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Favorite/Best Mod under $100

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Old 10-29-2006, 02:52 PM
  #41  
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Just did the first mod of my Maxima - a Progress RSB. Cattman has them on sale for $109. IMHO this one mod brought the handling up from "clumsy" to "respectable", and I anticipate the upcoming FSTB will help too though I'm only expecting subtle gains from that.
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Old 10-30-2006, 08:11 AM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by Decoy036SPD
these do not work on automatic cars; and yes engine mount inserts are by far the best mod for the money. increase in traction, and more of the power that your engine already puts out will be put to the wheels; less wheel hop too.
They will work on ATs. You just have to keep the wire harness for the electronically controlled mounts plugged in to prevent a CEL from popping up.
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Old 10-30-2006, 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Decoy036SPD
yes granted they cost less than a hundred dollars. unless you install them yourself you will be spending at least another 80-160 dollars on installation.
He didn't specify if labor was included or not. That being said, it is relatively easy to drop the cross member with jack and stands, take it to a machine shop and have them press out the stock inserts and press in the new inserts, and then just bolt the cross member back up. At least a couple people have said they paid about $20-$40 to have the inserts pressed out and in.
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Old 10-30-2006, 04:39 PM
  #44  
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id say rae sway bar and if u got an extra 25 front strut bar. for 5 spds, i love the BM shifter.
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Old 10-30-2006, 08:00 PM
  #45  
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LED conversion!!
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Old 11-01-2006, 02:29 PM
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A MAF sensor that actually works...
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Old 11-01-2006, 03:06 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by larsony
A MAF sensor that actually works...
Aren't those like over $300-$400 for a gen 5.5?
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Old 11-01-2006, 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Succinct
Aren't those like over $300-$400 for a gen 5.5?
Use the 2y001 MAF from an '01 and swap over the IAT sensor and you've got a new MAF for $90
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Old 11-01-2006, 04:27 PM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by LA02MAX
Use the 2y001 MAF from an '01 and swap over the IAT sensor and you've got a new MAF for $90
"IAT" = ...?

Thx.
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Old 11-01-2006, 04:56 PM
  #50  
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IAT = Intake air temperature sensor.
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Old 11-01-2006, 07:30 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
IAT = Intake air temperature sensor.
Ahhh - got it - a "search" did wonders too! Looks like it's the key to making a cheap '01 MAF work on a '02-'03.

One more Q - I just got the TSB NTB02-003 done, which I think is predicated on having the latest (MY03) MAF. Will the 5.0-gen MAF + switching the IAT still give equal performance to my current (good) '03 MAF?
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Old 11-01-2006, 07:47 PM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by Succinct
Will the 5.0-gen MAF + switching the IAT still give equal performance to my current (good) '03 MAF?
Yes .....
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Old 11-02-2006, 07:08 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by Bones45
I'm curious to see if anyone has ever done a REAL Dyno (not a butt dyno) on most of the mods which people do.

I have always been against doing almost any performance mods to any of my cars for the simple reason that essentially.... they don't do anything for the amount of money you are spending. The only ones I could see doing are NOS, Turbo or a blower.. Of course--if you are doing any of those three, you now have to spend more money upgrading intake, fuel, exhaust, etc,... to really appreciate it. now you are running into the thousands.

Intakes, pulleys, cat backs/headers---IMO generally arent worth it to me. I/H/E are what, $400-500? another $100 or two for several other thigns and you have spent close to a grand for what, 15-20hp? Just not worth it. If I wanted tons of power, I wouldnt have purchased a maxima to begin with!!

All that being said, I do enjoy looking and reading about what others do to their cars. I would just rather have a real clean, stock Max--

Ck out the dyno section on this website. I agree with your feelings. The highest, (by far) #'s I exceptionally noted was one guy running 250ish hp and tq. MAd props to him. That's about 275 @ the crank. This was with headers, etc.

Question is, is that type of $ worth the hp gain to you? 275 crank hp is quite common in today's 4-door sedans stock for a price equivalent to the Max.

For the same amount of mod $ u can easily gain 100hp in a blown platform (Subaru Legacy GT for ex.). I know, cuz I've done it/seen it in our Supras. U have to work with what you have/chosen to be your whip. Go to the Civic forum, they're "modding" away also doing the same thing. IF u wanna spend $ to increase a stock low number to get to a respectable # whether its a Civic, Yugo, or Maxima, to each his own.

If you want power, leave the Maxima as is, enjoy it for what it is, she'll provide many years of reliability. Get yourself a RWD sports sedan, or sports car and mod away on that. And the car does not have to be brand new. Your base #'s will be higher, your gains will be better, and the ride will truly be "sport". Just my .02
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Old 11-02-2006, 07:28 AM
  #54  
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My favorite cheap cosmetic mods are:

Chrome bulbs that blink amber for the front turn signals in cleared HIDs - $8 (been a while, not sure...)


Red Tail/Bulb Spray paint for tails - $25 (same, can't remember exactly)


I don't drive crazy enough to need the RSB or other major suspension upgrades.
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Old 11-02-2006, 07:38 AM
  #55  
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250 @ the wheels is more than 275 @ the crank. Figure about 18% loss through the driveline. That puts it around 300 @ the crank. That's pretty respectable for a car in our price range that's as comfortable and dependable.
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Old 11-02-2006, 11:08 AM
  #56  
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Cheapest Mod Ever: Debadging your trunk. Free and only takes 5 minutes.
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Old 11-02-2006, 11:13 AM
  #57  
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I just remembered another one: A Maxima.org subscription. Best $20 you'll ever spend on your car.
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Old 11-02-2006, 11:50 AM
  #58  
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GAB it.. best bang for no bucks
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Old 11-02-2006, 03:38 PM
  #59  
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Originally Posted by Derrick2k2SE
250 @ the wheels is more than 275 @ the crank. Figure about 18% loss through the driveline. That puts it around 300 @ the crank. That's pretty respectable for a car in our price range that's as comfortable and dependable.
I ckd. out your cool website. Nice work. U've got some goodies on her. Have u ever dynoed? & I think u mentioned breaking into the 13's. What were your numbers?

ShysMax
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Old 11-02-2006, 07:54 PM
  #60  
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Originally Posted by shysmax
I ckd. out your cool website. Nice work. U've got some goodies on her. Have u ever dynoed? & I think u mentioned breaking into the 13's. What were your numbers?

ShysMax
The last dyno #s were 235hp and 236tq at the wheels. I was running in the 13.8 range for my best runs last time I ran the 1/4 mile. That's with drag radials. I maaaay be running in Montgomery, AL on the 12th if everything goes right. I'm hoping to do a little better if I get to go.
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Old 11-02-2006, 08:00 PM
  #61  
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Originally Posted by d00df00d
I just remembered another one: A Maxima.org subscription. Best $20 you'll ever spend on your car.
best mod evAr!
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Old 11-02-2006, 08:26 PM
  #62  
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Originally Posted by Mass_Media
best mod evAr!
ot threads ftw!
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Old 11-02-2006, 09:31 PM
  #63  
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Originally Posted by Derrick2k2SE
The last dyno #s were 235hp and 236tq at the wheels. I was running in the 13.8 range for my best runs last time I ran the 1/4 mile. That's with drag radials. I maaaay be running in Montgomery, AL on the 12th if everything goes right. I'm hoping to do a little better if I get to go.

Now that's very impressive!! W/O slicks. Congrats! Also mad props to you for doing the work youself. I'm disappointed in the dyno #'s for our cars even when modded, but a 13 sec. MAx is sweet - not doubt due to your mods. If those mods put a 5.5 6 spd. into the 13's then yeah, I'd say its worth it. I assume no NOS, is that correct? And good luck should u race on the 12th! Keep us posted.
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Old 11-02-2006, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by shysmax
Now that's very impressive!! W/O slicks. Congrats! Also mad props to you for doing the work youself. I'm disappointed in the dyno #'s for our cars even when modded, but a 13 sec. MAx is sweet - not doubt due to your mods. If those mods put a 5.5 6 spd. into the 13's then yeah, I'd say its worth it. I assume no NOS, is that correct? And good luck should u race on the 12th! Keep us posted.
Thanks for the kind words. No NOS, I'm running all motor. Other than swapping the tires my race setup is the same as my street setup. I just do it once in a while on open track nights.

We're kind of jacking this guys thread around now. You're welcome to hit me up in a PM if you want.
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