Well guys, it's been quite a while since I've (a) posted and (b) modified the Maxima. The biggest/most recent change was an audio overhaul. Otherwise, with 150k on the clock and only about 2 years left of owning it, the mods have stopped. I do want to do one last modification to it, and it's come down to:

1) a RSB

or

2) SAFCII

I am torn because while I feel using the SAFCII as a piggyback for a proper dyno tune would do wonders with my mods list, the Illumina/H-Tech, FSTB set up isn't enough for me for handling. I love rounding corners, but am always a little apprehensive and I feel a RSB would restore the confidence.

Price not a factor, do I get the piggyback and tune or up my handling? I know my AFR is out of wack and it'd be nice to get all bolt ons, timing and AFR all synced up. But the RSB just seems more practical at the current moment, whether its to help avoid a collision, or hug corners a little tighter. I'd also be less inclined to hit the gas knowing I don't have yet another mod to keep the speed junky in my head saying "go go go!"

Keep in mind I have 150k, am planning on selling it in about 2 years and am fairly content with the acceleration as of current. I am also in the mindset of tranny/clutch preservation, that of which a tune may not be most beneficial.

Thanks guys.

 

From the looks of your post, it looks as if you're decision is already made.

 

I say do both, and be that much happier with your ride for two more years....

 

There definitely is a want for a tune, don't get me wrong. I was just wondering if I could get some input for members who are either in a similar situation to me or members who have either of these done and whether they recommend one over another. If my mind was completely made up, I don't think I would have turned to the org.

Any suggestions?

 

First you get the RSB, because it's something you should have bought years ago... and how the hell could you have gotten to this point with your Maxima without one anyway?

Then you get the SAFC-II... because it's the only thing left on your list.

/done (hi mike)

 

Get both duh

 

QFT man, haha. I honestly don't know. I got so caught up with engine bolt ons. I remember coming close a couple times to pulling the trigger.

There seems to be a reoccurring theme here...and this summer internship has been good to me financially, so I may end up doing both and as Rods03Max619 said, be optimally happy for these last 2 years.

Mods effected by tune:

Cattman 3" cat-back
Cattman Gen III headers/y-pipe (ceramic coated)
3" 240sx Testpipe
NWP phenolic spacers
NWP block plate
Berk Intake w/ Apexi Filter
17 degree timing advance
02 simulator

 

Seems like money is not a issue. Get both.
/Thread.

 

Don't get the tune because you won't want to sell the car.

 

Both.

 

You could also go test drive a 335i or a G37S, and watch the Maxima plans turn to dust.

However, there's a lot to be said for having a modified, paid-for car in the garage.

 

Mods usually lead to more mods.


Assuming you don't already have anything mentioned below.


SAFCII, potential for adding a WB, LRMAF, larger injectors to potentially and cost effectively add even more area under the curve.

RSB, possibly going with coilovers, ES bushings, SFC's, to aid in handling even more.

 

335i... That's what I got my eyes on for a replacement for the maxima...

Get the RSB it's an awesome mod that will give you better cornering abilities. Where I live, in the Appalachian mountains, it's probably the best mod I could have done... Plenty of twisty roads over here

 

Last mod's i said that before and all i did was lie to myself!
Your Next Mod's should be

1. Haltec w/Surratt Harness
2. Coilovers
3. ES bushings
4. Knight MotorMount Inserts

 

Alright guys, I'm sold. Both it is.

And honestly, I don't know why I didn't consider both. The hunt for these two things shall begin. I haven't done any significant mods for a while now, so I'm fairly certain no snowball effect with future mods will occur. The climbing mileage should keep my future modding at bay - although I faintly remember a couple 5.5 geners in the 12 sec N/A with near or greater than my mileage...

Thanks for the input guys. And John, the 335i is a car that has fascinated me for quite a while, but I plan to go even bigger and better after the max.

My goal is a compounded TT awd v6/v8 6spd set up and a daily driver for all legal forms of driving.

 

And now that most of the Office Park Douchbags are driving Audi, the BMW is back in contention.

Fully warrantied, of course.

 

Oh, forgot to mention the most important part!

It'll have 4 doors....of course

I certainly wouldn't mind a Mineral Grey or Alpine White 2013 M-sport F30 though - assuming it'd be released as a x-drive model. Yum.

 

Something about both the front and rear lower section of each bumper... it's like BMW is trying too hard, and creating busy style lines out of thin air.

But overall, yes... Yum. And while I still find the G a more attractive car, it's not by much.

 

SAFC

 

That + LRMAF + injectors + WB, + [Headers + 3" TP + catback (what you already have basically)], that would net A LOT, upwards of 20-25, maybe even more in some areas if done properly and far better driveability, throttle response, area under the curve, etc.

 

Nmex, I agree, that would ideally be the route, as the combination of all of those really do make a good complete system. Really wish I had about a 100k less than what I do on here, or that'd be the track I'd head down for sure.

I remember a while back there were mixed reviews about the gains from a LRMAF and which MAF ID was optimal. I know you showed gains, but for those who weren't able to or loss power, was there a consensus as to why that happened? Just out of curiosity.

 

Well, it's not the most complete or best system out there, but it's cost effective.

There were a few that were doing it wrong.

You may want to read into the 4" MAF/intake idea, that is my current project.

I never let mileage play a role in my decisions though. Seems like an excuse
I modded my 4th gen until 220k, this one currently has 130k and I'm still at it.

 

Speed mods tend to make me drive faster which is not a good thing whereas suspension mods tend to improve my driving. I would go with the RSB. I started a thread a ways back titled something like "rear sway bar to improve understeer" that has a centralized location for all the available sway bars with pictures as well

 

Well, it looks like peer pressure to get both was effective. Thanks to a couple members here, I have a Progress RSB and SAFC-II on their way. I appreciate the input here guys.

I'll now have to do some research on good tune shops in southern California and see what those optimal AFRs are. Dynojet, here I come

 

 

 

Yup, RSB was one of my first mods, you should be ashamed

You'll love them both and they're cheap relatively speaking.

 

RSB's should be one of the first mods. I have always been one to mod the suspension first and have a good base in which to make faster as opposed to the opposite way of thinking so many other decide to do....

 

SAFC/ tune. Power is immediate and always there.

Unless you rally and like to take clover exit ramps and turns at 50+, then do the RSB first.

 

Suspension Mods > Power Mods, every day of the week.

Literally... because you will always appreciate the suspension, but only appreciate the little bit of extra grunt when you ask for it.

 

I appreciate the extra power every day.

I hear more people say "damn that's a fast four door" as opposed to "damn that Maxima corners so well"- unless they track or autoX the car. Other people's experiences may differ

It comes down to the epic debate of T or A...

But which is the funbags, and which is the rump???

 

No matter how fast or slow you're driving, you are always sensitive to the suspension.

However, any monkey can smash the throttle. Just saying.

 

We all have our preferences.

 

Hey now, this thread is about traction or accel....ooooh, that T and A. Gotcha

 

and in often cases better MPG

 

Who says suspension mods don't make you drive faster..... on turns which is almost worse than going faster on straight lines.
In better words the RSB increases oversteer on an understeer happy car, which will put you a few steps closer to feeling a more balanced car. Anything helps.
+1

I' am going to admit, I still do not have a RSB after 5 yrs.

 

Do you telling where you ordered both items from and what you paid for them?

 

Picked up both items from .org members for a total of $280.00 including s/h and PayPal fees.

 

Holy ***, I paid 225 for my new progress RSB alone (to Canada of course). Good work man, let us know how tuning goes with the SAFC.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...fs-safcii.html