I am considering grabbibg some upgraded camshafts. I have all bolt on type mods, and will be installing my MEVI in the next couple weeks. I havent done anything internally, and am limited on internal engine knowledge. What I want to know is: If I upgrade my cams (to Stillen, or something comparable), is there anything else I need to do at the same time? And are there any negative effects I will experience with cams? Like uneven idle, etc?? I know old school musclecars, you could always identify a cam replacement by the way the car seemed to idle rough. Will I notice that on the Max? Is there sufficient gains from doing camshafts to warrant doing them? Any feedback is appreciated.
DJ

 

Stillen doesn't make cams for anything, let alone the VQ30. JWT does. There will be a slight lope with those cams, but you can raise the idle a bit to smooth it out.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=270296

 

I put a set of knockoff S1 cams in my 3.5...there's a slight lope at idle and the motor screams at 6600rpms.

 

Need some dyno's for that. I know your set-up is very similar to 96sleepers' when he was N/A, but it be nice to see yours..

Stillen sells JWT units.

 

yeah, I'd like to see what I'm putting down as well. Sadly, the car is in shambles right now to replace a defective RMS and install a Quaife in my trans.

 

Just to clarify for the original poster, THT installed a set of VQ35 JWT S1 knockoffs. JWT offers a set for the VQ30.

 

I'm left scratching my head over this one. I know your question and the replies you're getting is from guys who've gone to aftermarket cams. But I noted in your initial post that you're planning to install the MEVI, and here's something to consider:
Before I installed a MEVI, the research I did led me to conclude that the MEVI by itself took away performance down in the lower RPM range but provided a kick up top. However, with the stock rev limit there was a limited RPM band where you'd actually see the benefit. Also, since most guys will be spending a lot more time in the RPM range where they've lost power than at the top end where the benefit is, I felt that the JWT ECU mod to restore the lost low-RPM power and with the higher rev limit made a lot of sense if I was going to do the MEVI. And that's what I did.
But about the same time I got that installed the hot topic became the 00VI, and after about a year I went that route (keeping my JWT ECU). I haven't regretted it for a moment. So here's what seems to me like a choice you might want to consider: doing the cams or the 00VI (either with or without the JWT ECU). My guess is that a bunch of guys are frightened by the prospect of trying the 00VI because most of the posts in the All Motor forum about the 00VI are by guys who screwed up the installation and are crying out for help to figure out what they did wrong. Granted, the installation isn't necessarily a piece of cake, but hardly anyone who did it without any problems ever seems to post about their success. And I strongly suspect that the majority of the problems (if not all of them) come about from carelessness (or forgetting to hook something up correctly), or trying to make changes other than the UIM (such as different TB, eliminating the EGR, the EVAP components, etc.). And then rather than finding out what they did wrong they try to work around the problem with things like TPS and IACV adjustments.
So although I have no basis to compare the performance, cost, installation tradeoffs between the cams and the 00VI, this might be something you'd want to consider. But on the question of the MEVI versus the 00VI and looking back, I'd suggest skipping the MEVI and going right to an 00VI. I wish I had done that. But it was a learning experience.

 

Is the power that I'll lose down low with the MEVI, going to be that noticable to me? I HAVE an 00VI I'm trying to sell right now because of the 'horror stories' Ive heard about the install.. that and guys saying you gotta get into A/F adjustments with the 00VI, etc. Everyone with a MEVI said that the install was a snap, and I would have no issues after the fact either. So I actually JUST BOUGHT a MEVI, and still have a complete 00VI setup in a box in my kitchen. So that sucks..
I was aware of some sort of 'loss' on low-RPM with a MEVI, but was told that I would hardly notice the loss at all, especially with having a 5spd. I do have a Technosquare ECU, although I know that it doesnt have an extended rev limiter. I understand that the RPM range that the MEVI activates in will not be something I see on a regular basis, but I just dont want to lose down low. Would switching to true CAI versus short ram help that? I have the Place Racing CAI but am only using the midpipe currently..

Link to 00VI I have for sale w/ pics: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=527402
Link to MEVI I just bought (w/ pics): http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=523988

DJ

 

In terms of power, you would be best served to install the 00VI. The installation is harder but it's not impossible.

 

your ideal upgrade route should be:

00vi
headers
and then stock3.5L cams - since you'll be working on a 3.0L NOT a 3.5L.. JWT cams will be too agressive. OEM 3.5L cams are your best bet for improved midrange + top end on a vq30

Hey Curt, i totally agree with you on the 00vi,
I've installed more than 8 00vi swaps in the nyc area.. they are really not that bad.. just gotta figure out what you need to do and how to set it up right, and the rest is just nuts and bolts.

installing MEVI (vs.00vi) is like taking the easier road, with less to gain
^^^ the only benefit to MEVI is when supercharging, when you need less low end so there is no burnout off the line

 

Ok the oovi is not that hard to install. And if you dont want to mess with tunning just reuse the lower usim. You will have to re drill it though but If your talking about doing cams that no problem then

 

For pet peeve and arguments sake, let's call it a 00VI please.

Back on topic:

While I agree with what's been said (in short 00VI > MEVI) It seems as if the OP already has his mind set on the MEVI, (i.e. already been purchased and on its way). So, with that said, it cannot be THAT bad since he is a 5MT. And also, it depends on what kind of driving the OP is doing, i.e. a lot of highway driving, vs a lot of city driving. I loved my MEVI when I had it on my car. For 3 reasons.

1.) I was auto (longer gears really shined with it)
2.) My daily drive was 80/20 highway and
3.) I had a JWT 7200.

 

Yeah.. kinda thinking I should have stuck with the 00VI, but whats done is done. The MEVI is on the way, so thats the route I will go. Who knows, if I dont sell the 00VI for what I want for it, maybe I'll just keep it and do it later..
As for the camshafts, what I was looking for was guys that have done them already to report the results.. estimated hp gains, perhaps whether there was a noticable difference on the butt-dyno. I'm not sure if its something I will do in the future, definately not now.
What other mods can be done to the VQ to boost hp/tq while still NA? (besides cams, 00vi, MEVI, bolt-ons)
DJ

 

Try getting an EU

 

Dude, I linked you to results in the second post. 23 WHP peak with a MEVI that was opening @ 6200 (aka late). There was a loss of 10 lb-ft of torque in the midrange though.

 

I know.. I wasnt saying I didnt get what I needed.. I was just saying what I was looking for originally. Thanks for the info! LoL
DJ

 

WHAT were/are you looking for, originally?


If you’re looking for someone to direct you in the right direction, that has been done. The end decision is up to you, you’re a big boy, you can make your own decision and don’t need an internet forum to make them for you. Get answers, analyze them, and direct your decision with respect to your driving habits. And BTW, the MEVI doesn’t lose down low, it loses midrange.

 

Butt dyno results vs cost efficiency.

As for the rest, I got what I was looking for is what I was saying. Thanks for the input guys.. the MEVI will be going in. The 00VI is up for sale if anyone is interested. If it doesnt sell, I MAY do it at a later date.
DJ

 

What is a butt dyno?

 

ANd they also carry there own cams.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...02&postcount=2

 

Stillen doesn't make anything but money....sorry but it had to be said....