Just got my new 5 speed SE. What do you guys think is the best mod under $300, ram air, strut brace or something else?

 

For real i know you said 300$ but for the buck intake and y pipe.....no regrets here
I decided to do performance before handeling...good luck and happy modding

 

Depends on what kind of mod you want...I'm going to guess that the general concensus will be
Performance: Y-pipe
Suspension: Front Strut Bar, Rear Sway Bar
or
Lower it on stock struts (should really get aftermarket struts like adjustable Tokico Illuminas, but not possible for $300)

 

umm....handling is part of "performance." Why does everyone make them seperate issues?

Anyhow, with the maxima, handling should be #1, hands down. Our cars already have good power, but poor handling from the factory. Better handling makes the car much more fun than an extra 10hp....

for $300, go with a rear sway bar and Stage I lower tie bar.

RSB: cattman, addco, or progress.
LTB: www.mattblehm.com

LTB is much more effective than a FSTB. For another $100 get some used springs perhaps (Maxspeed, Progress, H&R) with stock struts until you can afford aftermarket struts.

The maxima already has 220+ hp, which is a nice amount. So deal with the crappy handling first...and when you're done with that, THEN move on to more power.

 

hey is it bad to have the stock struts with the aftermarket springs? whats the difference in terms of ride quality and how long can i get away with that setup?

 

Stickys are our friends It's not recommended but people still do it. Struts usually go bad prematurely ... I have no timeline but don't expect them to last very long. irish44j

 

Who has time for stickies anymore?

Anyway, do what I did, get some custom paint chips on the front bumper and hood. Then you can add some curb rash to your rims.

But, on a more serious note: an FSTB is cheap. You can probably get one and a set of springs on e-bay for $300. It'll add 50 hp if it says stillen!

 

I thought it's illegal to install y-pipe on street cars?

 

Nope. Besides, nothing's illegal until you get caught! j/k

 

no really, are all of them legal, 'cause on stillen it sais that "Use of this part on the street or highway is a violation of federal law in the United States".

 

really putting any aftermarket part on your car meaning non oem or aftermarket oem approved is considered illegal.
but as long as you dont drive like a jack yoll be fine.
and your car will pass emmissions with a y pipe as long as its at normal running temp.

 

correction aftermarket oem approved is ligal...

 

get a bunch of maxima.org stickers. they're good for reducing body roll and a timing bump.

then get a RSB after the above.

 

CORRECTION: Aftermarket Y-pipes ARE illegal, because they eliminate the "precats" that are on the factory y-pipe. Technically, eliminating the precats with ANY aftermarket y-pipe could get you slapped with a $5000 fine for changing the emissions control system of the vehicle (and you will fail emissions inspection if the guy does a good visual inspection of your emissions system). This is federal law...Cattman, Warpspeed, Stillen etc y-pipes and headers ARE illegal, no matter where in the USA you live. Almost everyone gets away with it, but that doesn't make it legal.

As with any mods "Mod at your own risk"

 

thanks guys, i think i'll start with handling

 

Well said

 

Definately get a y-pipe and intake