I wonder if one could swap out a Maxima ECU in that car. They have the same motors but different outputs. I was thinking that if you could swap in a 2004+ Max ECU you might be able to take advantage of the higher output programming. Provided one free'd up the exhaust first.
I know the guys that dyno'd their 04's were putting down numbers normally associated with 280HP car. It wouldn't be a bad investment if the swap worked. Gaining an extra 40Hp just by trading the ECU ain't bad at all.


*****CAVEAT****** I have no idea if this would work. Just thinking out loud.

 

^ it's not entirely out of the question. toyota did it with the camry/avalon/es300 in the mid and late 1990's, to an extent. there were slight ECU variations and exhaust modifications that skewed the #s just enough to set them apart. it's still questioned today whether they even had different fuel/timing maps, and the manufacturer just didnt claim different numbers, which were only different by 10-15hp at the most.

i'd see the maxima ecu working, but make sure the ecu's can drive the rest of the car, like the navigation/instrument clusters/ac systems etc, all that crap is packed into an ecu these days, they could be different.


and my friend's gf has an altima, theyre nice and seem to be pretty good daily cars. that black one fastforward posted is pretty hot and clean. i dunno about it running 13's but if so sweet.

 

Ive personally seen 14.7 on several occasions from bone stock models at bmp.I'm on the market for one as we type...

 

Yes, that's my brotehrs Altima. If you want more info on Altimas go to www.altimas.net
I used to frequent there a lot. I had a '96 SE with a 5 speed that was a regular at the local autocrosses. It was a great car until some old dude T-boned it. Solid and dependable, well built car.
I also had a black '95 Nissan P.U. The black paint blows, my Alty was a really gay teal color, the paint on it was fine. I really think it's just their black paint that is poor.
Also, I do think the fit and finish on the Passat would be nicer, but you get more car with your money in the Altima. The Altima would be cheaper to own as well...and I wouldn't even consider a Passat unless it had the VR6.

 

For a DD with some speed , I'd say great car!!!!!!!!!!

 

Nissan cost less to maintain than a VW. Plus the later year Nissans will most definately trounce the VW brand for fit and finish.