For 2000, the engine has been refined through use of new intake and exhaust manifolds, Nissan Variable Induction System (NVIS) air intake control with a resin intake collector, new equal length exhaust pipes and the addition of a new variable capacity muffler derived from the one on the high performance Nissan Skyline GT-R. A special muffler flap valve, using high temperature aerospace spring technology and materials, opens at 2,000-2,400 rpm and above - reducing exhaust system backpressure. These changes help increase the engine's horsepower from 190 to 222 and torque from 205 ft-lbs to 217 ft-lbs.

The Maxima's DOHC 24-valve V6 continues to utilize micro-finished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated pistons, digital knock control, six coils (one per spark plug) and a cross flow coolant pattern. Additional refinements for 2000 include a new programmable engine control module (located inside the passenger compartment to increase reliability), a larger air intake chamber, a thicker radiator and new cooling fans and a new four-point engine mount design with two liquid filled (manual transmission) or electronically (automatic transmission) controlled fluid mounts for reduced vibration.

 

I was about to say that Nissan changed the intake manifold on the 5th gen... you would almost have to do more than jsut change the exhaust to get that much more power.

 

I have the 2k muffler and it certainly didn't give that much. Nice article though. Something about that intake manifold. I wonder how big the 2000 TB is. Still 65mm?

 

about 90% of the gain in the 5th gens is from the new intake manifold and intake. The exhaust is negligable, but it makes good sense when getting exhaust mods. It keeps things nice and quiet.

 

I mentioned that muffler in an older thread and said I didn't know what I was talking about? I had seen them advertised for the Max in a magazine and I've got the poster somewhere just didn't look for it. That's the muffler I wanted to get and was told didn't exist. URRGH!