You got maxima questions? Ask away.

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

If you guys have questions about mods, maintenance. You need an opinion on something, I'm always right, ask. Anything about a max or in general, ask away and I'll try to answer it to the best of my knowledge. Don't ask stuff you really have no intention of learning about, just to ask, you'll get flamed and then banned. If I can't answer,someone else might. Oooh, unless you have a question or I said that I don't know the answer, do not post answers. I don't know everything but that doesn't mean that you can't learn what I do know.

[Mr.Duck]

I'm always right

hahahaha.. hrmm does a CAI really make more hp than others?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

No and you know it. It has more TQ in the lower rpm range since the longer tube sort of acts as a stock resonator box which stores air and has it "on demand" thus giving a more noticeable punch. Hacked air box FTW.

[b00b]

What 1/4 mile times should we expect with an 00vi? Or do we have to wait for duck and find out.

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

That's not really fair to ask since all cars are different. But I would expect Duck to be around 14.6. He'll have the VI but no ECU with extended rev and I don't know if he'll have a SAFC and dyno tuning as well.

[Nissan 6]

Going 4000 instead of recommended 3000 miles before oil change on conventional oil........ Is this alright? I change the oil by myself but Im just want to get some opinions.

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

I don't see why it wouldn't be ok. Dino oils aren't what they used to be. You could go 5k but that depends on your driving style. If your are still using dino oils, stupid, use castrol GTX.

[Nissan 6]

I see thanks. Do you use synthetic? If yea when did you switch?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

old car switched at 90k new car switched at ~76k, day I got it. Every fluid, that they make synthetic, in my car is synthetic. Oil, trans, brakes, PS.

[Mr.Duck]

That's not really fair to ask since all cars are different. But I would expect Duck to be around 14.6. He'll have the VI but no ECU with extended rev and I don't know if he'll have a SAFC and dyno tuning as well.

only 14.6? damn.. well we shall see, and no i wont have a safc, cuz i will be getting a Emanage ultimate coming spring

[b00b]

Does a STS improve times. If so, how much can it help?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

Well since I'm guessing that you've never been to the track with your car I'm going to say no. If you're good enough to where all your run are within .1 or less of eachother than yes, it might help a tiny bit. But if your times are all over the place then you really won't see a difference.

[Mr.Duck]

is it safe to drive on 4 lug nuts instead of 5?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

Yes, but I wouldn't do it for longer than whatever the distance to your local autozone is to get hew lug nuts.

[ColombianMax]

Well here goes, hope it aint a stupid question. As you probably already know, 3rd gens are known for broken exhaust studs..what is the cheapest and most efficient way of fixing those?...especially when it comes to a newbie like me since I'm just barely learning how to work on cars

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

Studs? Bolts or hangers? If bolts, where? By the headers or on flanges further down the line?

[Mr.Duck]

well the stud on the hub broke off, what can i do about that?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

You need to get a new stud put in. Hammer out the old one and screw in the new one.

[Chezzs97Max]

What kinda synthetic oil do you guys use? I personally use Amsoil. But I've heard mixed reactions about synthetic oil. I've talked to a some people who say this stuff's awsome and that it can last for a long time, and other guys give the talk about how oil gets dirty no matter what and that it doesn't matter. What have you guys heard or think?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

I use mobil1 synthetic. Amsoil is good as well, good for 25k miles from what I've read.

[Biggs]

how long does mobil1 last?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

mobil1 synthetic lasts 15k miles, THAT IS WHY THEY CALL IT MOBIL1 15000.

[ColombianMax]

I work at at Murray's and I've NEVER seen 15000 on a bottle. Are there two versions of it or is it Mobile1 15000 just like that?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

ok there is mobil1 5000, the half synthetic 10k and the full synthetic 15k. It says on the back it lasts 15k miles, the new ones do and by new ones I mean starting 6 months ago.

[Chezzs97Max]

I was just wondering, while we're on the subject of oil, when I got mine changed, the filter I got from Amsoil was almost half the size of the original max's. Do you guys know anything about this, and if it's a problem?

[Biggs]

so i should be changing my oil every 15K instead of 3K with synthetic because that's wat i have been doing!

[Mr.Duck]

You need to get a new stud put in. Hammer out the old one and screw in the new one.


where do i get this?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

so i should be changing my oil every 15K instead of 3K with synthetic because that's wat i have been doing!

No, I'll be changing mine at around 5k. It could go more but keep in mind it took me almost a year to put on 5k miles.

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

where do i get this?

Call nissan or check local stores. I can install it for you if you get the stud.

[tranz]

how much would it cost for me to get a 97+ bumper and then get it painted in my color

[Nissan 6]

Go ahead then! Now to contribute something to your thread.....

People who shaved their emblems on their 4th gen trunk, was there a mark after you took them off. I want to shave my emblems but Im afraid that the paint around the emblem had got lighter over the years and there might be an outline. Will it buff right out?

[tranz]

it depends on the process you go through... if you take your time and hairdry the emblem for a little bit and carefully take it off using floss or a fishline while the rubber is still somewhat warm, you will be fine, using goo gone on the rubber backing, immidately after. because this is what i did and i had a clean back. make sure to use plenty of googone that stuff is wonderful

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

Mine buffed out just fine, but I think most people still have an outline, sort of a shadow, left. You car is silverish though so I don't think you have anything to worry about. Either way you would most likely use a very fine polish or rubbing compound to blend it in.

[Nissan 6]

it depends on the process you go through... if you take your time and hairdry the emblem for a little bit and carefully take it off using floss or a fishline while the rubber is still somewhat warm, you will be fine, using goo gone on the rubber backing, immidately after. because this is what i did and i had a clean back. make sure to use plenty of googone that stuff is wonderful

Oh thanks! Could you see the outline of your emblems after you did it?

Mine buffed out just fine, but I think most people still have an outline, sort of a shadow, left. You car is silverish though so I don't think you have anything to worry about. Either way you would most likely use a very fine polish or rubbing compound to blend it in.

Hmmm Ill try it this weekend then! I just dont want it to be noticeable

[SibaLLianCe]

i got Tein Springs, Which Shocks should i go with? I was thinking KYB any other ideas Dave?

[Brian]

Tokico Illuminas would be a better choice

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

yep, Illuminas...........

[SibaLLianCe]

Grasias Senor. I will stick with Illuminas

[Max2001]

Recently my air/heat only works on the 3 and 4 speed modes while it does not work on 1 or 2. Why would this happen?? Is this an electrical problem? Maybe a fuse burned out? But then why would it blow normally on 3 and 4?? It's annoying me, i want to fix it, I dont like the air blowing in the car loud....

[Brian]

Recently my air/heat only works on the 3 and 4 speed modes while it does not work on 1 or 2. Why would this happen?? Is this an electrical problem? Maybe a fuse burned out? But then why would it blow normally on 3 and 4?? It's annoying me, i want to fix it, I dont like the air blowing in the car loud....
Blower motor resistor

[Pablito]

you can fix it ureself too..its under the dashboard

[nismo3112]

Blower motor resistor


I think the symptom with a fully blown motor resistor is that it will only work on high.. Could still be the resistor though.

[walec05]

Recently my air/heat only works on the 3 and 4 speed modes while it does not work on 1 or 2. Why would this happen?? Is this an electrical problem? Maybe a fuse burned out? But then why would it blow normally on 3 and 4?? It's annoying me, i want to fix it, I dont like the air blowing in the car loud....


it depends on if you have auto or manual heat or ac. if its manual, then its the blower motor resistor....if its auto, then its either the heat or ac unit, or the heat or ac amp which is quite more expenisve....

[Bakermax]

I'm going to replace my control arms/bushings and tie rods, where would you recommend I buy the parts from? Just go Napa? I've seen some packages for this on ebay but question their quality. How much does something like this generally cost?

[THT]

Paul can hook you up w/ discounts on OEM stuff. LCAs are are about $250 apiece, i think. The other stuff is pretty cheap. All told, probably about $600 for OEM parts that you need.

[Mr Grey]

Brian has control arms for under $100 each side. For tie rods go to NAPA they should be no more than $30 each. While you're at it might as well replcae the endlinks, which is still another $30 or so each. If you go this route you should be spending about $450.

[Bakermax]

Thanks, is this something I should try on my own? I am pretty ok, I installed new suspension on my own, or should I just pay. I'm guessing it'll be a lot of work ot break all of those bolts. What about bushings? Do they come with the tie rods and end links?

[Mr Grey]

Breaking the bolts loose is the least of my worries. It will take some time but it won't be too difficult. the biggest pain in the ass will be taking the lower control ars off. Most of the time the bushing holding them on to the car will not loosen up and slide the arm out. When i did mine, we had to torch the bushing in order to get it out. That was the most time consuming part of it all. If you're replacing the tie rods you will also need to get it aligned. I know Mike does this all, but I don't know his price. You can do most of it, but alignment will probably still be done by someone else.

[Brian]

I have the tie rods and links too...

[Bakermax]

Brian, I know that I made some remarks about minivans and station wagons the other day, and for that I am sorry. Wanna sell me some parts? :blush:

[Brian]

Brian, I know that I made some remarks about minivans and station wagons the other day, and for that I am sorry. Wanna sell me some parts? :blush:
I'm still mad about you misspelling Maxima :tongue:

of course I'll sell you.


control arms are $75 ea, "cheap" tie rods are $15 ea after discounts are applied :wall: though tax still has to be added

[Bakermax]

Thanks man, I'll PM ya! I'm going to keep rolling unitl I they stop making parts for the max!

[walec05]

well, oem parts are........control arms $155 each with discount, outer tie rods $31 with discount and links are about $35 per side....includes 2 bushings, 2 washers and 1 link.


TY i dont know where you got them prices from....boy u on crack.

[Bakermax]

For the control arms I'd need new bushings, would this be the ticket?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Front-Control-Arm-Bushings-Nissan-Maxima-95-99_W0QQitemZ8029042418QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item8029 042418

Then what other bushings would I need? For the tie rod ends? What else?

[DocMax]

Hello-

I need some help. I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima and when it is very hot outside, it takes the car 10-15 minutes to start. It is fine in the morning when it is in the garage, but once it is outside and sitting while I am at work for example, it doesn't start. I tried parking it in the shade, makes no difference. It's a bit frustrating when you are in a hurry.Any advice??

Thanks.

[walec05]

leave 15 minutes earlier :wifive:

[Kowalski]

toshi had this problem, no?

[f550maranello2]

does black smoke come out the tail pipe and does it smell like gas?

[Ovaltine Jenkins]

yeah, a few people did. Their ignition switch would get really hot to the touch when it was hot outside...

[Mr.Duck]

if i'm not mistaken, it was fixed once he put in a new ignition switch no?

[kkozy1982]

if i'm not mistaken, it was fixed once he put in a new ignition switch no?

nope.

he has an ignition switch that won't work in the summer and the other one doesn't work in the winter.

[tmh19sr]

I have a 1998 nissan maxima. I have noticed a oil leak when the car is parked by the front passenger side. It seems to be coming from the top of the engine and draining down. One mechanic said I need to have the valve cover gaskets replaced and the area throughly cleaned about $600. Is this about right? Any help will do.

[walec05]

the valve cover gaskets plus the tube seals will run you about $40 maybe less. and thats with dealer parts, not that aftermarket crap.

oh, you will also need an upper intake manifold gasket because you need to take it off to do the job. (should be a few bux, but dont remember exactly)

its not really that hard to do, and a garage mechanic can do it for half the cost. easy. if you need someone to do it for you. pm me.

also, while your at it, you probably have a leaking oil pressure switch. thats roughly $20. it leaks all the time.

[ColombianMax]

I have a 1998 nissan maxima. I have noticed a oil leak when the car is parked by the front passenger side. It seems to be coming from the top of the engine and draining down. One mechanic said I need to have the valve cover gaskets replaced and the area throughly cleaned about $600. Is this about right? Any help will do.


holy crap dude, 400 bucks more and you can buy another max on craiglist...a beat up one but still $600 bucks is kinda high for valve cover and plentum gaskets.

I might be doing my tune up and valve cover gaskets when I reach 300,000 miles so I'll find out how bad it is on the 4th gen

[maxima muffin]

so i was looking on line and was wondering if anybody on this site ever used an e bay intake... i figured for 42 dollars it couldn't hurt to try but i just wanted to see if anyone has used one or herd anything about them....

[97SMG]

The only thing its going to do is give you a different sound. It will not improve HP nor will you feel any difference in speed. Personally its a waste of money unless you are looking to gain a whistle / or slight growl at open throttle.

[ColombianMax]

I dont mind a bit of a growl but I prefer to be quiet and surprise those that do growl

[Grzesiu]

so i was looking on line and was wondering if anybody on this site ever used an e bay intake... i figured for 42 dollars it couldn't hurt to try but i just wanted to see if anyone has used one or herd anything about them....

my brother is running the Nismo Altima 3.5 intake cold air intake with the nismo bypass valve on his 05 6 speed max
fits good, sounds good

[maxima muffin]

ya thats what i was shooting for but ebay has a no name brand for 42 bucks so i didn't know if anyone tried the eBay brand just to see if it compared to nissmo or injen or aem or anything.

[Mr Grey]

Intakes for the Maxima are basically all the same. the design is different, but same result for the most part. The only 'good one' is any that runs into the fender for true cold air. That involves cutting a hole, which is easy, and it gives more growl. A short ram intake will also give plenty of growl.

The CAI will give you more power in the top end but loose some torque off the whole.

The WAI will give you better torque, but not much horsepower in the top end.

In the end the intake will only give you about 5 horsepower, which is really not worth it even if it's $45. The 02+ Maxima gets true power from headers and e-manage. Everything else is mostly cosmetic.

[Grzesiu]

Intakes for the Maxima are basically all the same. the design is different, but same result for the most part. The only 'good one' is any that runs into the fender for true cold air. That involves cutting a hole, which is easy, and it gives more growl. A short ram intake will also give plenty of growl.

The CAI will give you more power in the top end but loose some torque off the whole.

The WAI will give you better torque, but not much horsepower in the top end.

In the end the intake will only give you about 5 horsepower, which is really not worth it even if it's $45. The 02+ Maxima gets true power from headers and e-manage. Everything else is mostly cosmetic.

04+maxima there is no cutting required and the Nismo/AEM/Injen(fujita) runs into the fender:)

[Kowalski]

post a pic of the ebay one so that those who have one can compare... i used to have an ebay one on my altima and it was the biggest waste of money EVAR! fitment sucked, had to relocate a hole...

[RobSE]

Hit Cattman up, he has several left over brand new Place Racing Cold Air Intakes for about 150-160, this is the best intake you can buy for the maxima.

[Grzesiu]

Hit Cattman up, he has several left over brand new Place Racing Cold Air Intakes for about 150-160, this is the best intake you can buy for the maxima.
place racing never made them for the 04+ maximas.......

[Ketchup83se01]

had a buddy that bought a injen knock off of ebay we had to cut that thing up in order to fit like the injen. Its your money do what you want

[RobSE]

place racing never made them for the 04+ maximas.......
They made them for the Altimas, which fit the Maxima right.......

[Grzesiu]

They made them for the Altimas, which fit the Maxima right.......

yeah but you have to make sure they have the bracket where you can bolt it into the body

[RobSE]

yeah but you have to make sure they have the bracket where you can bolt it into the body
I'm sure they do, if the stock Altima has a bracket I'm sure PRI made a bracket for their intake.

[Grzesiu]

I'm sure they do, if the stock Altima has a bracket I'm sure PRI made a bracket for their intake.

most PRI for older nissans never had a bracket
but either way PM cattman, you might get lucky

[maxima muffin]

ya i called them yesterday and cattman doesnt make it but another brand they sell has a short ram for 150 i am thinkin about pickin it up

[Grzesiu]

ya i called them yesterday and cattman doesnt make it but another brand they sell has a short ram for 150 i am thinkin about pickin it up

just get the cold air, you can pick up a slightly used one for a good deal
i paid 150$ or less for my brothers nismo with 2k miles on it

[maxima muffin]

ya theres a nismo on line for 175 thnk im on to pick it up thanks again

[andyp411]

Hey guys I'm new but it's nice to see that there are people who love Nissans like myself.Well after several years of being away from Nissan I'm happy to be back. I use to own a 1991 white Maxima SE that I purchased brand new back then and upgraded to a 1994 silver Twin turbo 300z a few years later "Man I miss those days.I am married with a son now and have gone threw some tough financial times so the expensive truck(jeep commander)had to go didn't like it anyway and had to go and get something that was cheap and reliable.That was opportunity to get something that I wanted that was within my budget so I just purchased a beautiful pearl white 2000 Maxima SE 112000 miles one owner that is very clean the inside is black leather that looks almost new the outside has a couple quarter size rust marks but no major damage.I was reading some of the forums and noticed that one of the members had an issue with the car pulling to one side which my Maxima pulls to the right side.If anyone could help me out by taking a look at it to see what it is before I take it somewhere to get repaired and get ripped off I would appretiate it.I don't get a chance to jump on the computer a whole but will keep checking the forum as much as can for any responses or I can be reached at 773 817-3746.PS can you forward this mesage to the other members who might be able to help me thanks.