soundquest

I have been to thread after thread, pouring over info on the infamous VIAS box and the infamous VIAS "fix". Have seen pictures of the VIAS box zoomed in, but nothing at all showing you exactly where the vias box is located. Looked all over my dang engine for the thing and could not find it. Would someone please please take a picture of the engine and circle where the vias box is? Did they only put it on the 2000 Max and do away with the flawed "box" design on the 2002 and 2003 Maximas? Thank you.

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

You have a 5.5 gen. It's a completely different design, and there aren't any known issues. No "fix", other than to take it out and put a plate over the opening (like in the picture below), otherwise known as a BOP (Block off Plate). The VIAS is at the end of your UIM, on the passenger side.

You can stop pouring over info now.

/thread

soundquest

minutes after posting I came to the same realization after comparing the two engines side by side. It's just confusing as I would see posts regarding the JB weld fix from a person with a 2002 Maxima -- this is what threw me off so bad.

In this case, since the VIAS solenoid is throwing a P1800 code, we have no choice but to replace it in order to get the code and CEL to go away.

Please tell me what benefit would be had by blocking it off with a plate? Also, doesn't the removal of this system drop the HP by a factor of 30? Would the loss be felt mostly at the low end or at the high end?

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

In the 5.5 gen Maxima, removing the VIAS improves the top-end air flow by widening the opening between the upper & lower shelf in the UIM. It adds a couple HP over 3800 rpm, but you lose low-end torque in the same mod by defeating the intent of the longer runner length. The net result is a much smoother power curve (no more VIAS kick), while at the same time increasing the perception (!) of power gains at WOT by butting low-end loss up against high-end gain.

There are a gazillion threads.

RR5

iTrader: (6)

Yup, have a look here http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/