I own a 03 Maxima w/ Auto Tranny. No mods done yet as far as performance goes. I recently got in on Stage 2 VB Mod at MaximumTuning. I know there are several VB mod threads but some of the questions I have were not answered (or I couldn't find). Someone please guide me with this as my knowledge in this area is very limited.


- Will I in any way ruin my tranny once this modified VB is installed? I am short on money and time so I don't ever want to blow out my tranny (especially when I am out of manufacturer warranty) because I installed modified VB... what are the chances? Has it happened to anyone? I am a semi-aggressive driver... is VB mod a bad combination?


- I read that VB mod increases tranny fluid temperatures, do I need a cooler. Jeff told me its not necessary but he is an expert with Maximas so he probably never needs to take pre-cautions... but for someone like me who is paranoid, do I have to spend my low budget mod money on a tranny cooler of something else?


- As far as the installation goes, how hard is it to take out the stock one and put the modified VB that I received from Jeff? I haven't called around many local transmission shops but freakin AAMCO asked for $250 for installation. Isn't that a LOT for something like this? He claimed it is a complicated installation and takes 2-3 hours. Any tips on how to find a reliable shop to get this installed will be very helpful.


- I know it shifts harder but really how does this VB mod effect ride comfort? I guess, I can get used to hard shifts but how do you feel about this mod?

 

I would recommend a cooler, you can never go wrong with one. As for longevity, these things actually improve it (especially the life of the clutches inside the automatic). You will get used to the firmer shifting with time, its all a compromise.

 

I love it. No complaints . Yes the tranny shifts harder but I like it. Jeff told me the same thing about the cooler so I did not get one but after a short time I decided why not put one in . With all the money I invested or sank into the car $60 bucks & 2 Hours of my time it gives some piece of mind. Hell the last thing you want to happen is have tranny problems & then second guess yourself about not installing a tranny cooler it sure wont harm anything. Dont hesitate. Single best mod for a auto Maxima.

 

I don't have an answer for your other questions but I could tell you that I personally saw Jeff replace my VB in about twenty minutes. That's from the moment in rolled onto the lift to the moment it rolled off.

 

Get the cooler or you will ruin the tranny and change the fluid a week after the mod has been installed. If the tranny has low miles Flush it, youll thank me later. Its great but you have to maintain it with regular tranny oil changes, Etc. I have the mod but im getting rid of my if you want my VB you can have it. PM me if your interested.

 

Considering how terribly weak the stock transmission is already, I think VB modding would only shorten its already crappy lifespan.

 

i thought the vb mod made your tranny last longer. if your tranny goes do you have to take of the vb mod before you take it back to the dealer or they wont know?

 

i didnt liek the vb mod stage 2 ... i sat in a freinds car who had a satge 2 with cooler done at jeffs and at low speeds when it would shift into 2nd the car woulds jerk violently.. i mean not that bad but pretty bad for people in you car to be like WTF is up with this guys car. I go to meeting for work etc.. and have other people in my car i would hate for it to bang that way with others in the car. But WOT that thing shifts real nice... im getting my tranny cooler installed and thats it, no VB for me .

 

The only way theyd know is if they removed the VB and dissasembled it. But it does indeed make it last longer.

With just a cooler, you will want to get yourself a thermostat (180 degrees) so the fluid doesnt get too cold during operation.

 

It is suppose to make the tranny last longer, the clutch is not used as long during shifts so it extends its' life. I would use a tranny cooler, hell I don't even have the VB mod and I use a tranny cooler.

 

Its a good idea, my first tranny went at 49,751 miles. My new one has a cooler and VB.

 

My 2K1 has 65k on it and my tranny is going fast!!! so im just gonna sell my max. I guess if the VB increases life get it before your miles go up.

 

Interesting, my friend and I give hell to his bro's 2k1 GLE and it is showing no signs of failing. We do neutral drops, red line way too much and his car runs so nice; CEL(cat) and all. It has about 135k on it.

 

Where can I get a trans cooler from. Can I go to Autozone etc. and get a generic one?

 

I really don't get it, I hear plenty of people who say how crappy the max's auto tranny is, but aren't these cars suppose to last at some pretty high mileage?

I'm not the biggest fan of how my auto tranny shifts, but it is an auto and you don't have much control over how it gets into the next gear. but as far as it breaking down...my tranny seems fine at 64k, so i think.

A friend of mine keeps saying i should drain my tranny fluid, save it, drive around, and then put it back in after the tranny is gone to crap, and warranty it at nissan. The kids a nut, i just couldn't see myself doing that and my car never feeling the same again once something like thats done. but the kid brings it up all the time because he use to rape his benz warranty, and still kinda does.

 

B&M makes them, so does Hayden. Google them "B&M Transmission Oil Cooler" or "hayden transmission oil cooler"

 

http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...y_Code=coolers
I got mine from there. I have the Hayden 403, I shoulda got the 404.

 

I got the Hayden 404, the installation took about 2-3 hours, very nice but i dont have the valve body mod, but i will be doing my drop resistor mod hooked on a WOT Switch. I have 70k miles on my max now and never had a problem with my tranny yet.

 

http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...roduct_Count=3

this one?

 

Yup, that is the 404.

 

Maxxxed - what kind of condition is your tranny in right now?? I'd love to get one of these but my transmission slips slightly already and i have approx 60k mi on it... i'm not sure if it will even be worth while to get one of these. any input?

 

I love my Stage II.5. My tranny was lagging horribly from 1-2 before, but not anymore. For all of you people who think that it shortens tranny life, think again.

 

Actually, my tranny is in very good condition... I haven't noticed any slips yet. I only have 20K on mine. I haven't done any performance mods yet, but from my "Top 5 Maxima Upgrades / Enhancements" thread, I was convinced that this should be one of the first mods to consider.