For anyone looking into reviews for the 2001 AE, here is one. The review is glowing, except for the hideous picture at the top. The AutoChannel isn't particularly harsh reviewers, as this article shows.

I know there have been many reviews on the 2000 Maxima, but this is the first I've seen of the 2001 SE AE. Does anyone else know of reviews done on the newer version?

http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl.../russ0051.html

 

Anyone else notice a few technical flaws? GLE as the entry-level max and the extra 5 hp on the AE coming from the muffler?

 

Indeed. Although the extr HP doese come from the tweaked exhaust--same engine in the Infiniti I30.

Not unusual for these folks. They do a nice job covering generalities, but sometimes miss the fine details. Unlike motor trend and car & driver, who can't get over the minutia sometimes!

Regards,

 

6.9 0-60 and 15.5 1/4 mile??? Come on. He could have done better than that. Somebody teach that guy how to drive.

 

The muffler realy is most of the 5HP gain on the AE. The i30 muffler is variable. It has a valve the opens at high RPH for less back pressure, and more HP, but its closed at lower RPM for more torque. This is why I just added a Y-pipe and kept mine. Simply welded on some chrome tips to make it look better.

 

nissan claimed that those are two of the reasons for most of the extra HP, and the exhaust as IMPORT TUNER claims is jus like the skyline one does do a good job, but they tested a HKS muffler as well, and i believe that they got 4-5 more HP throughout the powerband, i don't think its worth $400 or more dollars for that, jus my opinion, thanks

 

I was always under the impression that the I30, AE and the rest of the maxes have the same muffler.

 

They do have the same muffler, with the same flap.
"Thanks to a revolutionary vavle in its muffler, Maxima ends the compromise between low-end torque and high-end horsepower. When revs are low the valve stays closed. As engine speeds rise, the valve opens up to allow for greater exhaust flow and more horsepower." Blah Blah, that was from the 2000 brochure and says pretty much the same thing in the 2001. They have the same muffler.