Serious question
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,032
From: The dreaded snow/rust belt
Serious question
Why are most Maxima enthusiasts anti VG?
I don't get it. The VE is a solid engine yet almost all Maxima enthusiasts are anti VG ..why? The VG puts out more torque at a lower RPM than the VE. And we all know that torque wins races. Yes the VE has 20 more HP but no more torque. Nissan used the VG as a race engine, not the VE. You would think Nissan would use the better engine, right? Nissan used the VG to supercharge not the VE, if the VE was better shouldn't Nissan use that? The VG was used in many, many platforms over 22 years, the VE was used for what 3 years? If the VE was better would it have not been used for a longer time? I wonder why almost all Maxima fans are so down on the VG and so pro-VE when Nissan and history are so much the opposite. Are you only fooling yourselves?
I don't get it. The VE is a solid engine yet almost all Maxima enthusiasts are anti VG ..why? The VG puts out more torque at a lower RPM than the VE. And we all know that torque wins races. Yes the VE has 20 more HP but no more torque. Nissan used the VG as a race engine, not the VE. You would think Nissan would use the better engine, right? Nissan used the VG to supercharge not the VE, if the VE was better shouldn't Nissan use that? The VG was used in many, many platforms over 22 years, the VE was used for what 3 years? If the VE was better would it have not been used for a longer time? I wonder why almost all Maxima fans are so down on the VG and so pro-VE when Nissan and history are so much the opposite. Are you only fooling yourselves?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,205
From: Pretoria - South Africa
Originally Posted by jonmandude
Why are most Maxima enthusiasts anti VG?
I don't get it. The VE is a solid engine yet almost all Maxima enthusiasts are anti VG ..why? The VG puts out more torque at a lower RPM than the VE. And we all know that torque wins races. Yes the VE has 20 more HP but no more torque. Nissan used the VG as a race engine, not the VE. You would think Nissan would use the better engine, right? Nissan used the VG to supercharge not the VE, if the VE was better shouldn't Nissan use that? The VG was used in many, many platforms over 22 years, the VE was used for what 3 years? If the VE was better would it have not been used for a longer time? I wonder why almost all Maxima fans are so down on the VG and so pro-VE when Nissan and history are so much the opposite. Are you only fooling yourselves?
I don't get it. The VE is a solid engine yet almost all Maxima enthusiasts are anti VG ..why? The VG puts out more torque at a lower RPM than the VE. And we all know that torque wins races. Yes the VE has 20 more HP but no more torque. Nissan used the VG as a race engine, not the VE. You would think Nissan would use the better engine, right? Nissan used the VG to supercharge not the VE, if the VE was better shouldn't Nissan use that? The VG was used in many, many platforms over 22 years, the VE was used for what 3 years? If the VE was better would it have not been used for a longer time? I wonder why almost all Maxima fans are so down on the VG and so pro-VE when Nissan and history are so much the opposite. Are you only fooling yourselves?
Originally Posted by internetautomar
VE because it has 30 more HP, and it's a "spinner". in other words it loves to rev and makes power all the way to it's redline.
that and no timing belt FTW!
that and no timing belt FTW!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,155
From: Austin
Originally Posted by internetautomar
VE because it has 30 more HP, and it's a "spinner". in other words it loves to rev and makes power all the way to it's redline.
that and no timing belt FTW!
that and no timing belt FTW!
Originally Posted by internetautomar
VE because it has 30 more HP, and it's a "spinner". in other words it loves to rev and makes power all the way to it's redline.
that and no timing belt FTW!
that and no timing belt FTW!
Here is my opinion:
Both cars can take forced induction pretty well. The VG is IMO, a better choice for this, but both require a lot of work and some fabrication. The VG turbos I have seen on this site are sweet and very fast. Same for the couple of VE turbos.
However, the large percentage of 3rd gen owners here have a naturally aspirated car, either VG or VE. Both are capable of getting over 200k out of the engine, so I feel they are both reliable. Yes, the VEs have clacking VTCs and occasionally one of them goes. VG owners have some problems, too, but it is IMO a slightly more reliable engine, if given proper maintenance.
That being said, the VE has 30 hp more,a beefier transmission (AT) VLSD stock and it REALLY breathes well at the top end. Better than a stock 190 hp VQ 4th gen. Stock vs. stock, it's the fastest Maxima until 1999 (DEK).
Go ahead and look at the 1/4 mile times. Last I checked, there was not ONE n/a VG below 15 seconds. I think there might not be any below 15.5 (I haven't checked lately). Then take a look at the VEs. There are a lot below 15 seconds. In other words, the n/a VEs are about a full second faster than a comparably modded VG. On the street or at the track, a full second is a lot -- multiple car lengths.
Otherwise, the cars are the same and can be modded in both suspension and looks the same way.
Both cars can take forced induction pretty well. The VG is IMO, a better choice for this, but both require a lot of work and some fabrication. The VG turbos I have seen on this site are sweet and very fast. Same for the couple of VE turbos.
However, the large percentage of 3rd gen owners here have a naturally aspirated car, either VG or VE. Both are capable of getting over 200k out of the engine, so I feel they are both reliable. Yes, the VEs have clacking VTCs and occasionally one of them goes. VG owners have some problems, too, but it is IMO a slightly more reliable engine, if given proper maintenance.
That being said, the VE has 30 hp more,a beefier transmission (AT) VLSD stock and it REALLY breathes well at the top end. Better than a stock 190 hp VQ 4th gen. Stock vs. stock, it's the fastest Maxima until 1999 (DEK).
Go ahead and look at the 1/4 mile times. Last I checked, there was not ONE n/a VG below 15 seconds. I think there might not be any below 15.5 (I haven't checked lately). Then take a look at the VEs. There are a lot below 15 seconds. In other words, the n/a VEs are about a full second faster than a comparably modded VG. On the street or at the track, a full second is a lot -- multiple car lengths.
Otherwise, the cars are the same and can be modded in both suspension and looks the same way.
Originally Posted by Jeff92se
Semis have torque. I don't see them winning many races 
I got my *** handed to me once by one when I used to have a 1989 Honda Accord LX with whopping 98 hp and 108 lb ft torque. Also by one of those "tourist" buses on the high way... I'm not even joking about this, i felt like **** the rest of the day
I tend to think any "mine is bigger than yours" banter is all in good humor. People have their preferences with the engines no different than leather vs clothe seats, boost vs N/A, more taste/less filling, fries with that(?), etc. Many of us simply enjoy the light hearted prodding. Just one of those aspects of the forum that keeps the gears rolling.
Originally Posted by internetautomar
VTCs give warning before catastrophic failure.
timing belt just snaps.
timing belt just snaps.
Originally Posted by DanNY
you change your oil at regular intervals right? why wouldn't you change the timing belt at the regular interval?
VEs have forged rods/crank stock 
Viscous coupling
Originally Posted by xx-Marshall-xx
im a dicc, im addicted to my VE! 
VLSD wins it for the VE motor over VG fo sho!
BTW... is the LSD in our cars mechanical or clutch?
VLSD wins it for the VE motor over VG fo sho!
BTW... is the LSD in our cars mechanical or clutch?
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential5.htm
Thread should have ended with what Dan said.. But for the record, i'd much rather replace a VG timing belt than rebuild VTCs. It's a lot less work. It can easily be finished in an afternoon, and you only have to do it every 60k. We've all heard the stories of VTCs clacking again after 20k.. VE injector replacement can be cheaper and easier though. Install 3 new ones on the right, keep used in the left. Used one goes out, plenum stays on, and you can have it replaced in 15 minutes. I've had two VEs in the past half a year, sold them both. KS, coil packs, VTCs, valve problems, premium fuel, no thanks.. VG is quiet, more fun around town, reliable and takes a tough beating. I won't say it isn't good times to gun the VE on the freeway though..
Thread should have ended with what Dan said.. But for the record, i'd much rather replace a VG timing belt than rebuild VTCs. It's a lot less work. It can easily be finished in an afternoon, and you only have to do it every 60k. We've all heard the stories of VTCs clacking again after 20k.. VE injector replacement can be cheaper and easier though. Install 3 new ones on the right, keep used in the left. Used one goes out, plenum stays on, and you can have it replaced in 15 minutes. I've had two VEs in the past half a year, sold them both. KS, coil packs, VTCs, valve problems, premium fuel, no thanks.. VG is quiet, more fun around town, reliable and takes a tough beating. I won't say it isn't good times to gun the VE on the freeway though..
Originally Posted by xx-Marshall-xx
im a dicc, im addicted to my VE!
VLSD wins it for the VE motor over VG fo sho!
BTW... is the LSD in our cars mechanical or clutch?
VLSD wins it for the VE motor over VG fo sho!
BTW... is the LSD in our cars mechanical or clutch?
LSD and VLSD are in trannies.
we're talking aboot engines right?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,032
From: The dreaded snow/rust belt
What we are saying is that in stock trim the VE is faster in the qtr and the trans is better that is why so many prefer the VE.
That means we have established, by opinion, that a stock VE is better than a stock VG in the quarter mile.
But I also believe that there is more out there to build up a VG, so a built VG would be better than the VE right?
That is where the other part of my original question comes in, If the VE is superior why did Nissan race the VG in many forms (including a 850 HP 2bbl carbed version) and never the VE. You would think Nissan would prefer to run the superior engine?
That means we have established, by opinion, that a stock VE is better than a stock VG in the quarter mile.
But I also believe that there is more out there to build up a VG, so a built VG would be better than the VE right?
That is where the other part of my original question comes in, If the VE is superior why did Nissan race the VG in many forms (including a 850 HP 2bbl carbed version) and never the VE. You would think Nissan would prefer to run the superior engine?
99% of the people that currently own one bought it used.
that means that they can't be 100% sure when the last time the timing belt was changed.
if you are buying a car with over 60k you should change the belt immediately, but you have to hope you can make it to the shop first.
there are a LOT of people who don't change their timing belt regularly at all, but will regularly change their oil.
you can start up a VG and drive it with the engine making no noise and then BAM, the belt snaps. time for a new engine.
VTC will clack way before it breaks.
that means that they can't be 100% sure when the last time the timing belt was changed.
if you are buying a car with over 60k you should change the belt immediately, but you have to hope you can make it to the shop first.
there are a LOT of people who don't change their timing belt regularly at all, but will regularly change their oil.
you can start up a VG and drive it with the engine making no noise and then BAM, the belt snaps. time for a new engine.
VTC will clack way before it breaks.
Originally Posted by internetautomar
99% of the people that currently own one bought it used.
that means that they can't be 100% sure when the last time the timing belt was changed.
if you are buying a car with over 60k you should change the belt immediately, but you have to hope you can make it to the shop first.
there are a LOT of people who don't change their timing belt regularly at all, but will regularly change their oil.
you can start up a VG and drive it with the engine making no noise and then BAM, the belt snaps. time for a new engine.
VTC will clack way before it breaks.
that means that they can't be 100% sure when the last time the timing belt was changed.
if you are buying a car with over 60k you should change the belt immediately, but you have to hope you can make it to the shop first.
there are a LOT of people who don't change their timing belt regularly at all, but will regularly change their oil.
you can start up a VG and drive it with the engine making no noise and then BAM, the belt snaps. time for a new engine.
VTC will clack way before it breaks.
but there are MILLIONS of cars out there with timing belt motors. a timing belt is not experimental technology or some black science. you can't ding the maufacturer for using a timing belt in their motor. a timing belt motor is not less reliable than a timing chain motor.
if people weren't aware of the VTC that clacking will break and you're still stuck with a busted motor...just like if people don't change the t-belt regularly the engine will break too.
yes i know...there's no warning of a timing belt breaking...but if you understand the VTC clack then you should be smart enough to look at the condition of the t-belt and replace it before it breaks.
as for people buying cars w/ timing belts...if you don't have a reciept of the work done from the prior owner you can pretty much say that they would need to replace the t-belt very soon.
i'm not a fan of a t-belt either but i can't say the car is not reliable or have problems if it's a using a t-belt.
Originally Posted by jonmandude
What we are saying is that in stock trim the VE is faster in the qtr and the trans is better that is why so many prefer the VE.
That means we have established, by opinion, that a stock VE is better than a stock VG in the quarter mile.
But I also believe that there is more out there to build up a VG, so a built VG would be better than the VE right?
That is where the other part of my original question comes in, If the VE is superior why did Nissan race the VG in many forms (including a 850 HP 2bbl carbed version) and never the VE. You would think Nissan would prefer to run the superior engine?
That means we have established, by opinion, that a stock VE is better than a stock VG in the quarter mile.
But I also believe that there is more out there to build up a VG, so a built VG would be better than the VE right?
That is where the other part of my original question comes in, If the VE is superior why did Nissan race the VG in many forms (including a 850 HP 2bbl carbed version) and never the VE. You would think Nissan would prefer to run the superior engine?
Originally Posted by DanNY
i understand what you're saying and it's all valid.
but there are MILLIONS of cars out there with timing belt motors. a timing belt is not experimental technology or some black science. you can't ding the maufacturer for using a timing belt in their motor. a timing belt motor is not less reliable than a timing chain motor.
if people weren't aware of the VTC that clacking will break and you're still stuck with a busted motor...just like if people don't change the t-belt regularly the engine will break too.
yes i know...there's no warning of a timing belt breaking...but if you understand the VTC clack then you should be smart enough to look at the condition of the t-belt and replace it before it breaks.
as for people buying cars w/ timing belts...if you don't have a reciept of the work done from the prior owner you can pretty much say that they would need to replace the t-belt very soon.
i'm not a fan of a t-belt either but i can't say the car is not reliable or have problems if it's a using a t-belt.
but there are MILLIONS of cars out there with timing belt motors. a timing belt is not experimental technology or some black science. you can't ding the maufacturer for using a timing belt in their motor. a timing belt motor is not less reliable than a timing chain motor.
if people weren't aware of the VTC that clacking will break and you're still stuck with a busted motor...just like if people don't change the t-belt regularly the engine will break too.
yes i know...there's no warning of a timing belt breaking...but if you understand the VTC clack then you should be smart enough to look at the condition of the t-belt and replace it before it breaks.
as for people buying cars w/ timing belts...if you don't have a reciept of the work done from the prior owner you can pretty much say that they would need to replace the t-belt very soon.
i'm not a fan of a t-belt either but i can't say the car is not reliable or have problems if it's a using a t-belt.
because of the cars I buy I stay away from timing belt interference motors.
How about exclusivity? Far fewer VEs were sold than VGs, so its nice to have something semi-unique. Even now I mostly see VG 3rd gens around town, and very rarely any VEs.
VQ is twin-cam, and started production right after the VE ended. It wouldn't be a long shot to call it a modified VE with different letters, although I realize thats a gross simplification.
Since so few end up with a turbo, I dont think its fair to compare the two on their potential for boosting. If you can go through the trouble of boosting either of these in a Maxima, then VTCs are no trouble to rebuild and so is just about any other issue that comes up.
VQ is twin-cam, and started production right after the VE ended. It wouldn't be a long shot to call it a modified VE with different letters, although I realize thats a gross simplification.
Since so few end up with a turbo, I dont think its fair to compare the two on their potential for boosting. If you can go through the trouble of boosting either of these in a Maxima, then VTCs are no trouble to rebuild and so is just about any other issue that comes up.
Originally Posted by internetautomar
I never said it wasn't reliable, Did I ?
because of the cars I buy I stay away from timing belt interference motors.
because of the cars I buy I stay away from timing belt interference motors.
so that tells me you're questioning the reliability or how durable a t-belt motor is.