I've pulled all the old threads on the fuel cut issue with the 5 speeds, but I can't seem to find more than one or two people who have had TSB work performed and had the car function normally. I have been putting this off until more people can say that they have had positive results.

However, I may be heading to the track in late June. I was out making some practice runs on the back country roads and came across a HUGE problem. I can't hold the RPMs steady at any speed between 1500 and 3000. I wanted to take 5 or 10 passes to see what RPM and clutch release combo seemed to give the quickest start (seat of my pants analysis only!), but I can't get any hard data (wait - that didn't come out right...oh, never mind).

If I try to hold it steady at 2000 RPM, the tach and engine just keep climbing to 3000 and above...even though my foot hasn't moved. If I back off a hair, the RPMs drop to 1200. I don't think there is any way I can get a good enough launch to turn in a decent time. The only thing I can think of is a lucky guess at the timing lights where I floor it, pop the clutch and hope the green lights up! This isn't going to work.

So, the questions are:

1) Those of you that haven't had the TSB done AND run the 1/4 mile - how did you handle it?

2) How many of you have had the TSB done and can you confirm whether this is still an issue?

Sorry for the long post - thanks for all your help.

PS - I'm no longer "LURKING" !!!

 

I don’t have any 1/4 mile times, but I got the TSB done 1 week ago and I can now hold the rpms at 1500, 2000, 2500, or pretty much whatever rpm I want. Plus, the back and forth lurching at low speeds is gone for the most part. The car is now more fun to drive and run through the gears. I strongly recommend you get the TSB. Just go to your dealer with the exact TSB name, NTB01-018, and get it done. Drivability and throttle control will me much better and you’ll be glad you did it.

 

If the TSB doesn't fix your problem and you are serious about racing your Maxima, you could probably find an aftermarket ignition system that has a stutter-box function built into it. This would give you the ability to set your rev limit at whatever rpm you want for launching your car. You could even set it up to use the clutch pedal as a trigger. In other words, when you have the clutch in, the limit is low... say 2,000rpm, but when the clutch is out, it is at the stock point of 6,600rpm. With this setup, you could just plant your foot on the gas for the entire pass and just work the clutch and shifer... PLUS IT SOUNDS AWESOME!!!

 

In my experience, the best launch point is 4000-5000 rpms and just walk the clutch out. Try launching there for your best 60' time. Can't speak to the rest since I haven't had the TSB done.

 

nullman - thanks for the info, I'm glad to hear another positive story about the TSB. I'm calling my dealer today.

Deasert Pearl - the stutter box is a great idea. I don't plan on racing frequently, so I don't think I can justify the cost. Also, will that affect my day to day driving habits?

Max Gator - I will try a serious 4K launch one day this week. I tested it on my to work and I can hold the RPMs at any level between 4 and 5K. I never really thought about walking the clutch out. I had been considering a launch at 2500-3000RPM and then dumping the clutch (a true sidestep). I figured with the LSD, my wheelspin issue would be taken care of. Walking the clutch at that high of an RPM will constantly keep me in the sweet part of the torque curve though. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Yes, it's still an issue. At least it's still an issue for me. But the lurching is much improved. That alone makes the fix worthwhile.

 

Nope. Not unless you go around town dumping your clutch from a standstill. Of course once you got this mod, you might do just that. The looks you'd get from people that hear you bouncing off of your 2000rpm rev limit at a stop light would be priceless.

If you want to see and hear a 6,000rpm launch in a 1G Eclipse GSX using a stutterbox, click on the following link.

 

hmmm...
even with a horrible start(caused by inadvertantly dumping the clutch...don't ask...), i still ran 15.1......
i guess we can just all learn to drive with this 'problem' or ours... or not...