I drive a 2003 SE 6 speed
besides tires...which will be replaced at 25-30,000 miles...

what is the best performance modification that doesn't cost more than $300...well, tires will cost more than $300, but I already plan to replace them eventually.

I'm thinking maybe a cold-air intake, but who makes one that is EASY to install, and can quickly be converted back to stock to take to the dealer?

a link to a photo and description would be great if you know of anything that would greatly improve performance: ALSO: I don't want anything that will make a ton of noise. I like to hear my music, if I want to hear my engine, I will roll down the window...

-vq

 

People will debate on this, but the Franken Car intake is supposedly the best bang for the buck and takes 10mins to install and remove. www.frankencar.com

If you going to spend upto $300, I would first do the Ypipe. It yields more gains. $300 or so at WarpSpeedPerformance.com

Dixit

 

Im with BigDogJonx, frankencar. Dyno proven, for a newbie, lMAYBE like a 1/2 hour install. WOrth every penny....

BigDogJonx, anyone with a 6spd dyno the y-pipe? i remember reading that the auto #'s seemed off?> Anyone?

 

1. RSB from Cattman $120 is without a doubt the best bang for your buck out there. It'll make your car handle noticeably better.

2. FrankenCar Intake and midpipe with Apexi filter for under $200

 

Since it seems that the mod people are on this post:

1) Will the Frankencar intake cause all these MAF and O2 sensor problems?
2) Is the Y-Pipe a DYI? Do you need a blow torch? Or is it just something you can bolt on yourself?

Thanks.

 

if you are careful with the MAF..you will have NO problems....

as for the y-pipe...dont have it, so i donk know....

 

-fstb and rsb

 

FSTB - eBay $24 shipped
RSB - Addco $140 shipped
Intake - FrankenCar $88 shipped (eBay)

$hit eating grin every single time I drive my car?

Priceless.


Maxima. The way it was meant to be.

 

THAT...may be the best I've seen in the org...

I think I will go with the rsb (rear sway bar...right?) and the fstb (front strut tower brace?) and a COLD intake...I'm not sure about the frankencar...I know the owner of the company is a fellow dot-org, but I haven't been officially sold on it yet...

Any reason why it's so great? Maybe Steve could help me out on this one...pros/cons maybe? If it's just the price that makes it so great, I may be able to spend a little more for something better, I've just always heard that COLD air is the best for performance...and gas mileage, and really, everything....

and MAF..is that the Micro Air Filter?

-vq

 

MAF = Mass Airflow Sensor.

It's always been referred to MAF, but technically it should be MAS or at least MAFS, but whatever. Regarding your purchases, I've done a lot of research and could have gotten any intake. I chose FrankenCar and am not dissapointed. I felt the RSB more than the FSTB. Just my opinion, so there ya go..

(Thanks for the props on that last post. I thought it was kinda cool when I came up with it) Maybe that'll be my new sig.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BigDogJonx
and takes 10mins to install and remove. Dixit [/QUOTE0]

Don't expect it to take 10 minutes the first time you put it on. I just did it today and getting that d@mn rubber coupler onto the MAf took me FOREVER, I almost started banging the MAF around in frustration. Other than that, its an easy install and uninstall.

But ya, frankencar seems to be a good investment, too much snow here to REALLY tell yet, but I will, oh, I will...

 

I got 500 to spend on my maxima. I'm thinking Frankencar intake and a cat back exhaust system.

How much would both of those cost me?

 

Springs.....Most noticeable mod I have done to my car. Work on suspension first if you want to FEEL the improvements.

 

gutting the cat costs nothing

 

Franken (w/ Apexi) - $180-ish
Cat-Back... depends... $600 for SS Cattman (which has my praises), or as low as $150 if custom made aluminized steel.

Shop around, you'll find better prices.

 

Tint!! not performance but worth every penny.

 

If you want a Franken intake it's very easy to make your own, and it will cost you about 15.00 plus the filter.

Here is how to fabricate the midpipe

http://www.drwebdesign.com/mymaxima/upperintake.html

(ps- I bought both attachments for the vaccum lines)

Here is how to attach the filter to the MAF, WITHOUT BUYING a mounting bracket

http://www.drwebdesign.com/mymaxima/upperintake.html

Save the money for a Y-pipe, you'll have a Y-pipe and intake and still stay in your budget. The midpipe is the hardest thing to make (which is still very easy), if you want a PRCAI style intake some measurements and extra pipe will get you there. There's nothing like saving over a hundred dollars and being able to tell people you where the one who MADE the intake.
Let me know if you need anything else

 

I have both the Franken, RSB, FTSB, Etc. I can honestly say if you want bang for the buck, go with these two:

RSB
Y-Pipe

While the franken is nice, I can't say my butt dyno felt it. Car just got more agressive sounding at WOT. However, the Y-pipe made a world of difference. The RSB makes the car feel more like a 4DSC rather than a grocery getter. I think this is what you are looking for.