So I'm a new Maxima owner. I have an 04 auto SE. I've read through quite a few threads to answer some questions I've had, but I'm wondering what they "must have" upgrades are?

It has an aftermarket short ram air intake and catback exhaust and the previous owner put 18 inch Infiniti wheels on it which I love. I'm not sure what other things would be a good idea for improved handling and mileage if possible.

One thing my car does when I floor it to get on the freeway that I'm curious about though. When it gets to the peak it kind of turnsover a bit until it shifts. I'm not sure if this would be an issue with the tranny or an air/spark issue. It shifts a little rough into 2nd sometimes but otherwise I've had zero problems with it.

Any help and/or suggestions would be awesome! Links are always appreciated too

 

Explain "turns over" that term is generally used to describe an engine successfully engaging in a combustion cycle.

If your talking about the pause it has an the HP drop as it approaches red line, then your talking about something almost all cars experience. You can correct this with a tune, or a transgo kit.

When you say it's has a rough shift is if more of a sharp jolt or jarring or is it more like a swift shove? It's common for cars with higher HP to get a little excited in 1-3 gear and carry on more power than is needed. It usually tends to happen when you car is shifting as you are letting off the throttle. It's carrying all this predetermined momentum to keep your speed constant and your upshift smooth and has no where to put it as you decelerate. It's normal.

I guess try and be a little more detailed and I'll give it another go.

 

valve body savings fund is a MUST

 

Probably the best advice you will receive in this thread

 

In regards to the "turning over" I described, the best way I can think to elaborate would be like the feeling/sound you get when on ice. The engine revs hi-drops a little-revs high and so on in quick succession. Almost like when you're on ice and it grabs a little then slips again and so on.

The transmission I was referring to is only when I'm on it a little, when I drive a normal speed away from a light and whatnot is smooth as butter, I notice nothing at all, no jolting or pausing just smoooooooth. When I get on it a little the car just sort of stutters a little which I suppose is probably normal, just checking.

 

Our trannys are notorious for having problems. Find the tranny threads and check em out.

 

You could do the spacer kit,while you're in there you could do the PCV valve and spark plugs.

 

Hoover, I have an '04 I've had for about 5 months. I had a delay in 2nd to 3rd shifts in my 5sp auto, til last week, when I changed out to Amsoil...shifts much smoother. I also changed out to Amsoil engine oil, seemed to smooth out the idle, and quiet down the engine quite a bit.

 

Awesome, I'll hafta try that. Sounds very similar to what I'm noticing.

One question that nobody has been able to answer for me... WHERE do I find headers?!?!? Some people say to use the Altima ones but that they most likely need some kind of fab. Why can't I find some MADE for the Max??? Seems really odd but I've had no luck finding any... I've seen the Cattman thread but their site doesn't list any for sale. I'm going to give them a call sometime, but is there anywhere else I can get them? My check engine light came on and when I took it in they said it was my cats so I wanna just through headers on and a y-pipe and a new cat with extenders on the O2's like I've seen in threads. Problem is I can't find headers...

 

Bro the 6thgen maxima headers would cost you nuff. Cattman don't stock the headers and according to the guy I called they need atleast 5-6 orders to produce a batch. The headers is around $600-700 depending on which setup you go with. Racingline sells the y-pipe and it's around $400+shipping. The altima headers cost me at the time around $250 and $60 brokerage because I live in canada.

Check engine light is a must unles you have the cattman I think. My install alone was $350 labour only because I was referred and I got a cash price. I opened a thread about the atima headers in the 04 maxima. Find it and it might answer a few of your questions. The seniors will tell you exactly what to do

 

I'll hafta check that out. A couple friends are mechanics and are willing to help me out but I'd hafta know what we're getting ourselves into before starting. It's crazy they don't just make headers for the Max but it is what it is I guess. Thanks for the input.

 

my 2nd thought!

Progress rear sway bar and moog end-links.

Nissan Matic-K fluid... 8 qts to do 2 drain & fills.

 

I also am a new '04 owner. Mine is the 5sp auto, and I just changed out engine oil and tranny fluid to Amsoil. It shifts so much smoother, and just overall runs a lot nicer. By the way, there is no transmission filter to change, and it is the easiest thing to do.

 

Yea I haven't even looked at it yet. I changed the tranny fluid on my RSX and it was kind of a PITA so I'm glad to hear this isn't so bad. It will make me more liable to do it sooner lol