I finally installed my ME VI this past weekend for my 99 SE-L
(CA Auto). For looks alone, I'd do it again...



I'm going to dyno the car again asap, but here are some advice
from my install:

1. Read the "ME VI Install How-To" by Mishmosh and xHyperx,
multiple times. It really helps. Thanks you two...

2. About the 2 coolant hoses, the one facing the drivers side
is easy, the one facing the passenger side is harder.
I could not remove it from the intake collector but I was able
to remove it at the other end (lower connection to car).

3. If you want to replace the gaskets on the intake collector
(or just in case you scratch them up), there are available at
any nissan dealer ("16175-31U01" TB, "23785-AD100" AAC,
"14722-38U01" EGR).

4. I needed to make a L bracket from Home Depot (see label 1
in picture below), and buy some hose from Kragen (see label 2).



Now, for you California owners, almost all the plumbing to run
the ME VI is already in your car. If you remove your intake
collector, you'll see a set of butterfly valves buried in the
intake runners (much like the valves in your VI). These are
your swirl valves (see picture below). They close to to
restrict air at low rpms (below 3200).



I simply left them open all the time for more air, and hijacked
the plumbing to run the MEVI (see label 3 in layout picture
above for the old swirl actuator and see label 4 for new mevi
actuator). The following pictures shows everything you need
besides the ME VI.

<img src="http://www.rcreations.com/images/maxima/mevi_module.jpg">

In the module, is 1 Harlan RPM switch, 1 relay to control the
vacuum switch which used to control the swirl valve, and
1 micro relay to fool the ECM to think the swirl valve
is functioning.

I put the module on the side of the battery and added a sealed
window to monitor the Harlan LED. Darn site complains about too
many pictures so I'll stop now.

Can't wait for time to play with the car this weekend (hopefully
a dyno too). Normally, my wife drives the car all day so I have to wait...

enjoy,
rob

 

Awesome writeup... I will hopefully be doing my install this week assuming it arrives when it's supposed to.

Do only CA-emissions maximas have the swirl valves in the stock IM or do all 4th gens? I know there is a MAP/Baro switch on the 4th gen (according to Iansw) but all my searching has been in vain, I've yet to locate it (I have no manual so I was just poking around).

 

Want to share a bit of info...maybe I can consider doing likewise...what would you consider sharing as far as place to acquire and would you have any problem passing on any detailed instructions along? Thanks and looks great!!!

 

Nealoc187:

The swirl system is only in the CA models (according to my 99 shop manual). For once, the CA model helps in something... (ps, I ran with the swirl valves disabled for months already).

WizzaMax:

I'd highly recommend Mr. Cranman. I first ordered from a middle east
source which came short of some crucial pieces. Mr. Cranman's
parts came in better condition (A+ vs. C-) and was accurate to the
tee. Interestingly enough, I also had another friend pick up some
pieces for me on a trip to Japan so I have some extra pieces...

As for smog check, I don't think it'll be a problem. For one, it
looks stock. Second, I wouldn't be lying if I said it was OEM
Nissan parts. Finally, I know a shop which passed my last car
which had a blatant custom aluminum rectangular box for an intake
+ larger intercooler and other goodies without a problem.


rob

 

Can you elaborate on the swirl valves disable? I have a cali spec 99 and I would like to disable it and not have the check engine light on.

 

Hmm..maybe it's worth while to find a set of the lower intake manifold from a non-cali spec 1999. Even if the valves are open at all time, with them physically being there would restrict the air flow. Does the valves stay close even at WOT under 3200rpm?

 

1MAX2NV:

The swirl is controlled by rpm (once the car warms up).
WOT does not affect it. 8^(

It easy to disable, just cap both ends at the actuator
(see my picture above). The sensor is before the actuator
so it won't know. However, if you want to hijack the
plumbing for another RPM (like me), then you'll need 1
relay to fool the car.

rob

 

I would guess the swirl valve helps the air and fuel spread through the cylinder better at low RPMs for more complete combustion. I think this is to clean up emissions at low RPMs and probably gives little or no power gains. I would think it restricts the airflow at higher RPMs. Weren't 99 Cali spec Maxes thought to be a little weaker than other years?

Would a 98 Cali Spec have this? Could I see it if I look?

 

hey robert! hows it going!?! i haven't talked to you in forerver, i can't beleive your wifey let you install this little thing
congrats! i know you'll enjoy the extra ~25hp to the wheels

once again, congratulations on the great new mod!

PS: are you going to the Coyote Point meet?? its on July 28th, I hope you come so we can all see and gawk over your mevi!!!

-stan

 

hi mozy,

I didn't know about this one, but I'd love to go. I'll
post on that thread. Yah, I really want to put a cone filter
and a y-pipe into the car cause that would be cheap and give
good return, but I have a mandate from the wifey to keep it
quiet and soft (argh). 18" wheels/tires are on order but it
won't look as good with the gap (still on the stock toyos
believe it or not).

When I get home, I'll post a picture of the wiring diagram
(though it's a crude pencil drawing). The bonus with using
the swirl plumbing is that it even provides a source for 12v
and ground (only extra signal wire needed was 1 coil wire).
If I remember right, the module only had 5-6 wires coming out
(but I put connectors on everything so I could disconnect/reconnect
things which added some bulk).

see ya at Coyote Point,
rob

 

Which one is the acutator? Number 3 or 2? Number 2 is the Swirl control valve soleniod right?

 

1. is where I had to make a L bracket
2. is where I had to get a longer hose
3. is the "swirl vacuum actuator"
4. is the me vi vacuum actuator

Ok. Here are the wiring diagrams I talked about.
The first diagram shows the a stock 99 CA max.
Notice that there is wiring for +12v and ground already available.



In the next diagram, I cut off the check switch and
replaced it with a relay. I took over the ground wire
for my own use. Next, I cut the ECM control to the
swirl control valve took that function over. I also
took over the +12v wire for my own use.



Hope that makes sense...

rob

 

Wow...I just bypassed the swirl control actuator. The exhaust sound went up at idle and it breath much better down low now. I already have bunch of rubber vaccum caps sitting around so it only took me 2 mins. Here are some pics. Thanks for the info need4speed.

http://photos.imageevent.com/1max2nv...e/Dcp01207.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/1max2nv...e/Dcp01208.jpg

After I went for short drive, no wonder it's hard for me to break loose the tires in 1st gear. The valve is closed and robbing me some TQ. Granted you don't spend much time below 3200rpm after the 1st grear, but this will help to drop my 60ft time for sure.

 

1MAX2NV:

Thanks... Figuring the caps are in the pennies range,
maybe this is the cheapest mod yet! (ca models only)...

rob

 

Good to see that someone actually used the info that was compiled
I should be installing my VI within the week, and I can't wait. I helped to install another VI, and the coolant lines were easy to get off
-hype

 

I'm curious to know if there is a low end gain, or if it's pretty much up at 5K RPM (the set point). I was also wondering if the Apex'i V-AFC would replace the Harlan switch. I was looking into the Apex'i S-AFC, but the V-AFC sounds like might be able to set teh MEVI's switch point. Any thoughts?

 

The VI will show no low end gains because it's essentially a stock manifold with the ability to flow better at high rpms. Below 5k you won't even know it's there. I'm not familiar with Apexi products, but anything that acts as an rpm switch will work to actiave the VI. All you are doing is powering a relay that allows the VI to kick in.

The only side effect that may help performance anywhere besides 5k+ is that when you install the VI you can clean your entire throttle body, lower manifold, and you start over with a clean upper manifold.
-hype