I just found this board today and am pleased there are other enthusiasts out there who enjoy there max's. I got mine around a year ago while my z28 was in the shop and have had the opportunity to take it to the track a couple times. It is a 97 5spd SE with everything but leather. I expected the car to run around mid 15s in the quarter so I was pleasantly suprised when it layed down a 15.12 @ 91.38 last friday. I've always said I wouldn't do anything to this car but now I'm a little curious as to what mods can be done to make these cars run better without breaking the bank account. How expensive are these mods and what gains can be expected. I wouldn't mind attempting to get the max into the 14s as I am attempting to get my z28 into the 11s. Is my goal going to be easily attainable or is it going to be a pipe dream. Thanks for any help you can give. By the way, are there any 'free' mods that can be done besides removing the air filter?

 

You can easliy get into the 14s with intake, y-pipe, and cat-back. As for free performance mods, sign up for jenny craig

DPW

 

Free? There is a OSCAI, do a search for it in the search function. You can get a Maxima into the low 14s with a good launch and a CAI, Y pipe and and maybe an exhaust. That's less than 1000 bucks total.

 

Don't forget about the Front Tower Strut Bar and a Rear Sway Bar for handling charasteristics.

 

drop your tire pressure to about 20 psi and you will be able to get about 14.8s without any mods. I'm currently at 14.2 with only a intake, y-pipe and catback.

 

Dropping my pressure slowed me down.

 

drop in an intake ... ypipe ... front strut tower brace ... rear sway bar ...

you should be good to start ... an exhaust won't do too much since the piping is large enough on the max and the muffler isn't too restrictive ...

good luck.

 

How expensive are the mods and what gains can be expected?

Well, first... the aftermarket support for the Max is not nearly as big as it is for other cars, so most people here have the same exact stuff.

Some popular performance mods, approximate expected power gain and approximate price:

-Cone Air Intake -some top end gain, maybe 5 hp - 40-150$
-Cold Air Intake - 10 hp gain - 150-200$
-Y-pipe - 15 hp gain - 200-450$
-High Flow catalytic converter - maybe 7 or so hp? with other exhaust mods - 150$?
-Cat Back exhaust - 8-10 hp? 350-500$?
-Underdrive racing pulley - maybe 7 hp? (no idea, but not much if any) - 150$???
-B-pipe? - 5-10 hp? - 200-250$?
and finally,
-Vortech Supercharger - around 80 hp gain - 3,500$ +/-

and ofcourse, NOS... depending on how big of a shot u run..

I think a few people ran 14's stock, 1 did 14.8

There are a select few who run 14.2-14.6 with just some basic bolt on mods, without forced induction. (like Intake, Y-pipe, exhaust..)

There is a lot of people here running mid to high 13s with superchargers and other modifications or NOS 40-100 shot with other modifications..

There are also a few who run low 13s with S/C and all other mods, and a very few in the 12's or maybe 11s?

Maximas can be made quick (for family sedans). Depends on how much you want to pay...

 

Big Dave,

You have a z28 Cool.

I have a question. Can you notice if either the Max or z28 has been more reliable. Just curiosu

 

Well you really can't compare apples to oranges. My Z has around 350 rwhp N/A and most of the factory parts weren't built to take that kind of power. The transmission and rear differential seem to be the weakest links. I like to race almost every weekend so reliability is going to be compromised under those conditions. I personally didn't want a 5spd max since I just needed something for everday driving. I had no intentions on racing this car. All I wanted was a roomy car with decent performance and gas mileage. I really don't like the transmission in the max. It seems to be real inconsistent from day to day. One day it shifts smoothly another day it's real notchy and the clutch won't engage smoothly. I was quite surprised the trans wasn't nicer than it is but I've heard people say that this is just how they are.

 

Thanks alot for your replies. I can't believe I got this many responses on my first post. You guys have been real helpful. I think I may start with the easy to install mods first and see where that gets me. I can't believe some of you guys have gotten into the 14s stock. I guess I need to work on my driving skills. I was able to get a 2.28 60' on my quickest pass (15.12) is that good or can I improve on that. What is the best technique for leaving the starting line?

 

Nealoc got like a 14.8 stock with some new tires and thats it.

Theres a guy on this board who has an automatic with a valve body recalibration, and a 100 shot of NOS running 12.2's.

 

Don't forget VTEC, he's got the fastest stock 4th gen title. 14.71 on street tires with a launch (2.09)that I am STILL trying to duplicate.

 

What kind of times are the stock automatics running? What does it take to get lowest 60' times on stock tires? What kind of 60's are you guys getting? I'm just wondering if I can improve on mine or do I need to look to improve somewhere else? 14.71...damn, is that in a pre 99 or is that with the 220 hp motor?

 

Stock automatics run from 15.5 to 16.1. With light modding(I/E, some have hit 15.4 and I know f one that can run a 15.2.

 

Bro, that's not the only thing he's got in that car

If it was, I'd be running 12s by now too


Dave, all 4th gens, 95-99 had the same engine, 190 hp.. However, 95-96 models seem to be a little faster because of slightly lower weight, less restrictive emission system... Making the 99 Max the slowest of the bunch if compared stock for stock. Since you have a 97 5spd.. just to compare, Like "theblue" has said, he actually has the same car as you and he ran 14.2 w/ Y-pipe, intake and Catback I'd say that's quite quick.

 

Yes Bigdave, this fella is right. We both have '95's, which are the quickest of the Maxima's. Fastest Max period stock besides '02.

Here's a quick review:

1995-99 Maxima VQ Engine: 190HP

2000-01 Maxima VQ Engine: 222/227HP

2002 Maxima VQ 3.5L Engine: 255HP

 

I have yet to run at a 1/4 track, but I ran a 9.72@74.38mph, which should be good for very low 15 second timeslips. It was my first time at the track too. I hope to be in the 14's next year with better driving, and a track that is not at 2000 ft. I, and all other automatics need help with our 60ft times. I might need a performance torque converter, but I will be in the 14's.