hey guys...i'm deciding on whether to get a 00-01 or 02+ maxima.
the only thing thats keeping me from getting a 02+ is that i don't like the projector headlights and the altezza-like backlights (also the price...) however the bigger engine is quite tempting...but here are my REAL questions:
1. How is the performance potential of the 5gen maximas? like have anyone got it into the 12s or constent 13s? i want a fast car (been thinking about 240sx w/ SR20det swap but thought the maxima is fast enough and probably more practical for my daily drive use)
2. Most likely i'm goin to get the Stillen Supercharger...but after the supercharger is there any more possible performance upgrade or the supercharger is pretty much the limit?
3. Is there a version of the 00-01 maxima where the car comes w/ the factory body kit?
4. what does "AE" stands for?
5. I know someone got into the 298+ at the wheels w/ a 00-01 on the board...anyone higher than that? if so what do you run?
6. what is ur take on if i should get the 00-01 or 02+? like ive seen lightly modded 02 maxima running 14.8 while a stock 00-01 maxima runs 15.1...i mean does the engine performance really differs that much? doesn't the 3.5 engine weight kinda balance things out so it doesnt run that much faster than the 3.0 block?

Thanks so much for answering!!

 

12's?
If you want a 12 second car buy a corvette.
As for the power difference between 01 and 02 its very noticeable lots more torque. Do a search on the forum to answer some of your other questions

 

thats one of the best parts about the 2k2, next to the 6 speed and 255hp engine.

 

buy the 02 & I'll trade you my 01 headlights for your 02
so scratch off that problem

 

People are paying 1K + for my lights...I guess you are different ..

 

1)2K2 6-speeds run low to mid 14s and the automatics runs high 14s to low 15s. 2K-2K1 5-speeds run low to mid 15s and the automatics run mid to high 15s. These are TYPICAL times that the majority of us run, however there are a few that are better than the norm.
2)The super charger(SC) with smaller pulleys, an intercooler or water injection, and a HELL of a driver will be PLENTY fast enough. There are MORE mods(even though us 5th gens. whine&cry, then MOST of us can afford or are willing to spend the money on). Currently, the SC is ONLY available for the 2K-2K1 and with the SUPPOSEDLY redesigned 2004 Maxima, the 2K2-2K3 Maxima might not get a SC. However, the 3.5L is going in the G35, 350Z, and I35 so you might get a SC or maybe even a turbo kit but that's a LONG shot.
3)2001 Aniversary Edition(AE) Maxima comes with the bodykit.
4)See 3).
5)Kev(Y2KevSE) is running 300+ horsepower to the WHEELS and he has an automatic, so the 5-speed manual should be even higher.
6)Depends on if your serious about the SC or running NA. If your POSITIVELY going to run a SC, go ahead and pick up a 2K1 for waaaaay cheap. If your going to stay NA, I'd get the 2K2 for the HIDs, HLSD, 6-speed, and damn fast engine right out of the box with a WARRANTY.

As for the 2K2 headlamps and tailamps. Once you actually drive with the 2K2 HIDs at night, you will NEVER go halogen again. They are AWESOME for driving at night. Otherwise, you can EASILY sell them for $600-$1K and trade a 2K-2K1 SE for it's taillamps plus get some cash. A win win situation.

Picking a stripped 2K2 6-speed HLSD equipped over even a fully loaded 2K1 AE 5-speed is DEFINITELY an easy decision. However, spending some more money(~$35K) for the G35 coupe or Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VII(actual VIII in US) is a friggen tough one!

 

Buy the 02' and i'll exchange lights with u for free.=)

 

I don't think I've heard this before, and I could be WAY off base, but the added torque and hp is only half of the answer of why the 2K2s are so much faster. Doesn't the 6-speed come into play as well? I mean, if the other 5th gens had 6-speeds (hey, and 4th gens for that matter) wouldn't they be quite a bit faster than they already are?

Tony

 

why do people try to find excuses to why the 2k2 is faster than the 2k1-2k. I mean it has 33 more hp and 29 more torque does that mean anything. look at the 2k2 auto it only has a 4 spd auto and so does the 2k1-2k but the 2k2 would smoke the 2k1-2k or 4th gens STOCK that is so i don't think the extra gear makes too much of a difference when you look at the stick shifts anyway just thought i would give my opinion on your comment. not trying to start flames with you.

 

Buy the 02, I'll switch you out headlights, pay for shipping and throw in a bottle of Zymol and a clay bar for your shiny new ride.

 

For more power is it possible to add NOS to a supercharged Max.(running at 9psi)? Probably the tranny will not be able to take it but wouldn't it be safer to hit the NOS switch after 80km/hr.? This would be some serious power. Or how about just changing the tranny and unleashing the power from the start. I'm just thinking out loud and trying to learn. Go easy on me.

 

12 sec daily driver maxima ehhh... maybe when we adopt alien technology and use ultra light alloys for the structural and mechanical components and have 400+ plus hp/tq motors that will run on filtered water then it would be possible...

but then again why would you need a ground based vehicle when you can zip through the sky, or even through space and time, with an alien craft?

All the possibilities...

the truth is out there...

get a porshe gt2 or vette z06 or 2k3 viper...

 

OMG ROFL

 

I think the 6-speed is actually harmful to performance. If I'm not mistaken I remember reading on here that it had more drivetrain loss then the 5-speed. The closer gear ratios are probably beneficial but I would think that the extra time spent shifting would negate that. So I'm not really sure myself but whatever.

 

2k2-2k3's don't have projector headlamps....

they are "camera lens style" headlamps.
projectors are what you find in pre-rsx integras,

 

I'm not sure either. But I'd much rather have a 6-speed than a 5.

Tony

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but there is no extra weight because it is just a bore and stroke of the 3.0?

 

Yup, and they're HID's, as opposed to the $10/pair bulbs with a blue tint.

 

Yes, I believe that is correct. I know for sure they bored the engine block, but not sure if they stroked it.