Can I tell if I'm a Cali/Fed spec using just the VIN number? I have a 2k SE. I'm about to get a great deal on a Cattman Y-pipe from another member, but I'm deployed right now and can't look under the hood of my car, it's thousands of miles away right now! I know my car was built in Sep 99 if that helps at all. I really don't know, and I want to hit up this deal, any help at all would be great. Thanks.

 

someone told me that 2000-2001 only come in Fed spec

but, I think the best way, is to take the car to an exhaust shop, and tell him to check how man o2 sensors you have,
2 sensors = Fed spec
4 sensors = Cali spec

 

Anyone at all?

 

2000 can come in Fed OR Cali-spec (mine's Cali-spec, as it has 4 O2 sensors), all 2001+ come in Cali spec AFAIK.
You can tell by the VIN number, but I'm not sure which digit tells it... does the FAQs have anything regarding this?

 

Is there an effect to have cali spec. Is islike your car is sower or something else?

 

No true. My 2K GLE is California spec (purchased in MD). It seems to me you should be able to tell if it's Cali spec by the VIN. The 4-8 positions on mine (which denote the features, body style, etc.) are "CA31". Perhaps the 'C' indicates California spec??

 

Nah, but I think if you try to install an aftermarket Y-pipe you can only remove one pre-cat on the cali-spec models so they are slower in that respect (only a few HP I think)

You can tell by the O2 sensor plug things, if theres 4 you have a cali-spec, if you have 2 you have a fed-spec

 

here is mine JN1CA31D64T751656

and I only have 2 O2 sensors

 

Well, so much for that theory!

 

check this vin decoder http://www.infinitihelp.com/vin.htm
CA31:

C = I30
A3 = 2000-2001 I30 (A33) 2002- I35 (A33)
1 = 4-Door Sedan (J30, Q45, G20, M45, I30)

 

Just found out that my car is Cali-Spec



Thanks to Custom Maxima,

 

Ryand, get your VIN number and call Nissan North America, they whould be able to tell you that much, or you can try DAVE B

 

All 2001 maximas are cali-spec. The cal-spec will probably be slightly slower stock since there are 2 more precats.

 

I always thought 2k+ Maximas all had 2 pre-cats

 

They all have 2 pre-cats. With a Fed car the Y pipe replaces both but on a cali car the Y pipe will only replace the rear bank pre-cat.
As for VIN numbers, IF the VIN contains that information it is burried in positions 4-8.
positions 1-3 (JN1) identify it as Japanese and Nissan
4-8 are model specific (CA31D)
9 is a check digit (6)
10 is the manufacture year (4) = 2004
position 11 is the assembly plant (t)
and 12-17 are the serial number.

Generic VIN Decoder:
http://www.analogx.com/contents/vinview.htm