Hey, what would anyone recommend to increase the horsepower/performance of my `01? It's a 5spd, GXE, with a K&N...that's about it so far. I'd LOVE to increase the stock 222HP, and increase the torque, but I don't want to spend thousands of dollars in doing so. (Well, maybe a FEW thousand.) What would be a good way to get started? Chip upgrades? Cold air intake? Exhaust?

 

if you have some money saved up id say get headers, which come w/ a y-pipe, and them put on a nice catback exhaust, and a berk intake.

 

Absolutely change the stock Y & B pipes-you're biggest bolt on gains. Headers(Cattman would be my personal choice) or a good Y-pipe, according to what you can afford. You will only gain 1 or 2 HP by changing the stock muffler-this one is a personal choice. Might want to listen to it with the rest of the exhaust changed first. I also agree with the Berk intake.

 

Berk is good, Hotshot headers have shown the biggest gains(IIRC), and a catback exhaust is a waste of money on a 5th gen if you are buying it for gains(IMHO). Another 500 bux and you can get you a nice lil N20 setup.

 

What's your budget?

 

So basically the best bang for the buck as far as HP goes are the Y/B pipes, headers and berk intake... any idea as far as cost goes?

 

Save all your money and get boosted. You can't go wrong.

 

Great advice! I checked out the Cattman Headers with Y-pipe, and they go about $825...sounds like a good start. (I'll check out the Berk, as well.) My budget's pretty flexible....maybe a couple of grand. I'm not looking at racing. I'm going to keep it sort of conservative, but I'd like a fairly significant increase in power.

 

Remember the Y-pipe and headers are mutually exclusive (you don't use a Y-pipe if you have headers; a Y-pipe is used when you're not getting headers, but want to change out your Y-pipe but still use the stock exhaust manifolds)

 

id say go w/hotshot headers they show more gains than catman

 

Good to know...I hate to display my ignorance, but I wasn't aware of that, Spirilis. Thanks for the good info. I'll also check out the hotshot headers. Hey, what are your opinions of chip upgrades?

 

there are non that work for our cars as of now.

 

eh forget all that HP stuff...the best way you can improve your already-powerful max is by upgrading/improving the suspension.

you may enjoy an extra 20hp, but you will REALLY enjoy the maxima when it handles like a sports car (not like an ocean liner, like it does stock)....and when I say handling, I mean good handling AND good ride quality (it can be done).

RSB
FSTB
LTB
Maxspeed, H&R or Progress springs (still comfortable ride, but better handling)
Tokico Illumina adjustable shocks

All this can be had for under $1000, and will give you far more pleasure than a few extra hp.

just my 2cents though....sorry for kind of off-topic.

btw - it's not specifically Berk intake which gives you power...the Berk, Frankencar, Injen, GAB, OSCAI all pretty much give the same gains (GAB and OSCAI is cheap/free also)....

 

I was reading an article about tranny modifications which i found really interesting. I would look into getting a flywheel and clutch and RSB. If you aren't looking into spending $800 on headers I would also get a y-pipe, b-pipe, UDP, and some struts and springs.

BTW, check your VIAS. If you feel a pull at around 5k rpm its fine.

 

CharlieFox: Hotshot doesn't make headers for 00/01 Maximas -- they only fit on 2002/03. The only headers you can get are the Catman; but they rock so it's no loss.

But I think you should definitely look into getting some suspension upgrades first. I'm about to order springs (probably Maxspeed), just bought new tires (Falken 512), just bought struts (Tokico Blues) and will be getting strut bars and braces also.

 

okay, no one mentioned a weapon intake so i will. Y-pipe is next. also for handling, get some decent tires, not stock.

 

Weapon R(ice) is terrible. If you want a great intake make sure you get a real one: Catman or Place Racing.

 

cant agree. more power throughout all ranges. ur really paying for the name in other intakes.

 

Weapon R will destroy your MAF in very short time. I bought one from them like 6 years ago for my Sentra, the foam started to come apart and destroyed my MAF. Also where is the proof that HS makes more power than Cattman headers ? any direct comparisons ? HS headers don't even fit the cars, how can you buy something for the car for 700 bux and after taking your car apart- finding out that the header hits the PS rack shields, or the 02 sensors do not fit ?? Atleast Cattman fits right and if his VQ30 has EGR then Cattman has provisions for it. I would recomend getting- Cattman headers, test pipe, Place Racing CAI, Unorthodox pulley, Fidanza flywheel, Greddy EVO2 or Cattman exhaust- JIC Magic FLTA2s with Addco sway bar in the back.

 

to be honest with u..with all the money u will spend on those mods its better to just buy a supercharger...in the end it will come out to the same price.... i have bought the y-pipe,intake, exhaust, udp, and many ohters and if i can do it again i would have just saved my money and bought the supercharger....it will produce more hp then all those mods combined....

 

I agree, but SC has its minuses- there aren't that many skilled people out there that know Maximas and superchargers. Having a SC belt break or a idler pulley is not a fun experience eighter. Watch the SC/Turbo forum for a deal on Turbo Ypipes soon Turbo is the only way to boost.

 

yeah i agree but im sure he doesnt want to spend like 4-5 thousand on a turbo kit if not more.....the supercharger is bolt on from stillen.com.....money wise id go with supercharger, if money wasnt an option id go with turbo....but as he said he doesnt want to spend that much....i agree about the turbo....