Hi, I'm in the market for a 02' Nissan Maxima. I was wondering what upgrades can I do to it? And I was also wondering If I can put certain upgrade parts from a 350z since it basically has the same motor.Any info. would help in me deciding whether I want the car or not?I mostly want power upgrades (forced induction,SC,pistons,rods,etc) Thanks for all your help.

 

VQ35? i thought it used VQ30 for that year?

 

EDIT: I was under the impression that the maximas didn't switch to the VQ35 untill 03'. Sorry about that. I'll leave this up for the VQ30'ers out there.

The VQ30 is an excelent motor but it has little aftermarket suport. The rods are good to about 450hp(it's rare but it has been done) and it's shitty high-comp pistons make tuning a nightmare. Your on your own for forged the rods, I've yet to find a dealer for them. For the pistons you can go to BRC they can get you out the door with low comp pistons for about $850. Here is a copy of the e-mail I got from them about this subject

------------------------- START E-MAIL:----------------------------------
It would seem that you are planning to run a turbo because you are lowering
the compression ratio.
Is this correct?
With all of that out of the way, the price for the pistons would be $536.00
in any compression ratio.
The price for pistons, pins, and rings for a naturally aspirated engine will
be $735.00.
The price for pistons, pins, and rings for a turbo charged engine will be
$835.00.
The build time is approximately 2.5 weeks from receipt of payment.
The piston to cylinder wall clearance is 0.004", which means that you may
hear piston slap on start-up.
If this happens, do not rev the engine to put heat in it. Just let it idle
to temperture.
If hearing the noise of the pistons will annoy you, then I suggest you stay
with stock type pistons.
My last statement is only due to past experience with customers.
There is always one out there that wants tons of power, but must be kept
quiet for daily driving.
If this is your concern, I ask you to think hard about your decisions.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me.
---------------------------END E-MAIL----------------------------------

Just some things to think about. Happy tunning.

Ron

 

The 00-01 Maxima has the VQ30DE w/5spd But the 02-03 came w/VQ35DE like the 350z and Inf. G35 and w/ 6spd. tranny. Also thanks Ron for the info. on the pistons but thats not the right motor but good looking out though thanks.

 

Thai, before you listen to the above crap check out some of the maxima websites. www.maxima.org www.vqpower.com and there are a few others. Yes, your motor is almost identical to the VQ found in the Z. However, there is plenty of after market support for the Maxima as well.

Just a quick note that there are 02, and up, maxima's running really low 12's on little more than a shot,some exhaust, and slicks. Mids 12's on stock OEM tires. With all else being stock. This is a great VIP style platform and you will be greatly pleased by how versital this car can be.

 

excellent cars...one of the few FWD cars i'd ever get...do a google search for parts, and go on the maxima websites and forums to see what other people have done...there's not too many maxima posts here...i dunno why, just seems to be SR's and KA's...:-/

 

go for VIP!

 

That's a nice clean looking ride. Thanks for sharing.

 

Hey thanks everybody for there input all of you have been great advice any more would be greatly appreciated. also tampamax what size wheels and how big of a shot did those maximas use to run 12's?

 

I forget the specifics but go to the 'org' www.maxima.org and find the nitrous forum. Look for the name Jime(jim-ee). He is the one i am refering to. He's an old schooler like myself. You will be suprized just how easy it now is to get a relatively quick car with simple mods. Most of the old schoolers have pioneered into the unknown and dispelled a lot of myths. There are many roads that have been paved for the new guys, so there is no more trial and error. Plus many companies, about 1.5 yrs ago, started to jump on the program...especially since the Z is now with a VQ as well. Now days its pretty common for N/A maxima's to get into the 13's with a couple simple bolt ons. They may even be pushing close to the 12's...haven't checked in a while though.