2003, 07:05 AM
#11
Maxima Pilot
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 1,467
Stealth mods all the way, in this order:
- Timing advance
- RSB
- Lighter wheels & better tires
- FSTB
- Springs & shocks
- brakes
- Intakes, Y-pipes, etc -for the not so stealthy ones
Music?? With the wonderful song of the VQ playing, who needs better music?
- RSB
- Lighter wheels & better tires
- FSTB
- Springs & shocks
- brakes
- Intakes, Y-pipes, etc -for the not so stealthy ones
Music?? With the wonderful song of the VQ playing, who needs better music?
07-25-2003, 08:06 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,144
I like the sleeper idea.. I have an intake and a y-pipe and i am going to get a b-pipe with a big resonator and i am keeping my stock muffler to avoid rice sounding exhaust. I also recommend a change in stereo. i put infinity's all the way around with a kicker sub in the back with amps all around. I am going to get a new head unit to. I am keeping my rims but i got 235-45's for tires. The tires are a must. factory tires suck ***. plus shocks and springs are a must. Oh yeah get a Front strut tower brace off of ebay for like $20, it is cheap but very effective. also get some Anniversary Edition parts like the door sills from custommaxima.com or courtesynissan.com(parts link is what you look for). a little performance with sound and a touch of show stuff should give you the overall package. If you are going just for performance just save up and get a turbo kit, it comes with a full exhaust and intake setup. And since you got an automatic i have only heard good things about the VB upgrade.
07-25-2003, 08:42 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 368
Originally posted by frencjas
#1 In Dash CD Changer. This is a must if you drive alot. I cannot see having it any other way in a daily driver! Cost around $200, and I installed myself.
#1 In Dash CD Changer. This is a must if you drive alot. I cannot see having it any other way in a daily driver! Cost around $200, and I installed myself.
.So far...
FrankenCar intake and midpipe w/ apexi filter
new AE shift ****
clear front and rear corners
front strut tower bar
Next...
25% or 30% tint
Budget Ypipe
in dahs 6 cd changer ? ? ?
07-25-2003, 08:58 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 368
Originally posted by Luquire
Don't get a budget..Noooooo.....they rust. spring for the warpspeed or cattman.. or i guess you can get 2 budgets for the price of a warpspeed S.S.. you know almost
Don't get a budget..Noooooo.....they rust. spring for the warpspeed or cattman.. or i guess you can get 2 budgets for the price of a warpspeed S.S.. you know almost
07-25-2003, 05:10 PM
#21
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 65
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BeRTo175
[B]
stupid question prob. but where did u find it?? iv gone to CustomMaxoima and many other sites and I can only find a cd chnager for my trunk. can u install a 6 cd in dash into an AE? if so then thats my next mod .
I found the in dash changer on ebay of all places, and it plugged right in to the second din opening in my dash, and works with the factory standard maxima head unit.
Try this link to ebay,(I hope it works!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2425176248
Good Luck!
Jason
[B]
stupid question prob. but where did u find it?? iv gone to CustomMaxoima and many other sites and I can only find a cd chnager for my trunk. can u install a 6 cd in dash into an AE? if so then thats my next mod
.I found the in dash changer on ebay of all places, and it plugged right in to the second din opening in my dash, and works with the factory standard maxima head unit.
Try this link to ebay,(I hope it works!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2425176248
Good Luck!
Jason
09-24-2003, 07:28 PM
#23
My mod list in order of priority:
1) stereo upgrade- kept stock non -bose headunit added 2 10's MTX -600w Kicker amp- RF 6.5 Components in the front -amplified by Soundstream
" your beats gots to be right!"
2) Tint -Keeps the car much cooler/protects interior from damaging UV rays/ Privacy
3) Intake/ Bpipe /FTSB-(not too exteme but basically to satisfy the boy racer in me)
4) drop/rims/new rubber/body kit may have to wait till the spring- ol'man winter is around the corner
1) stereo upgrade- kept stock non -bose headunit added 2 10's MTX -600w Kicker amp- RF 6.5 Components in the front -amplified by Soundstream
" your beats gots to be right!"
2) Tint -Keeps the car much cooler/protects interior from damaging UV rays/ Privacy
3) Intake/ Bpipe /FTSB-(not too exteme but basically to satisfy the boy racer in me)
4) drop/rims/new rubber/body kit may have to wait till the spring- ol'man winter is around the corner
09-24-2003, 09:58 PM
#25
This is what I did:
1. tint
2. stereo w/ cd player, subs, amps, new door speakers and tweeters. (then completely sound proof the trunk and rear deck w/ foam)
3. clear side markers and PIAA bulbs
4. Frankencar intake
5. lower valence grille inserts from grilletech.com
6. FSTB
7. drop that biotch w/ new shocks and springs
8. change running lights to PIAA Xtreme whites
9. budget b-pipe w/ 3" dual magnaflow tips on stock muffler
10. replace reverse lights w/ PIAA Xtreme whites
11. B&M Tranny cooler
12. guage rings
1. tint
2. stereo w/ cd player, subs, amps, new door speakers and tweeters. (then completely sound proof the trunk and rear deck w/ foam)
3. clear side markers and PIAA bulbs
4. Frankencar intake
5. lower valence grille inserts from grilletech.com
6. FSTB
7. drop that biotch w/ new shocks and springs
8. change running lights to PIAA Xtreme whites
9. budget b-pipe w/ 3" dual magnaflow tips on stock muffler
10. replace reverse lights w/ PIAA Xtreme whites
11. B&M Tranny cooler
12. guage rings
09-25-2003, 12:24 AM
#26
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...
Hell Yeah!
I want to install performance mods but have a normal look. Simple looking good/high performance rims, decent tint, no loud exhuase (I will settle with the stock), but under the hood and under the car, I want to make a lot of changes, when I actually have some money in savigs
09-25-2003, 12:25 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
considering i spent 5k on my other hobby this month, my max will be getting
tint (sun bad k)
rims (as soon as i burn up the dealer issued michellins..)
drop (or just nice new struts)
gps (i hate asking for directions)
in the next 6 months. that's all. priorities i suppose.. i have everything else in it anyway, so short of a supercharger i am out of ideas i care about. not getting another y pipe anytime soon because my 4th gen maddened me with the rumbling from it:\
tint (sun bad k)
rims (as soon as i burn up the dealer issued michellins..)
drop (or just nice new struts)
gps (i hate asking for directions)
in the next 6 months. that's all. priorities i suppose.. i have everything else in it anyway, so short of a supercharger i am out of ideas i care about. not getting another y pipe anytime soon because my 4th gen maddened me with the rumbling from it:\
09-25-2003, 01:15 PM
#29
Originally Posted by frencjas
#1 In Dash CD Changer. This is a must if you drive alot. I cannot see having it any other way in a daily driver! Cost around $200, and I installed myself.
09-25-2003, 01:19 PM
#30
Originally Posted by Maxxxed
My car is still stock and I am still educating myself about cars. you want to put your money? What upgrades are you considering are worth doing...Peace.
Whatever you do to your car, please have some class, and try to keep it "real". Avoid those cheap decals, graphics, fake scanners, HIDs, bulbs, fake spoilers, exhaust tips, etc they don't add much appeal and nothing to performance. Don't forget that you are driving a premium midsize sedan, not a pocket rocket.
09-25-2003, 05:29 PM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 368
Got an intake, FSTB, tintz (20%), 18 inch Arachnid rims.
Next up: Springs (gotta do the drop to bring out the look of the 18's lowpro)
After that is:
RSB and that will be all, I can no longer afford to boost as I had planned to due to recent financial problems like>NO MONEY.
The Modbug is real and he does find his way into your wallet with each added mod, I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with looking good and being slow.
Next up: Springs (gotta do the drop to bring out the look of the 18's lowpro)
After that is:
RSB and that will be all, I can no longer afford to boost as I had planned to due to recent financial problems like>NO MONEY.
The Modbug is real and he does find his way into your wallet with each added mod, I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with looking good and being slow.
09-26-2003, 02:24 PM
#32
Originally Posted by Black2000maxima
.I would also highly recommend the INVICTA-SHEILD clear bra. I saw it on NT2SHBBY's car and its invisible,and really does protect ur car from paint chips.
09-30-2003, 07:50 PM
#36
Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 34
Originally Posted by Jasonb1982
Where can I get this?
10-05-2003, 07:27 PM
#37
in general i think the most part would spend most money on entertainment/audio/video cause maxima is already a descently fast car to begin with. suspension although not the best isnt the worst. Only thing we can complain about is not having dvd and t.v.'s which dont come wit car....plus unless u get a turbo, in most cases u may spend more money on audio/video than anything other type of upgrade
10-05-2003, 09:50 PM
#38
Go with a cattman Ypipe, custom 2.5" catback , testpipe,PR CAI, flywheel with ACT clutch, UD pulley and Technospeed ECU upgrade 
If U have more need for speed, a HKS GT3037S will force feed ya to the 500WHP club. Speed costs, how much do ya wanna spend, pick any two- cheap, reliable, fast. I would invest in a set of Brembo Brakes, and JIC Magic FLTA2s... now I don't wanna make it sound... get my car. **** I got 70K miles on my 01 5spd GXE and still aint got any tint, but I got the AE front spoiler, headlights, tail lights, CF hood, 3" slam front and 2" rear on 17x8.5" Enkei RPO1s 245-45-17 Falken Azenis Sport. Not only does the car turn more heads than a M5 seriously but with a GT3037S M5 gets smoked like there aint noo tomorrow. All for less than 35 gees including the car.
If U have more need for speed, a HKS GT3037S will force feed ya to the 500WHP club. Speed costs, how much do ya wanna spend, pick any two- cheap, reliable, fast. I would invest in a set of Brembo Brakes, and JIC Magic FLTA2s... now I don't wanna make it sound... get my car. **** I got 70K miles on my 01 5spd GXE and still aint got any tint, but I got the AE front spoiler, headlights, tail lights, CF hood, 3" slam front and 2" rear on 17x8.5" Enkei RPO1s 245-45-17 Falken Azenis Sport. Not only does the car turn more heads than a M5 seriously but with a GT3037S M5 gets smoked like there aint noo tomorrow. All for less than 35 gees including the car.
