So is it? Also, is the any difference between models and years? What does the variable capacity thing do? Thanks alot.

 

i measured mine that i just got and the outside diamater is 2.25 its a muffler off a 2k1 se
i think that the tips may be the only differences even though they have diff part numbers

 

The variable capacity unit acts like VTEC and gives you mad gains in the upper regions.

The part #'s for the 5gen mufflers (rear section) is the same throughout the model years. The only thing different are the tips, but apparently not enough to warrent a change in part# within Nissan. The muffler itself is alittle under 2.25" but there are others who have welded 2.5" piping to it without any negative effects.

Oh, and you won't get any gains with a 5th gen muffler. The pneumatic flap is exhaust back-pressure actuated unit that bypass's on exhaust tip. Its very noticable when your following another 5th generation maxima in cold weather. At idle, or below 2,000rpms (stock) the exhaust gases comes out through one tip, then the flap opens and it comes out of both tips. This switchover does change if you add freer flowing items before the muffler unit. Its main purpose is to control unwanted drone and noise at idle. If you run this muffler without a resonator, you'll be treated by a very nice, controlled growl without drone. Its a chambered muffler, which will muffle alot of sound so you can't complain about buying a straight through muffler and wonder why it drones

 

Hmm, switchover occurs around 2000 RPM. I guess that's why I always take off (and it takes off really fast), then it slows down from 2000 'till around 3000, where it takes off like a rocket? (seems that 2000-3000 feels like a low part of the power band)

 

That has more to do with the engine "getting on the cam" The VQ-K's sweet spot occurs at 2,800rpms. The muffler has very little effect on area under the curve, as its operating range at WOT is in open mode.

 

Very funny.

You say it's not that loud without a resonator? I currently have a broken b-pipe right where it goes into the muffler (so basically no muffler) and I notice it is loudest below 2.5k rpm, which unfortunately is my cruising rpm (50-60mph in 5th). I really wouldn't mind (maybe even like) some noise at WOT, but I really want it to be quiet when cruising or at partial throttle (like maintaning speed up a hill).

Another thought I had was to have a fake dual exhaust made (for looks) using the dual tips of the 5th gen muffler...would this work and is there any way a resonator could be fit far enough back along with the muffler to do this.

I was also looking at JR nissan and the GLE,SE 5th gen mufflers are a fair amount more expensive than the GXE, is this really just because of tips?

 

1. If your B-pipe is broken, I'd assume the closing of the 2nd tailpipe below ~2-2.5K would have the direct effect of making your broken B-pipe sound louder, since it'd increase backpressure and cause more exhaust gas to flow through your B-pipe crack than through the muffler (since gases travel through the area of least resistance)

2. Yes, the price difference is JUST the tips. DAVEB informed me that the GXE muffler was around $100 less than the SE muffler, and that is ONLY because of the tips. Best of all, the tips cost ~$46 separately! So buying the SE or GLE muffler directly is buying a $46 tip and $54 or so for Nissan to put it on for you. Amazing!

 

Its not loud without a resonator in place (B-pipe w/o resonator). GXE's don't have chromed exhaust tips, so yes, the increase price is in the tips. Unless you fix the broken B-pipe, the muffler won't add any noticable noise decrease, since the exhaust gas will pick the route with the lease resistance.

 

As for 1 I have a 4th gen and am now going to be replacing the exhaust...so this is research for the new one, not anything about the old one. Also the b-pipe is completely broken off (not just a crack) so I really am without a muffler right now .

As for 2, thanks for letting me know, that's crazy that two tips are $100. Does the GXE muffler not have any tip at all?

Anybody have any thoughts on my "dual exhaust" idea?

 

You know, a simple 2.25" should have ended this thread.

 

Actually there are places on the 5th Gen muffler piping that are less than 2". So if you are going to use it with a 2.5" b-pipe I suggest cutting it off at the muffler, expanding the muffler inlet as much as possible and welding on a 2.5" extension to the b-pipe flange.

 

GXE's with C&C does come with a chrome tip.

 

yeah when my muffler/B-pipe rusted I replaced it with a GXE muffler. It has no tips, just 2 tailpipes with a diagonal cut in them.

 

Ahh for which years? According to my 2000 and 2001 Maxima Brochures, Only GLE's and SE's have chromed tipped pipes. The GXE C&C package consists of IIRC Power drivers seat, Keyless entry with security and 16" rims with 215/55R16's and could only be ordered directly from Nissan with the automatic transaxle. Maybe its different for 02-03?

 

Jime, you're saying it just drops down to 2" at places in the pipe leading up to the body of the muffler?

 

Yes thats what I'm saying. The stock b-pipe is the same way.

 

Sure does. Thats exactly what I did, I had it cut off about 2.5-3.0" away from the muffler and expanded the piping, got custom 2.5" piping made from the resonator to the muffler.

 

Is there really any point to 2.5" piping if the body of the muffler is 2.25" anyway?

 

For N/A maxima's, its not going to make a noticable difference.