I have had my 3.5 Alti for almost 3 months now and it is one hella of a fast ride. But I would really like to have that extra 15hp that the 02 Max has without resorting to aftermarket bolt-ons (at least not yet). So I've been researching the difference and it looks like it boils down to two items. Compression ratio and exhaust. The Alti has a 10.0 to 1 compression ratio and I believe the Max has a 10.3 to 1. This would be the case if the Max is the same as an 02 i35 which has 10.3 to 1. On the exhaust side, the exhaust system on the 3.5 Alti has a one foot section of pipe directly under the gas tank that has been intentionally restricted (flattened) by Nissan. Presumably to lower the HP rating so as not to compete with the Max. But I am not certain about the differences in the compression ratios and need confirmation from someone that has an 02 Max service manual (this is the only place the compression ratio is listed). Anyone out there have an 02 Max service manual yet that would be willing to look this up?

 

I have the 2002 Maxima Service Manual on CD, and page EM-79 lists the compression ratio of the VQ35DE as 10.3 to 1.

Hope this helps.

 

Interesting that the compression ratio is different.

 

The exhaust difference of that 1 foot flat pipe cant make 15 more hp difference at the crank. Cause those HPs are measured at the cranks, I dont think that one foot bend can do that much increase at the crank.

Dixit

 

When they measure at the crank the exaust system is on the car I believe, I could be wrong though.

 

So do the new Altimas and the Max's have the same engine?

 

Damnnnnnnnnn

What mods you have? Cause I am about to race my friend new 3.5SE Alty and I thought he may at most beat me by one car length, all I got is an oscai and udp.

Dixit

 

So I guess I can safely assume my friend in his 3.5SE Alty will rip me a new one when I try to race him? Damn, I thought with a Ypipe and a straight pipe I might be able to take him.

But I guess the range on the dyno chart on a 2002 atly must be nicer.

But it still matters how well he launches, he aint that good.

Dixit

 

No one is for sure there even is a 15HP difference yet. We will have to wait for some good member dynos to start comming in, hopefully with both cars on the same dyno. There have been 2 3.5 Maxs dynoed (both very disappointing) and 0 3.5 Altimas dynoed.

 

Too bad no one has correctly Dyno'd a 3.5 Max yet. I wouldn't be getting disappointed yet.

Stereodude

 

That is why I said we need to see some "good" member dynos, I expect those will not be typical. Not disappointed yet.

 

Don't forget P to W.How much more does the Max weigh compared to Alty???

 

They weigh the same.

Stereodude