5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Timing advance – rare question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 18, 2005 | 07:34 PM
  #1  
DrKlop's Avatar
Thread Starter
Driving is the next best thing
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,023
From: NYC
Timing advance – rare question

After reading many stories about how much more powerful the car gets after advancing its ignition timing I decided to do the same thing. The only thing I’m worried about is the decrease in reliability in a long run (I know that it will not kill your engine in two weeks.)
As far as I understand, advancing ignition increases the maximum cylinder pressures and temperature because the explosion of air/fuel mixture does more work. I plan to keep this car for at least 4 years. Right now I got 77k miles and I’ll be putting extra 15k miles every year.

Do you think I should go for it or not?

Also, is 15 +/- 2 degrees everyone is talking about a manufacturing tolerance or it’s an allowed range of adjustment?

Any input will be appreciated.

One more thing, those of you who ganna say that it’s a repost and advancing timing was discussed a million times, I have read those threads, and I was not able to find the answer to this question.
Old Nov 18, 2005 | 08:16 PM
  #2  
irish44j's Avatar
retired moderator
iTrader: (38)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 27,285
From: Burke, VA
15 degrees is the "standard" timing for most maximas - some high-altitude-sold maxes were sold at 13 or 14 degress to make up for the thin air. The FSM gives an "acceptable" or "within-spec" range of 15 degrees +/- 2 degrees. To that end, the Nissan CONSULT II tool will only allow you to change the timing on the 00-01 between 13 and 17 degrees.

To advance it more, you'd have to try to tap into the system somehow on your own.

the downside is that you will need to run Super gasoline all the time, or you WILL get knocking. I don't believe that it is harmful to the engine, and it's an OLD, OLD trick that my dad used to do on our cars all the way back into the 70s (Audis, volvos, Hondas, etc....all daily drivers, not performance cars).

the upside is not necessarily "more power" but stronger and quicker throttle response. The car really "jumps" when you hit the gas and seems to have a bit more pull if you jump on the gas quickly while cruising....

Like I said though, 17 degrees IS within Nissan's stated "within spec" range, and I seriously doubt it would have any effect on the longevity of your engine. The engine tolerances are far stronger than what the stock engine puts out, and any small increase in piston pressures would not be enough to hurt anything.

I say go for it...I'm happy I did.
Old Nov 18, 2005 | 08:28 PM
  #3  
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,587
From: Lakeland, FL
the reason it isnt 17Ί from the factory is in case there is a shortage of fuel or for some reason 91+ isnt available, you can get by with 89 and 'decreased performance'
Old Nov 18, 2005 | 08:39 PM
  #4  
NYPD-Arnold's Avatar
Z
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,818
Late model 01s can be tuned up to 18 without resetting themselves. All 2002-2003s go up to 20, but will lose performance past 18.
Old Nov 18, 2005 | 11:47 PM
  #5  
MaxBoost925's Avatar
Drug Money
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,449
From: USA
I want to advance timing, my friend has a 91 Sentra with 15 (that's tops). Since i use super gas all the time anyways, i thought i might as well try it.

Where do you get/borrow Consult II's? -Dealer? Autozone?
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 12:16 AM
  #6  
NmexMAX's Avatar
dot dot dot ...
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 34,576
From: Santa Fe, NM
Dealer. .......
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 12:45 AM
  #7  
trebor317's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 125
Originally Posted by irish44j
15 degrees is the "standard" timing for most maximas - some high-altitude-sold maxes were sold at 13 or 14 degress to make up for the thin air. The FSM gives an "acceptable" or "within-spec" range of 15 degrees +/- 2 degrees. To that end, the Nissan CONSULT II tool will only allow you to change the timing on the 00-01 between 13 and 17 degrees.

To advance it more, you'd have to try to tap into the system somehow on your own.

the downside is that you will need to run Super gasoline all the time, or you WILL get knocking. I don't believe that it is harmful to the engine, and it's an OLD, OLD trick that my dad used to do on our cars all the way back into the 70s (Audis, volvos, Hondas, etc....all daily drivers, not performance cars).

the upside is not necessarily "more power" but stronger and quicker throttle response. The car really "jumps" when you hit the gas and seems to have a bit more pull if you jump on the gas quickly while cruising....

Like I said though, 17 degrees IS within Nissan's stated "within spec" range, and I seriously doubt it would have any effect on the longevity of your engine. The engine tolerances are far stronger than what the stock engine puts out, and any small increase in piston pressures would not be enough to hurt anything.

I say go for it...I'm happy I did.
hey irish how much does having ur timing changed cost? Like a rough estimate? because i wouldnt be able to do that to my car I dont know anything about tuning like that.... oh and is it a day mod?
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 12:50 AM
  #8  
NmexMAX's Avatar
dot dot dot ...
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 34,576
From: Santa Fe, NM
10 minutes with the consult II .... ~0-90$ depending on th dealership.
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 05:05 AM
  #9  
NisMoN00B's Avatar
+Cru OG
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 29,608
From: Island Hopper
I've read the advanced timing threads and notice that most people who do this have a UDP installed. Is it more benificial to have a UDP + advanced timing or will a non-UDP + advanced timing will work just as well?
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 08:08 AM
  #10  
NYPD-Arnold's Avatar
Z
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,818
UDP makes absolutely no difference in the modification of timing. Just pure coincidence you may have noticed.
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 09:33 AM
  #11  
nismology's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,099
From: Miami, FL
An UDP makes absolutely no difference when it comes to acceleration too...
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 09:50 AM
  #12  
tedo007's Avatar
faster than you think
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,765
From: Eufaula, AL
I could have sworn the 00FSM says 15 +\- 5


Kevlo911
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 10:45 AM
  #13  
BkMaxima2004's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 197
haha i was looking for the advancing timing thread for like 2 days now, i coudn't find anything that was very informative. this is awsome, now i know what it does, how the car feels and where to get it done.
thanks guys.
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 01:21 PM
  #14  
kobalt's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 655
As soon as I got mine done I noticed an immediate improvement in response and off the line power. Imagine you have 2 or 3 friends in the car with you; when they get out the car feels quite a bit lighter right? Advancing the timing is comparable to that experience.
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 01:36 PM
  #15  
MxdOut97's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 828
Originally Posted by kobalt
As soon as I got mine done I noticed an immediate improvement in response and off the line power. Imagine you have 2 or 3 friends in the car with you; when they get out the car feels quite a bit lighter right? Advancing the timing is comparable to that experience.
i thought doing this to a 5.5 gen wasnt as effective as opposed to doing it to a 5.0 gen. is this true?

has anyone dynoed either a 5th for 5.5 gen max after advancing the timing?
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 02:08 PM
  #16  
NYPD-Arnold's Avatar
Z
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,818
Originally Posted by MxdOut97
i thought doing this to a 5.5 gen wasnt as effective as opposed to doing it to a 5.0 gen. is this true?

has anyone dynoed either a 5th for 5.5 gen max after advancing the timing?
Yes, it's true. It's FAR more effective on our 3.0s than the 3.5s.
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 02:08 PM
  #17  
DrKlop's Avatar
Thread Starter
Driving is the next best thing
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,023
From: NYC
Originally Posted by irish44j
15 degrees is the "standard" timing for most maximas - some high-altitude-sold maxes were sold at 13 or 14 degress to make up for the thin air. The FSM gives an "acceptable" or "within-spec" range of 15 degrees +/- 2 degrees. To that end, the Nissan CONSULT II tool will only allow you to change the timing on the 00-01 between 13 and 17 degrees.

To advance it more, you'd have to try to tap into the system somehow on your own.

the downside is that you will need to run Super gasoline all the time, or you WILL get knocking. I don't believe that it is harmful to the engine, and it's an OLD, OLD trick that my dad used to do on our cars all the way back into the 70s (Audis, volvos, Hondas, etc....all daily drivers, not performance cars).

the upside is not necessarily "more power" but stronger and quicker throttle response. The car really "jumps" when you hit the gas and seems to have a bit more pull if you jump on the gas quickly while cruising....

Like I said though, 17 degrees IS within Nissan's stated "within spec" range, and I seriously doubt it would have any effect on the longevity of your engine. The engine tolerances are far stronger than what the stock engine puts out, and any small increase in piston pressures would not be enough to hurt anything.

I say go for it...I'm happy I did.
Originally Posted by BewstAdd1ct
the reason it isnt 17Ί from the factory is in case there is a shortage of fuel or for some reason 91+ isnt available, you can get by with 89 and 'decreased performance'
Thanks for info guys!
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 04:30 PM
  #18  
irish44j's Avatar
retired moderator
iTrader: (38)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 27,285
From: Burke, VA
Originally Posted by trebor317
hey irish how much does having ur timing changed cost? Like a rough estimate? because i wouldnt be able to do that to my car I dont know anything about tuning like that.... oh and is it a day mod?
we slipped a tech $50 out the back door to do mine and soonerfan's.....most dealers won't "do" it on the record, you need to find a tech out taking a smoke break and slip him some cash


Originally Posted by tedo007
I could have sworn the 00FSM says 15 +\- 5
I have the FSM right here....15+/- 2 degrees....the consult will not you let it advance it any higher (we had him try, just to see) on the 00

Originally Posted by MxdOut97
i thought doing this to a 5.5 gen wasnt as effective as opposed to doing it to a 5.0 gen. is this true?

has anyone dynoed either a 5th for 5.5 gen max after advancing the timing?
yes, that is true.....

not that I know of - I think someone dynoed a 6th gen after doing it but don't recall what his results were.
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 05:54 PM
  #19  
joebangaa's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,586
From: the OC & Silicon Valley
i got a local dealer to happily do it. got a printout and everything about the before and after settings along with my receipt for the tsb i got taken care
Old Nov 19, 2005 | 05:58 PM
  #20  
Lontar1's Avatar
Puerto Rico-Maxima Lover
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,772
From: Florida
I will ask a Nissan Tech here in Orlando to see if they can do it....
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
maxprivate
Forced Induction
21
Jul 8, 2017 09:48 AM
Ben2003GLE
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
31
Jul 17, 2016 08:13 AM
Balkins
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
9
Feb 1, 2016 12:45 AM
incubusjohnny
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
3
Nov 3, 2015 05:18 PM
Greenmaxspeed
4th Generation Classifieds (1995-1999)
6
Aug 31, 2015 09:06 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:38 PM.