Alright guys, so I was never one to start threads, mostly just read what you all have to say to help formulate my opinions and options. I purchased an '02 SE six speed (w/ Nav )4 years ago with 80k on the odometer from a .org member from my town. Today it has 166 on the clock. I've been looking to get into something else but after searching for used & cpo vehicles I weighed my options and decided to invest some money and keep this for another year or so. I would say I have neglected in the past year or so, only doing oil changes and tire rotations. As of now, I have faced with a few decisions as to what to get done to keep her running in tip-top shape. I figure if I'm going to continue to drive it, I want it to be the best it can be. First, let me tell you what I've done so far: (btw - it's majestic blue on frost ME edition.)

-35% tint all around
-H&R drop on Illuminas (replaced suspension components as well)
-ebay FSTB
-GAB with K&N
-akebono pads on centric 120 rotors
-blacked out trim
-3k fogs with re-wire
-full 5k LED interior
-always run mobil-1
-always run 91 octane
-running Conti DWS (great tire IMO!)

Currently the car is at my mechanic for inspection and he's replacing all 4 corners with Centric cryo 125 rotors, Hawk HPS pads and bleeding/flushing the system (excited to try these .. the akebonos were decent but I've always read how great the Hawks are)

Potential upgrades/preventative maintenance:
This is where I would like any input/experiences you may have and if you think it's reasonable to invest in this considering the age/mileage of my vehicle. I'm considering spending between $1-2k

-Spark plugs - never been replaced since I have owned it. I would guess they are OEM. Still haven't decided on brand/type. I want copper for performance but leaning towards NGK iridium ix?

-Since I would have the engine apart, is it smart to do both valve covers (the '04 versions of course)?

-Also, should I pre-order the ignition coils from DaveB before I take it in or let my guy look at it first to see if they are bad?

-Furthermore, since I'm at it with the engine I've always wanted the NWP spacers. Again, consider the age of the vehicle - is it unreasonable to do at this time??

-----If I were to do the plugs/coils/VCs/spacers, my mechanic quoted me 8 hours of labor @ $50/hr ... is he out of line with that?

-Exhaust - weighing my options here. I would love to have the Cattman 3" but thinking about doing a Flowmaster 60 with a Random Tech fast cat. Give me your best debate why I should consider something else. Can't afford to spend much on exhaust but want something other than stock.

-NWP Vias Plate - I know the pros and cons. Since my engine has been good thus far, should I chance making performance changes or keep it closer to stock and try to get the longevity out of it?

-What about the Ralco STS? Don't really wanna do the free-sts mod myself but again, is it worth it to do at this point?

-I will be replacing the fuel & cabin filter on my own.

-SES light has been on for 2 years+ and it's always the same codes (0455 & 0148) Gross leak - Evap canister and I don't really wanna put the money in to fix it because the yellow light doesn't bother me, however I do monitor it regularly. The exterior of the car is "good" but probably going to get it detailed in/out and possibly wash the engine bay. Wanna replace the floor mats too. For all of you reading this that maybe at one time wish you had factory NAV ... let me tell you, it's a POS. (2) buttons have now fallen off and the nav is wayyy outdated at this point.

This car has been great for me, I just want to regain some of the power/mpg it has no doubt lost over time. Still good but I know it could be better. All in all (and I know this is a long post) I want to do a "tune-up" of sorts and have many more happy miles. In reality these cars are great and have all the power/luxury I need. I've kinda fallen in love with it again like the day I test drove it. So anyway, you're comments are appreciated. Suggestions welcome, ultimately I want the engine running smoothly and possibly add some HP along the way.

 

is the car burning oil?

 

No. I have been lucky.

 

how close are you to MD? shoot ill change that for far less than 400$

 

2.5 to baltimore. I'm listening.

 

Keep it but probably should start saving up... Never know what will happen in 3 years

 

First off, I just did many of these upgrades myself (155,000 mi). You can read my post here if you like. As far as the NWP VIAS block off plate and spacers, valve covers and spark plugs, you should be able to do this yourself. It's fairly easy even for a novice (although it looks intimidating at first). The 2002/3 Max doesn't have quite the vacuum line mess the 2000/1 Maximas have. And 8 hours seems a bit long IMHO. Maybe 6 hours would be more like it (now that I've done it once I could probably do it again in less than 4). If your spark plugs have never been changed I would definitely recommend it. Mine were OEM and had burn marks on the insulators and the contacts were extremely wore down. A gap that large has to affect performance. I wouldn't touch the coils unless you're having problems with them.

As far as exhaust goes...whatever you feel like paying for. I installed OBX headers and am currently waiting on the Cattman cat back system. We'll see how I like it.

I wouldn't bother with the STS mod. It doesn't actually shorten your shifter on the 2002/3, it just shortens the distance you have to move it. As notchy as our transmissions are already I wouldn't want to reduce the leverage from the longer throw.

 

I did NGK just because they lasted 100k and everyone suggested them. But you are probably WAY over due for any plugs.

Since you said you are not losing any oil then your VC are fine. I would bet someone already replaced. When you take it off you can better answer this question. Either you see oil leaking or you don't.

If coils are not broken do not replace. No misfire/CEL then you are good. BTW DaveB is no longer here.

I would say it is not unreasonable. The car will be apart anyways so all the extra money is in the part, really. And considering the gains....its a cheap part. Get the economy version if you want to save money and don't plan on removing it much.

This is an interesting one. Plugs/Coils/VC are all the same job...PLUGS. So look up the time the book says plugs take. I doubt it is anywhere near 8 hours. Then look up what the spacers take on NWP website and remember half the job is done while doing plugs. I say it is 4 hours maybe.

Around my area mechanics are AT LEAST $90/hr so $400 for that would actually be almost reasonable.

First off, stock muffler is amazing. I regret the day I changed mine. However, I have Megan catback and I like the look and sound (except the drone between 2k and 2.5k). Cattman, from what I read, will be your only option for no drone, best looks and perfect sound. Keep in mind that any catback you get should be almost soley for sound and looks. It does little for power. If I were you I would stay stock. Megan isn't so bad since I have 6sp though.

I do not remember reading many horror stories about this. This is a cheap and easy upgrade if I recall. I don't think you have much to gain or lose but I do not have much experience here.


I have the STS mod. I LOVE IT. It is notchy with or without the mod so I didn't care about that. I thought it felt tighter after I put it on, actually. I would recommend the STS any day. I love it

Some people are going to disagree with you here. Maintain before you mod. However, you are an adult lol. If you do not care your car is throwing codes for a GROSS EVAP leak and want to upgrade instead then go ahead. I would fix codes first, though.


All in all it sounds like you have a great car.....and I am glad to here navi sucks lol. GL!

 

Keep up with maintenance and drive it til it dies. These cars aren't worth **** anymore.

 

+1

The hardest thing to do as a Maxima owner is treat it as such since they're such nice cars. I very much agree with the folks prior in that if you do intend on really keeping it, just weigh the upgrade (unnecessary) costs against anything else you got going in your life. Not burning oil and in clean shape; I would definitely have no problem putting a couple thousand in it.

 

You mean the 15 horsepower they claim you'll make with their stainless steel catback is a lie? LOL...

 

I would do replace the plugs. Don't replace the Coils if they aren't bad - no reason to. You should be able to do the plugs yourself - its not that hard - intimidating at first - but easy. I found a write up somewhere - it tells you everythig that you need to remove AND more importantly what doesn't need to be removed. A mechanic charging 8 hours labor seems high to me. I did it myself and it took way less than 8 hours. I'm in the exact same situation as you - 145k on my max - but have decided to keep it until the wheels fall off. I try and do as much of the work myself - that's where you can save $$

 

keep it, get lucas treatments!!!!

 

I would do 6th gen rear valve cover, spark plugs, rotors & pads and let her keep on rolling. Honestly most of the cheap mods will leave you hungry still and the mod bug will begin.

 

Agreed, got this one at 148k and now got 166,xxx, and a hole lot of Mods, suspension was hella shot when I got the car..Good Luck with the Ride and Hit Up G Hustle for the Install, since your Mechanic is killing the pockets with them installs...