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2005 Maxima Intake manifold testing Kinetix vs SSIM DE
We finally had a chance to properly test 2 intake manifold options for the 2005 Maxima VQ35DE engine.
All testing done on the same car , same day , same dyno, etc.
Car setup:
2005 Maxima
VQ35DE engine
JWT S2 cams
NISformance High Power 3.5" cold air intake
Manzo Headers
Mangafow cat back 2.5"
NISformance UpRev tune
2009 Maxima 75MM throttle body
First 3 runs are with Kinetix manifold (red, blue, green)
Last 3 runs are with DE manifold gutted (SSIM)
The only change is the manifold itself!
The power loss from the kinetix was expected once I done a side by side visual comparison. Its clear none to very little actual engineering in the manifold design.
The SSIM Maxima manifold works great! A fellow NC native "SR20DEN" innovated this SSIM manifold many many years ago. This SSIM manifold is a staple mod for DE style engines. Its pretty crazy how old it is but still seems to be the best option!
This car really could benefit from reving higher also. But it has stock oil pump, stock rod bolts, stock valve springs, stock oil gallery gasket (not sure if leaking).
Nice work Darren, and great to see this posted on the org.
Is the "SSIM" cut the same way, regardless of who worked on it? For example, is Doug's SSIM going to look the same as your SSIM?
Thanks!
Yeah we are more active over here now, the info is a lot easier to find vs facebook.
I was looking for some pictures from SR20DEN's original SSIM manifold but cant find them. For the most part id say gutted DE manifolds are roughly the same. Even though have been a few guys making them over the years.
I would have liked to see it tested with the NWP BOP. From what I remember, that produced almost the same peak whp as a gutted IM but didn't lose nearly as much torque. But it's good to see new dynos and info on the org!
I would have liked to see it tested with the NWP BOP. From what I remember, that produced almost the same peak whp as a gutted IM but didn't lose nearly as much torque. But it's good to see new dynos and info on the org!
The SSIM loses low end but gains a lot in the top end.
vias delete / block off plate with a stock manifold loses low end but dont have anywhere near the same top end gains as SSIM.
Looks like the SSIM is the worst combo below 6100, and by a good margin. I don't know about you, but I spend most of my driving below 6100 rpm, so the SSIM isn't even a consideration. I do miss the mid-range torque hit of the stock setup, but the gains above 3800 rpm appear to be enough to tip the scales in favor of VIAS delete and NWP BOP. Do you have dynos showing different results?
This is not tuned, he just had a apei neo for fuel adjustments.
We try to test on a consistent setup of FULLY tuned including Fuel, Ign timing, and intake cam timing, and extended rev limiter.
I would not suggest a SSIM on a Maxima/Altima without fully tuning it, thats for sure.
Its very complicated to test parts and find out what REALLY makes power. Showing gains on a stock car, or a car thats not fully tuned is kinda pointless IMO. These older ECU's are tuned so bad from the factory we are seeing insane gains just from tuning.
Here is a great example: 02 Maxima, DE engine, 3" intake, gutted cats. stock intake manifold , working vias. so literally intake, and gutted cats are the only mods. Gains simply from tuning IGN timing, intake cam timing, fuel.
Maybe we should start a thread going over everything we have been doing. Since we got our dyno we started all testing from scratch. Started with stock and tested tons and tons of parts.
Looks like the SSIM is the worst combo below 6100, and by a good margin. I don't know about you, but I spend most of my driving below 6100 rpm, so the SSIM isn't even a consideration. I do miss the mid-range torque hit of the stock setup, but the gains above 3800 rpm appear to be enough to tip the scales in favor of VIAS delete and NWP BOP. Do you have dynos showing different results?
We dont get a lot of DE engines though here that are actually good to test on. Most old DEs are here to be replaced with out FWD HR swap. Our testing is 80% FWD HR and 20% Old DE.
I'm love to see where the limit is on a DE myself....I love my VIAS, but maybe I'll try a NWP BOP...just to see if I gain or lose low end torque...I'm only missing cams, big bore TB, NISformance Intake, and tune...Got everything else...Cattman Headers, Cattman 3" exhaust, 6" SRI, UDP, NWP spacers, etc...My engine burns a little oil but it's the intake valve seals...I'll be heading that way hopely this year or the beginning of 2019...
