8th Generation Maxima (2016-) Let's see what Nissan has to offer on the 8th generation Maxima

CVT vs DYNO

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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 07:41 PM
  #1  
rablaze93's Avatar
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CVT vs DYNO

Hi Guys,

Someone told me that engines with a CVT are really difficult to measure on the Dyno when you wanna measure how much horsepower a car like the Maxima has. I was just wondering, what about it exactly makes it difficult? Also if its so hard to measure, how does Nissan claim their maximas to be 300hp? From my understanding, CVTs don't deal with a gear **** system but uses a pulley shift system. Any additional info would be great!

Thanks!
Rich
Old Feb 1, 2018 | 06:27 AM
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Thats not true , it can be done i had a cvt juke on the dyno before. The only issue we had is we had to disconnect all the safety devices, abs and traction control to make the car run.
Old Feb 1, 2018 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by rablaze93
Hi Guys,

Someone told me that engines with a CVT are really difficult to measure on the Dyno when you wanna measure how much horsepower a car like the Maxima has. I was just wondering, what about it exactly makes it difficult? Also if its so hard to measure, how does Nissan claim their maximas to be 300hp? From my understanding, CVTs don't deal with a gear **** system but uses a pulley shift system. Any additional info would be great!

Thanks!
Rich
CVTs don't shift, really. They Don't have gears, but instead unlimited ratios between low and high.
Old Feb 2, 2018 | 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Mason Hatcher
CVTs don't shift, really. They Don't have gears, but instead unlimited ratios between low and high.
What do you mean exactly by 'unlimited' ratios? sorry if my uptake is kinda slow i'm kinda new to learning all this. So its because of the unlimited ratios that its hard to gauge an exact HP level?
Old Feb 2, 2018 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by rablaze93
What do you mean exactly by 'unlimited' ratios? sorry if my uptake is kinda slow i'm kinda new to learning all this. So its because of the unlimited ratios that its hard to gauge an exact HP level?
Why do you want to dyno it?

There are really no aftermarket ways to increase power with this car as of yet.

If you think adding Stillens JOKE of a hot air intake will add power... it wont. There are only axle back exhaust systems out there right now really and they wont add anything.

Racingline used to make a Y-pipe.... that likely add 10hp but racingline is defunct.

I mean really if you threw every bolt on at this car it might make 8-10 hp extra somewhere in the power band, but without tuning its kind of pointless.

If you want a comparison a 306whp 350Z with a similar 3.5L Vq Engine typically puts down 250whp but thats the HR (High Rev VQ engine) and the regular 3.5L in the 350Z puts down about 220-230whp stock.

I would put our 3.5L in the Maxima at about 240-260whp with the CVT.
Old Feb 2, 2018 | 11:24 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by A36-SR
Thats not true , it can be done i had a cvt juke on the dyno before. The only issue we had is we had to disconnect all the safety devices, abs and traction control to make the car run.
I thought you quit this forum?
Old Feb 2, 2018 | 11:47 AM
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Just checking it out, am in the process on signing paper work on a new car. Bye maxima
Old Feb 2, 2018 | 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by A36-SR
Just checking it out, am in the process on signing paper work on a new car. Bye maxima
See ya. Good luck with the new ride.
Old Feb 2, 2018 | 08:42 PM
  #9  
rablaze93's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Dub Jones
Why do you want to dyno it?

There are really no aftermarket ways to increase power with this car as of yet.

If you think adding Stillens JOKE of a hot air intake will add power... it wont. There are only axle back exhaust systems out there right now really and they wont add anything.

Racingline used to make a Y-pipe.... that likely add 10hp but racingline is defunct.

I mean really if you threw every bolt on at this car it might make 8-10 hp extra somewhere in the power band, but without tuning its kind of pointless.

If you want a comparison a 306whp 350Z with a similar 3.5L Vq Engine typically puts down 250whp but thats the HR (High Rev VQ engine) and the regular 3.5L in the 350Z puts down about 220-230whp stock.

I would put our 3.5L in the Maxima at about 240-260whp with the CVT.


Theres a full exhaust system for the 8th gen maxima. Its from Motordyne. I kinda bought still axleback and their Cold air intake before finding out about Motordyne. But luckily for me Motordyne has an option to sell the Ypipe separately and I was able to just buy the y-pipe and I called both Stillen and Motordyne and they said their separate parts are compatible with one another.
Old Feb 4, 2018 | 05:09 AM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by rablaze93
Hi Guys,

Someone told me that engines with a CVT are really difficult to measure on the Dyno when you wanna measure how much horsepower a car like the Maxima has. I was just wondering, what about it exactly makes it difficult? Also if its so hard to measure, how does Nissan claim their Maxima to be 300hp? Any additional info would be great!

Thanks!
Rich
Very simple answer...when all of the automobile manufactures make a claim of "XXX horsepower @ XXXX RPM" and "XXX lbs.-ft. torque @ XXXX RPM, they use an engine dynamometer. The engine is not installed into the automobile for the testing...no transmission attached.

Google the words "engine dynamometer" for a better understanding.
Old Feb 4, 2018 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by RickSmith
Very simple answer...when all of the automobile manufactures make a claim of "XXX horsepower @ XXXX RPM" and "XXX lbs.-ft. torque @ XXXX RPM, they use an engine dynamometer. The engine is not installed into the automobile for the testing...no transmission attached.

Google the words "engine dynamometer" for a better understanding.
That seems logical, thanks for clarifying that.

I'm not super knowledgeable about cars but there is a vague question that I have in my mind. Horsepower is almost always reported as what it can do at a very high rpm. This makes sense, you have to really rev it up to get all that power. That means unless you redline the gas , you are really getting a lot less power than the advertised maximum.

I don't think I ever hit over 6000 rpm, so I'm not benefitting from the full power this engine offers. So my dumb question is this. Is there a way to get more power on the low end, without boosting it too high overall (and risking tranny damage)? I've heard before that Turbos and Superchargers are good at boosting low end power. Is it possible to install one of these and than back off the effect as higher RPMs are reached?

I'm love acceleration, but don't care about top speed. I hit 100 once just to try it out and don't have any plans to exceed that again
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