Does anyone know of any documented performance differences between the '49 state' Maximas versus the NLEV/California emmission spec cars?

 

the two main differences I know of are the exhaust and the intake manifold. The front exhaust manifold has a pre-cat built right into it rather than in the y-pipe. Also, the intake manfold has some sort of a swirl control valve or something that is not present on the fed-spec maximas. There are most likely some ECU differences because of this also. In terms of performance, I think someone dyno'd a fed spec and cali spec maxima side by side.... can't recall the results though

 

Don't the 2001+ cars ALL have Cali spec now?

 

Yup.

 

I've got one of the last great ones. It's an automagic to be feared. I can even beat kev! Should I start listing "fed-spec" as a performance mod?

 

Yes.

So far a couple FED specs have shown around 10ft/lbs. MORE torque than a Cali spec.

The ECUs are also different between the FED/CALI and even the AE.

 

I couldn't find the picture but I know I saw it somewhere here before. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but the visual way to tell if you have cali spec is there are 4 connector plugs at the front of block just behind and a little below the radiator instead of 3? Right?

 

Instead of 2.

 

And we will all at you when you do.

 

Now I take it when I go to get my emissions test done, they are going to take the numbers for a CALI SPEC and not just a wheather i pass the Fed Spec.

Cause if it is just FedSpec numbers they look at, then hell, I am removing some crap.

 

Depends on the smog laws where you live. I would assume if you don't live in a state that required cali-spec they won't test at cali levels.

 

No performance difference. Dyno proven.

 

Oh? How can you say by my dyno results?

184hp and 193TQ? Thats what I thought

No difference in performance.

 

http://www.5thgenmaximas.com/russmax...ver/day2-1.jpg

Calif spec, see the 4 connectors?

 

Ok. Just because your Max pulled 184/193 doesn't mean $hit. Different cars on different dynos.

Several dynos show FED models typically have 10ft/lbs more torque, but not all. It doesn't mean it's a guarantee, since all cars are not created equal.

Yes, there is a difference in performance, but nothing that you'll be able to tell EXCEPT on a dyno.

 

We dyno tested a 2k5spd Cali spec w/ SI and Y, vs. two stock fed sped 2k 5spd. The Cali with mods dyno'd out at about the same as the two stock fed specs. However, the Cali had more miles AND aftermarket heavier wheels. When re-dyno'd later with lighter wheels, it improved significantly. I'll see if I can find the plot somewhere - but I don't have the re-dyno.

Short of it is that the difference is not that significant and hard to test on a dyno because you can't account for differences between individual cars. I'd think the only way to truly know the difference would be to do a large sample.

If as Russ says he dyno'd at 184/193, that compared to my dyno is 9 hp off stock but 4 above in torque (see my dyno link below).