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

What do you do to make your engine look pretty? :)

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Old 03-09-2011, 04:47 PM
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There's a heater hose that's about four inches long, and bends 90 degrees. With the new water pipes, I went and got this too. Here it is with those 1" t-bolt clamps.

There's something weirdly pornographic about taking this photo and putting on the Org.

But there it is. A little rubber hose with mouse-ear clamps.

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Old 03-09-2011, 04:56 PM
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Rochester, those powdercoated parts look perfect. Couldn't pick a better finish myself.

I'll be painting some parts this Spring, and hopefully a NWP Torque Link soon... :P
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Old 03-09-2011, 05:12 PM
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Nothing pornographic about these water pipes. Nope. Not a thing.





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Old 03-11-2011, 07:55 AM
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These radiator brackets look pretty darn good mounted on the car.



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Old 03-11-2011, 11:41 AM
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I bought those brackets and new hoses for my bay as well, will post pics up next week
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Old 03-11-2011, 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
Nothing pornographic about these water pipes. Nope. Not a thing.





Those look hot!!!!

I would have gotten rid of the o2 brackets myself and relocated them.
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Old 03-11-2011, 07:27 PM
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I need to clean my engine bay and know to use an engine degreaser to clean it, but some websites say that I should cover all electrical components. What exactly do I need to cover before I begin? Also can anyone recommend a good product to use?
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Old 03-11-2011, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by twistedone
I need to clean my engine bay and know to use an engine degreaser to clean it, but some websites say that I should cover all electrical components. What exactly do I need to cover before I begin? Also can anyone recommend a good product to use?
Go search that on google.
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Old 03-11-2011, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by twistedone
I need to clean my engine bay and know to use an engine degreaser to clean it, but some websites say that I should cover all electrical components. What exactly do I need to cover before I begin? Also can anyone recommend a good product to use?
Come on man. Are you serious?
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Old 03-12-2011, 05:19 AM
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Originally Posted by twistedone
I need to clean my engine bay and know to use an engine degreaser to clean it, but some websites say that I should cover all electrical components. What exactly do I need to cover before I begin? Also can anyone recommend a good product to use?
900 posts about detailing under the hood, and you ask about engine degreaser?

This is the only engine cleaner that you need, right here:

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Old 03-12-2011, 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by twistedone
I need to clean my engine bay and know to use an engine degreaser to clean it, but some websites say that I should cover all electrical components. What exactly do I need to cover before I begin? Also can anyone recommend a good product to use?
There is a detailing sub-forum with threads on exactly what you are looking for. This thread is mainly about parts/modifications to enhance the appearance of the engine bay... It goes without saying you wouldn't modify it for appearance if the engine bay wasn't clean first.
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Old 03-20-2011, 07:12 PM
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I've been working towards re-installation of the NWP Torque Link, and fitted the new parts in this afternoon. Still not going to drive the car with the bar installed until I get off these snow tires, but it was good enough for a new photo.

Isn't it weird how chrome-like those PS lines can get, with just a little bit of Maguires Metal Polish? I've never polished them before today. Ever. In 9 years. And yet, look at how nice they came out.

I also realized this afternoon how stupidly simple it is to remove the radiator overflow tank; (which isn't in this picture.) It was filthy underneath, and there was a 1/8" lining of crud on the inside bottom-half. So I soaked it in bleach for most of today, then rinsed it out all clean and white. A new one would be $65, which is kind of pricey for that tank, I think.


Last edited by Rochester; 03-20-2011 at 07:19 PM.
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Old 03-20-2011, 07:41 PM
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All good work, Keep it up MAX enthusiasts
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Old 03-20-2011, 08:03 PM
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I could eat off that Rochester, you're really putting in work. I hope there is a show somewhere close to me with all you guys, I want to see some of this stuff in person!
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Old 03-20-2011, 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
Oddly enough, yes, I have been. In the last two years, I've spent exactly $8,600 on the car in total. $1,700 of that was purely for cosmetics, under the hood and elsewhere.

For two years prior to that, I spent virtually zero dollars (except for the exhaust). And for five years prior to that, I was making car payments.

All told... not a good financial investment. Figure I'll probably be selling it next year for around $6K, because that's realistically all I could get for it. Certainly whomever buys the car will be far more lucky than they could realize.

All in, I have no regrets. It's been fun.

that's going to be a crazy deal, let me know if you really decide to sell it. I will take it with no questions asked
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Old 03-24-2011, 03:15 PM
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I installed new upper and lower radiator hoses and painted them satin black so they look nice lulz. I also took out my windshield wiper fluid reservoirs.
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Old 03-24-2011, 04:22 PM
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What if a bug hits the window!?!?!
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Old 03-24-2011, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by NissanTun3r
I also took out my windshield wiper fluid reservoirs.
Both of them, eh?




Wait for it...
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Old 03-24-2011, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by pkrainert
What if a bug hits the window!?!?!
I clean my car on a regular basis

Originally Posted by Rochester
Both of them, eh?




Wait for it...
Well essentially it's one unit but there is a top piece that screws off the bottom so yeah...The coolant overflow tank is still there because it actually serves a purpose otherwise it would be gone too.
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Old 03-24-2011, 10:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
I've been working towards re-installation of the NWP Torque Link, and fitted the new parts in this afternoon. Still not going to drive the car with the bar installed until I get off these snow tires, but it was good enough for a new photo.

Isn't it weird how chrome-like those PS lines can get, with just a little bit of Maguires Metal Polish? I've never polished them before today. Ever. In 9 years. And yet, look at how nice they came out.

I also realized this afternoon how stupidly simple it is to remove the radiator overflow tank; (which isn't in this picture.) It was filthy underneath, and there was a 1/8" lining of crud on the inside bottom-half. So I soaked it in bleach for most of today, then rinsed it out all clean and white. A new one would be $65, which is kind of pricey for that tank, I think.

That.....looks....beautiful.....

Now, polish that power steering lines bracket.
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Old 03-25-2011, 04:54 AM
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Originally Posted by rroderiques77
That.....looks....beautiful.....

Now, polish that power steering lines bracket.
Thanks, Roy!

The little retainer bracket... I'll have to get a new one. That one is too far gone. But I'm really pleased it could be turned around so easily. The new hole is a stack of two pieces of sheet metal, with one folded lip. It's all welded together... so my point is, there's enough metal to tap a threaded hole, and you can use a bolt instead of a metal screw. It worked out real well.

Last edited by Rochester; 03-25-2011 at 05:09 AM.
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Old 03-25-2011, 05:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
Isn't it weird how chrome-like those PS lines can get, with just a little bit of Maguires Metal Polish? I've never polished them before today. Ever. In 9 years. And yet, look at how nice they came out.

I also realized this afternoon how stupidly simple it is to remove the radiator overflow tank; (which isn't in this picture.) It was filthy underneath, and there was a 1/8" lining of crud on the inside bottom-half. So I soaked it in bleach for most of today, then rinsed it out all clean and white. A new one would be $65, which is kind of pricey for that tank, I think.
Adding to my list: bleach my overflow tank and metal polish the lines...

Thanks!
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
Thanks, Roy!

The little retainer bracket... I'll have to get a new one. That one is too far gone. But I'm really pleased it could be turned around so easily. The new hole is a stack of two pieces of sheet metal, with one folded lip. It's all welded together... so my point is, there's enough metal to tap a threaded hole, and you can use a bolt instead of a metal screw. It worked out real well.
I would get rid of it altogether.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by rroderiques77
I would get rid of it altogether.
No, I think there's a reason why those little PS fluid pipes are secured, and not loose. In this particular instance, it feels more functional than otherwise. There are lots of things under the hood which are the way they are because of manufacturing-line requirements, but I don't think this is one of them. Know what I mean?
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Old 03-29-2011, 02:42 PM
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Well cheap washers ftl



chrome time

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Old 03-29-2011, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
No, I think there's a reason why those little PS fluid pipes are secured, and not loose. In this particular instance, it feels more functional than otherwise. There are lots of things under the hood which are the way they are because of manufacturing-line requirements, but I don't think this is one of them. Know what I mean?
Yup you need them. Surge pressures, spike/drop in pressure, good call

Plus it gives you one more thing to beautify
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Old 03-29-2011, 03:27 PM
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At the moment, I'm lining things up to swap those front water pipes. Figuring out how to un-clip the O2 harnesses, and how to pull them off the upper pipe. What size and depth sockets I need for the various bolts. Some penetrating oil prep on the bolts. A gallon of coolant to replace whatever gets dumped. Some high-temp, 3/8" wire loom and black zip-ties. Stuff like that.

I don't want to get into the middle of a small project and have it turn into a *large* project. Not like that's ever happened before.

Pics for sure whenever I'm done, which may still be a while. It was barely 40 degrees today.

Last edited by Rochester; 03-29-2011 at 03:30 PM.
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Old 03-29-2011, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
At the moment, I'm lining things up to swap those front water pipes. Figuring out how to un-clip the O2 harnesses, and how to pull them off the upper pipe. What size and depth sockets I need for the various bolts. Some penetrating oil prep on the bolts. A gallon of coolant to replace whatever gets dumped. Some high-temp, 3/8" wire loom and black zip-ties. Stuff like that.

I don't want to get into the middle of a small project and have it turn into a *large* project. Not like that's ever happened before.

Pics for sure whenever I'm done, which may still be a while. It was barely 40 degrees today.

I'm afraid that's happening with me right now

This is how she sits as of today...I deleted windshield wiper fluid tank, relocated HID balasts, relocated air filter so it doesn't sit right behind the radiator, new radiator support brackets w/ bushings, installed and painted new upper and lower radiator hoses, and replaced most bolts with polished new ones. I also painted something that connects the air hoses by the upper IM silver and next want to start polishing out some stuff like rochester did then maybe fab up some type of way of covering up all these damn wires!!!!

Btw does anyone know of what size bolts the ones in the upper IM cover thing are as well as the size of the bolts on the front VC?


Last edited by NissanTun3r; 03-30-2011 at 09:47 PM.
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Old 03-31-2011, 09:25 AM
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I can't break free the 12mm M8 bolt holding the lower water-pipe against the block just below the front valve cover. It's at an awkward angle, and you have to use a deep socket to reach it... and nothing. It won't budge.

With a great deal of humility, I now have to take the car to my mechanic just to replace these pipes. It's a little embarrassing, but it also means the wife isn't freaking out about me getting coolant fluid all over everything. And I want him to replace my lower oil pan anyway.

Still, I feel like a tool. Or at least, not the right tool for the job.
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Old 03-31-2011, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
I can't break free the 12mm M8 bolt holding the lower water-pipe against the block just below the front valve cover. It's at an awkward angle, and you have to use a deep socket to reach it... and nothing. It won't budge.

With a great deal of humility, I now have to take the car to my mechanic just to replace these pipes. It's a little embarrassing, but it also means the wife isn't freaking out about me getting coolant fluid all over everything. And I want him to replace my lower oil pan anyway.

Still, I feel like a tool. Or at least, not the right tool for the job.
Don't feel so bad. Those pipes are a biatch to do, specially with rusted bolts.
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Old 03-31-2011, 10:43 AM
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I looked at that pipe and was like hell naw **** it
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Old 03-31-2011, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
I can't break free the 12mm M8 bolt holding the lower water-pipe against the block just below the front valve cover. It's at an awkward angle, and you have to use a deep socket to reach it... and nothing. It won't budge.

With a great deal of humility, I now have to take the car to my mechanic just to replace these pipes. It's a little embarrassing, but it also means the wife isn't freaking out about me getting coolant fluid all over everything. And I want him to replace my lower oil pan anyway.

Still, I feel like a tool. Or at least, not the right tool for the job.
Better that you know when to stop than keep going and cause damage or hurt yourself. Many do not share that basic common sense.
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Old 04-13-2011, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
These radiator brackets look pretty darn good mounted on the car.








I was tired of cleaning and painting my brackets, just for them to rust again... So I went alittle above and beyond...
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Old 04-13-2011, 04:33 PM
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Nice! Clean and simple looking. What is that?
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Old 04-13-2011, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
Nice! Clean and simple looking. What is that?
That is the S2K Password JDM Radiator Tie down. Purchased it september 2010, and finally had the time to get it modified to fit the maxima.
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Old 04-13-2011, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by CustomLowz
That is the S2K Password JDM Radiator Tie down. Purchased it september 2010, and finally had the time to get it modified to fit the maxima.
Modified how?
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Old 04-13-2011, 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
Modified how?
The hole that is in the original bracket is too small for the nissan grommet to fit into... Had to grind the material out and make the hole about 1 1/4" in diameter to fit the grommet.
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Old 04-13-2011, 06:15 PM
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That's pretty straight-forward. You don't even have to do it perfect, because the rubber grommet will cover up the edges.

Pretty clever little bling mod.
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Old 04-13-2011, 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Rochester
That's pretty straight-forward. You don't even have to do it perfect, because the rubber grommet will cover up the edges.

Pretty clever little bling mod.
Thanks. Now for more cleaning, and cleaning, and even more cleaning!
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Old 04-13-2011, 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by sparks03max
Better that you know when to stop than keep going and cause damage or hurt yourself. Many do not share that basic common sense.
Going to the mechanic's tomorrow for a replacement lower oil-pan, and a gear oil swap in the transmission. While there, I'm going to have him work on that lower bolt so that I can put in those new powdercoated water pipes. I've been dying to see how they look in the engine bay.

Hope it's not too huge of a PITA to get out.
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