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This is the
standard engine that comes with all '95-'99 Maximas. Officially
designated as the VQ30DE, it is derived from the 300ZX powerplant and
produces 190hp stock. It is a 3.0 Liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
V6 with front-wheel drive and Sequential Multi-Point Fuel
Injection. |
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Two more
shots of the stock VQ30DE Engine before mods. |
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Front
three-quarter view of the car before any modifications. Note the
yellow corner lights. Most people think the yellow lights look out
of place, especially on a black car. I agree, and later changed
them to clear corner lights (Clear Corner Lights). |
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Left side view of the car with
the stock SE rims. The stock rims are 16-inch with 215/60/R16
Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires. The RS-A's are excellent performance
all-season tires, and are much better than Eagle-GT's. I was
almost sorry to replace them, but I wanted to give the Max a more
distinctive appearance from the billion or so black Maximas out there.
See Wheels and Tires |
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Another nice left side view. |
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A close-up shot of the stock SE
rims and Goodyear Eagle RS-A's. Note the funky stock yellow corner
light. |
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Right rear, showing the
spoiler. |
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Another stock shot, taken at
Jones Beach. |
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I took this shot one day when
my car was on a mechanic's lift. The picture shows the joint where
the resonator (in the photo) meets the B-pipe right before the muffler
(not pictured). How much hp do you think gets lost in that crimp?
Aftermarket B-Pipes from Stillen and Courtesy, or complete Greddy
catback system will increase flow over and above stock. |
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Rear shot. The muffler
does look a little wimpy. Most aftermarket systems for the Maxima
look much more aggressive and free up some hp. (See Stillen Stainless Steel Muffler
install). |
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Closer view of the stock
muffler. |
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You are looking at the single
biggest horsepower thief in the Maxima - the stock Y-Pipe. Between
its weight and the pre-catalytic converters, there is about 15-20 extra
horsepower dying to get out of this engine if the exhaust system would
just let it breath like it wants to. I eventually replaced the
stock Y-Pipe with an aftermarket stainless steel pipe in order to
increase power and exhaust flow. Cattman Stainless Steel Y-Pipe |
