How can I add significant horserpower to my 03 maxima

I don't know where to start with my 03 maxima, I'm looking to bump up my horsepower by at least 40

turbo?

At least 40 huh? Thats quite a jump, I mean 10 here and maybe 4 or 5 there is reasonable, but at least 40? Hmmmmmm, I would have to say the best way to do that is buy and 04 Maxima.

get the cattman y pipe for a 12 hp jump, intake for 5-ish, muffler and midpipes for another 8 or so. and get the technosquare ecu upgrade for 20 hp. clutch, flywheel and pulleys won't give any hp but it'll make better use of what's there. that's about 45 hp.


it's tricky though cuz you can't just add hp numbers together. that shit'll get you the power you're looking for.

and skids the 04 maxima only makes 10 hp more, but weighs 300 lbs extra. the 02-03's are definitely faster.

I think I read somewhere that that a y does more harm then good on the 03's. I could be wrong though.

I'm thinkin 295 HP on an '02/03 just isn't possible with bolt ons. The turbo and s/c projects are coming along, and once those are here, we'll be lookin at 300+ hp. Your best bet is to wait for one of those.

I would hold off for a couple years. Putting any mods on your car is going to void the factory warranty. I've got an 03 myself and will wait to do any mods on my car for at least a couple years. Modding the intake and exhaust work is only going to give you a 30-40 hp gain anyways which won't make that big of a difference except mostly top end, and lets face it, this car has plenty of power as it is. Like the previous poster stated, wait for the turbo or S/C kits to come out and have it done right. But only after your warranty is expired.


just my .2 cents :cool:

you could at least do an intake. if the maf blows just put the stock airbox back in and bring it to nissan to fix. that's what i did.


and mods won't really void your warranty, just the parts you change. if you change the y pipe and blow your 02 sensors nissan won't fix that, but if you mod you intake and something unrelated to that breaks it'll still get fixed. my friend lowered his 3.2 CL S and he screwed up his abs sensor in the process, that wasn't covered by warranty cuz he did it, but he still has a warranty on everything else.

I found this On maxima.org. THis quote comes from a ford website.
"Under the Magnusson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment that improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer's original warranty, unless that warranty clearly states the addition of aftermarket equipment automatically voids the warranty or that the aftermarket device is the direct cause of the failure. The easiest way to check this is to look in your owner's manual under "What is not covered." Nonetheless, Dealers receive less compensation for warranty work than regular service rates and some have tried to deny warranty service. Under Magnusson-Moss Act a dealer must prove, not just vocalize, that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before they can deny warranty coverage. If they cannot prove such claim-or proffer a questionable explanation- it is your legal right to demand compliance with the warranty. The Federal Trade Commission (202-326-3128) administers the Magnusson-Moss Act and monitors compliance with warranty law."

Read this for more information: http://www.usdieselparts.com/mmwa.cfm

This is federal law. Don't let any dealer try to tell you different, if they do, go to another one or call Nissan USA and get them to give the service manager a little call too.

get the cattman y pipe for a 12 hp jump, intake for 5-ish, muffler and midpipes for another 8 or so. and get the technosquare ecu upgrade for 20 hp. clutch, flywheel and pulleys won't give any hp but it'll make better use of what's there. that's about 45 hp.


it's tricky though cuz you can't just add hp numbers together. that shit'll get you the power you're looking for.

and skids the 04 maxima only makes 10 hp more, but weighs 300 lbs extra. the 02-03's are definitely faster.


Actually, the '04 Maxima was underrated from the factory (unlike the '02-'03 Maxima, which was overrated). The 5 speed Auto SE model '04 runs the exact same times as the '02-'03 Auto Maxima (dead stock best is 14.66 in the 1/4). This means that the engine is actually making right at 280 HP, which is the same basic output as the G35C and 350Z. Take into consideration the higher vehicle weight, and the 18" heavy rims that the '04 Max has, and you'll then know that the '04 Max makes more power than advertised.

As a side note, the '02-'03 Maximas were rated at 255hp/246tq, but in reality, it is the same engine as the Pathfinder (which has 245hp/265tq). That's what our independant dynos have shown over at Maxima.org.

Quicksilver

oh yeah? that's cool i guess. i don't really mind the 10 hp sacrifice for an exta 18 lbs of tq. that makes it that much more like a 4th gen max. good hp and lotsa torque. so, what about the new altimas? are they overrated too or are they about on point?

I'm pretty sure the Altima has the exact same engine as the 02/03 Maxima's, which would mean the lower hp, higher tq.

On a side note, did anybody see that the new pathfinder is getting a 4.0l VQ?? Man, I'd love to drop that baby into the max.

I'm pretty sure the Altima has the exact same engine as the 02/03 Maxima's, which would mean the lower hp, higher tq.

On a side note, did anybody see that the new pathfinder is getting a 4.0l VQ?? Man, I'd love to drop that baby into the max.


No you probably wouldn't. It's going to be a stroked version of the VQ35 IIRC, which means you won't be able to rev it nearly as high as you can the VQ30/35 series.

And you're right about the Altima/Maxima/Pathfinder engine. It's exactly the same numbers for all three across the board (245hp/265tq). The Pathfinder isn't drive by wire (yet)...I dunno about the Altima. I've never been a big fan of the Altima, actually.

I dunno about the Altima. I've never been a big fan of the Altima, actually.
yeah, me neither, especially the new ones. seem like a waste of a car to me. if you want a 4 banger that's fast, get a sentra. if you want a 6 cylinder get a max. and i'm not totally sold on the looks of the new altima's. also, i liked the older ones cuz you could do a bluebird swap for dirt cheap.

yeah, me neither, especially the new ones. seem like a waste of a car to me. if you want a 4 banger that's fast, get a sentra. if you want a 6 cylinder get a max. and i'm not totally sold on the looks of the new altima's. also, i liked the older ones cuz you could do a bluebird swap for dirt cheap.

From a marketing standpoint, though, the Altima is a great vehicle. It is bigger than the Camry/Accord, offers more power than both in the respective 4/6 cylinders, and is priced lower. At the same time, though, you're right, if you want the better model, go for the Sentra or Maxima. But neither are family sedans: the Altima sits nicely in the middle, and is selling like crazy.

[QUOTE=thrasher]From a marketing standpoint, though, the Altima is a great vehicle. It is bigger than the Camry/Accord, offers more power than both in the respective 4/6 cylinders, and is priced lower.

The Accord is a much better built vehicle than the Altima. My 2003 Accord v6 has much more pep than the new Altima 3.5 and suprisingly, 5 less horse and probably less torque. The Accord also has a 5 sp Automatic transimission as opposed to the Altima 4 sp, and I am guessing this is why it beats the Altima and feels much quicker than the Altima. The Interior in the Accord is also laid out much more logically, larger buttons, better ergomnomics and more of a 'cockpit' type drving experience, as opposed to the Altima's bench seat feeling. The only thing I noticed in the Altima over the Accord was it handled better, but handling is a strength for most Nissans, and a weakness for alot of Honda's. As for the Camry, much better car than either the Accord or the Altima, better build quality all around, but looks like crap. I think it is a prerequisite that you have to be over 50 to drive on of them.

[QUOTE=thrasher]From a marketing standpoint, though, the Altima is a great vehicle. It is bigger than the Camry/Accord, offers more power than both in the respective 4/6 cylinders, and is priced lower.

The Accord is a much better built vehicle than the Altima. My 2003 Accord v6 has much more pep than the new Altima 3.5 and suprisingly, 5 less horse and probably less torque. The Accord also has a 5 sp Automatic transimission as opposed to the Altima 4 sp, and I am guessing this is why it beats the Altima and feels much quicker than the Altima. The Interior in the Accord is also laid out much more logically, larger buttons, better ergomnomics and more of a 'cockpit' type drving experience, as opposed to the Altima's bench seat feeling. The only things I noticed in the Altima over the Accord was it handled better, but handling is a strength for most Nissans, and a weakness for alot of Honda's. And the stereo kicks ass compared to Honda or Toyota. As for the Camry, much better car than either the Accord or the Altima, better build quality all around, but looks like crap. I think it is a prerequisite that you have to be over 50 to drive on of them.


Although the Camry Accord and Altima are basically in the same class as one another, the overall fit and finish on both the Accord and Camry are better. I think you will have to step into the Maxima to get the level of ride comfort, quality, and performance you will get with either the Camry or Accord v6 models. And the bonus factor is you will get a little more with the Max as well.

[QUOTE=thrasher]From a marketing standpoint, though, the Altima is a great vehicle. It is bigger than the Camry/Accord, offers more power than both in the respective 4/6 cylinders, and is priced lower.

Accord v6 has much more pep than the new Altima 3.5 and suprisingly, 5 less horse and probably less torque. The Accord also has a 5 sp Automatic transimission as opposed to the Altima 4 sp, and I am guessing this is why it beats the Altima and feels much quicker than the Altima. The Interior in the Accord is also laid out much more logically, larger buttons, better ergomnomics and more of a 'cockpit' type drving experience, as opposed to the Altima's bench seat feeling. The only things I noticed in the Altima over the Accord was it handled better, but handling is a strength for most Nissans, and a weakness for alot of Honda's. And the stereo kicks ass compared to Honda or Toyota. As for the Camry, much better car than either the Accord or the Altima, better build quality all around, but looks like crap. I think it is a prerequisite that you have to be over 50 to drive on of them.


I just don't understand how a vehicle with 50 less TQ (yes, 50= 212 for Accord vs. actual 265 of Altima) can be peppier. I have driven both, and the Accord does not pull nearly as hard. It pulls longer, a testament to its HP, but the accelerative force, aka Torque, is significantly lower. Pep = accelerative force = torque, not HP, which is only a number determined by engine speed.

That being said, I agree with everything else you said about the Accord being MUCH better built, reliability, engineering, etc. Honestly, out of Accord, Altima, and Camry, I would definitely choose Accord. It's just got so much going for it.

When I drove the Altima and accord, the Altima felt faster than the
accord did, not to mention off line performace. Accords might have
a better type quality interior, but it isnt more "reliable" than the v-6
Altima. The Altima does handle better, not to mention driving both
the same day, the Altima has a smoother ride. The Altima has
better exterior look next to the accord also. :grinno:

I always thought the 02/03s engine/hp were way way underrated. I have certainly learned from experience on the street that there are a lot of cars who "should" beat my 02 max that simply can't.

I agree in real street racing, the Maxima wins everytime, even over
cars I thought that should slightly win. :grinno:

[QUOTE=thrasher]From a marketing standpoint, though, the Altima is a great vehicle. It is bigger than the Camry/Accord, offers more power than both in the respective 4/6 cylinders, and is priced lower.

The Accord is a much better built vehicle than the Altima. My 2003 Accord v6 has much more pep than the new Altima 3.5 and suprisingly, 5 less horse and probably less torque. The Accord also has a 5 sp Automatic transimission as opposed to the Altima 4 sp, and I am guessing this is why it beats the Altima and feels much quicker than the Altima. The Interior in the Accord is also laid out much more logically, larger buttons, better ergomnomics and more of a 'cockpit' type drving experience, as opposed to the Altima's bench seat feeling. The only thing I noticed in the Altima over the Accord was it handled better, but handling is a strength for most Nissans, and a weakness for alot of Honda's. As for the Camry, much better car than either the Accord or the Altima, better build quality all around, but looks like crap. I think it is a prerequisite that you have to be over 50 to drive on of them.

You may have beaten the Altima automatic but your forgeting that the manual altima V6 is a whole second faster then the auto. And ive ripped plenty of accords in my stock 2004 3.5se. Hell last week i got a WRX Wagon by a whole cars lenght off a 30mph roll on, they take me off the line though. Performance and handling wise the Altima is WAY better then the accord or camry. Where it does loose out is the interior, its not on par with hondas and the ride is more rough. I have a full luxury package and sport suspension package, which makes the ride more rough but hence you get better handling. Accord is a nice car though.

3.5SE Altima 0-60 = 5.9sec (manual) & 7.0 Auto,

[QUOTE=thrasher]From a marketing standpoint, though, the Altima is a great vehicle. It is bigger than the Camry/Accord, offers more power than both in the respective 4/6 cylinders, and is priced lower.

The Accord is a much better built vehicle than the Altima. My 2003 Accord v6 has much more pep than the new Altima 3.5 and suprisingly, 5 less horse and probably less torque. The Accord also has a 5 sp Automatic transimission as opposed to the Altima 4 sp, and I am guessing this is why it beats the Altima and feels much quicker than the Altima. The Interior in the Accord is also laid out much more logically, larger buttons, better ergomnomics and more of a 'cockpit' type drving experience, as opposed to the Altima's bench seat feeling. The only thing I noticed in the Altima over the Accord was it handled better, but handling is a strength for most Nissans, and a weakness for alot of Honda's. As for the Camry, much better car than either the Accord or the Altima, better build quality all around, but looks like crap. I think it is a prerequisite that you have to be over 50 to drive on of them.

You may have beaten the Altima automatic but your forgeting that the manual altima V6 is a whole second faster then the auto. And ive ripped plenty of accords in my stock 2004 3.5se. Hell last week i got a WRX Wagon by a whole cars lenght off a 30mph roll on, they take me off the line though. Performance and handling wise the Altima is WAY better then the accord or camry. Where it does loose out is the interior, its not on par with hondas and the ride is more rough. I have a full luxury package and sport suspension package, which makes the ride more rough but hence you get better handling. Accord is a nice car though.

3.5SE Altima 0-60 = 5.9sec (manual) & 7.0 Auto,

Motor Trend numbers for the auto were 6.6 0 to 60. :sunglasse

Motor Trend numbers for the auto were 6.6 0 to 60. :sunglasse


Thats even better then I thought. Motor Trend also said this about the Altima 3.5SE "Blazing through the quarter mile in 14.72 sec/96.82 mph lets you pick on Porsche's Boxster!" Sorry Accord but not today.

Wait till the SER comes out, well its already out, 6speed, more hp, even better handling.

With the five speed Altima, Motor Trend had 14.4 @ 98 mph,
and motorweek was 14.4 @ 100 mph.

That is a nice Altima, looks like mine, only black, no spoiler. :grinno: