My Maxima is really slow!!!

[pherman2000]

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE, automatic, with about 117000 miles. I feel like my zero to 60 is terrible. I barely beat a Grand Prix GT the other day. I checked out my zero to 60: 8.9 seconds. I have no idea whats wrong. Any ideas?

[Darktide]

I've got the same issue. It feels awfully sluggish. I've replaced my MAF sensor, spark plugs, air filter, and 3 ignition coils. I don't know what's causing the sluggish feeling though. Actually, on the highway, the car is awesome, it's got some good punch. Hopefully someone could shed some light on this.

[jltibbs]

well, the reason why you barely beat a grand prix GT is because they carry a 3.8 liter v6 compared to the 3.0. there are only two advantages you have over that car:

1 - the variable intake, this should help in that matter a little bit, but not much. the 3.8 is a strong motor. GM uses it in a lot of applications, including supercharged models.

2 - no top speed limiter, this is the best advantage. you want to make a grand prix feel weak? take them to the interstate and tell them that the first to make it to 106 MPH wins. they are governed at 105 MPH.

my best friend has a GT and we use to race all the time. around town, he would have me with his take off all the time. but, once we hit the interstate, i would be nice and do around 100 while we 'cat 'n mouse' , but i would slowly ease up to around the 110 mark just so he could not keep up. it was funny.

if you want more power, it's time to modify the car. what do you have done and how fast do you want to go?

[Trav1s]

I noticed a SIGNIFICANT improvement in acceleration both times after I changed the transmission fluid changed on our 2K.

When was the last time that was done?

As for the 3800 in the GP... as JL says... it has gobs of torque down low. Different beast than the VQ30DE-K of your car. Also, don't forget you are .8 liters down on displacement. Try the same with a 02/03 VQ35DE/Auto Maxima... it would be much different.

[MTZI30]

The 3.0 also has dohc and is just a better motor imo. My car also feels kinda sluggish but only up top.

[Trav1s]

The 3.0 also has dohc and is just a better motor imo. My car also feels kinda sluggish but only up top.

Different motor with different intentions.... I would gladly own either of them.

Back on topic with a question for Pherman2000:

Does it feel like the engine looses steam over 3500 rpms?

There are known cases of the variable intake getting stuck in short runner (low end torque and suffer in performance over 3500 RPM power) or long runner (loss of torque below 3500 RPMS).

[pherman2000]

I still have pretty good top end. Low end does feel slow. I can barely spin my tires on dry pavement, so that could be it. How could I get that checked out?

[MTZI30]

Mine is the opposite, my top end is flat but my low end is good. Its kinda hard to get it "checked out" I mean if theres no ses light, the car isnt smoking or leaking anythnig? The filters and fliuds are all good? Youve had all the maintainence done. Maybe try a carbon clean out?