M35 Upgrade

[Paladin]

My '07 M35 Sport has been fantastic, but I'm frustrated with trying to step up performance without violating the warranty...and it's a two-year lease so I don't want to spend too much $$$.

SO, after much research, I decided to take three steps: - install a Fujita Short Ram Air Intake (done 4 weeks ago), - install an exhaust upgrade (still researching...but now not sure if it's worth it), and - install replacement "Pulleys", whatever they are...something that the performance department my Infiniti dealer recommends.

The Fujita Intake makes my M sound awesome, BUT, it doesn't seem to have done diddly for the the acceleration, AND seems to have added a slight delay in response (both in cold/hot weather and in low/high humidity conditions...I live in Florida).

So, I bought a stop-watch, and called my friend who purchased my '06 M-35 Sport when I traded up.

My friend's 0-60 time? 6.2 seconds, with no upgrade...Mine: 6.8 seconds for 0-60mph!? What the...?

He's gloating of course, though my car's newer and hotter looking/sounding. (Umber, Bourbon, Nav Package, electric dog polisher, etc.).

So I asked the reputable performance shop that did the work what they thought. The said my friend's 06 has 25k miles on it and has been "broken in", while my M has 3k miles, and that I just need to "give it time". Am I dreaming? Does this make sense?

AND, when they installed the filter system, they also adjusted my timing by 2 points. Is this also normal?

They also said that the filter/exhaust combo will really accomplish what I want: a noticeable improvement. But I'm not ready to spend another $600-$1200 if the $400 I've already spent for the filter system was just for "ear candy".

I'm not too freaked, but I just don't want take the second step if I'm going to be disappointed.

Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi...you're my only hope...
Modified by Paladin at 5:28 AM 2/2/2007

[Tony407]

It might be that the car needs to be broken in a little bit for it to shave a few 10ths off your 0-60 time. However, more likely than not, your method of comparing your and your friend's M35 is to blame. I wouldn't put too much stock in such an unscientific comparison.

I'm not sure what to tell you about the intake though. Although I never timed myself in my Maxima, I swear that the Injen intake cold air intake I had made my car a little sluggish off the line but increased my top end substantially. I'm sure someone else can offer a valid explanation as to why. I now have a very similar Injen cold air intake on my M45 and I'm fairly sure my low and top end are both stronger. I'm fairly sure she'll make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs.

Tony