Came across this when surfing the altima.net forum. I do not know if the 02 -03 maximas have the same intake as the altima but this may be good to know

http://www.altimas.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=134283&perpage=15&pagenumb er=3

If the link does not work here is the quote I came across

[inside info here.

Nissan is starting to see the butterflys in the intake on the second runners to fail. The screws come loose, get sucked up into the engine, along with the butterfly and destroy the motor!
If you want proof I am doing a pathfinder with a 3.5 right now, 9,500 dollar claim. & the intake manifold (new one) is on backorder & wont be in till february. These engines have mutiple butterlys in the upper & lower intake assemblys.

Very scary. You might see a recall]

I know that some 4th gen maxima with MEVI had problem with butterfly valve screws but I have never heard of any 02-03 maimas with this problem

Any way just want to let you guys know.

Here is also a link on how the variable intake works
http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/MediaDisplay/0,,24003,00.html

 

Sorry About the links

http://www.altimas.net/forum/showthr...5&pagenumber=3

http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/Me...,24003,00.html

 

this aready happen org member, make long story short, he went to courtesy nissan and got denay, bought used engine form junk yard and installed himself. later called nissan usa and nissan gave him a new engline. I think also happened to moderators emax02.