New Nismo Owner! '03 Nissan Maxima Auto (Base Model) - Questions Questions etc

[mikeatx]

Hey guys,

Trading in my Acuras on some V6 Nissan power.

I bought an '03 Maxima this weekend and have alot of questions. Also buying a G35 Coupe 6Spd saturday if its still on the lot.

First off I want to order an CAI for it. I see AEM doesn't make one for the '03. So without going to off brands I assume Injen is my only option? I saw a Nismo intake for '04-'05, but nothing for the '03. Is this right or have I not done enought research?

Next question. Oil change intervals. How often do you change it running Mobile 1 Synth and Fram filters? Acura recommended ever 10k on my RSX, but I did it ever 6500. I used to be old skool and do every 3k until the Acura. Just not sure on a Nissan V6 other than the recommended 3750.

Next.

My car has the single disc stereo with tape and obviously am/fm. Non-bose.

Does it have pre-outs? I need to install the system I had in my Acura into my Nissan. Figured its easier to ask then pull out the deck and find out the hard way. What size are the various speakers in the car? The stock system sounds aweful and everything needs to be replaced soon.

And. My car didn't come with Keyless entry remotes. Is it just not an option on the base model or do I just need to order new remotes?

Any common problems I should look for? Any special maintance it needs? I've never owned a Nissan, or a V6 or a rear wheel import.

Also. I'm gonna test drive an '03 G35 tomorrow and hopefully trade my other RSX for it. Anything I need to look for specifically on a used G35 with 36k miles?

There any Nissan/Infinity meets or get togethers going on in the Austin, TX Area? Would love to check out others cars and get an idea on what I wanna do with the Maxima and the G35 once I get it.

I posted this on another forum and got nothing. This place seems alot more organized and active. Look forward to playing with my new Nissans and exchanging info on here! Thanks guys!

[Beancooker]

Word on the Nissan. NICE!!! Your Maxima is a front wheel drive however. I use Q full synthetic with K&N filter and change every 3k mi. I know it's too often but I drive her pretty hard. I don't know for sure but I am pretty sure you need the solonoids in the doors to actuate the locks, and the remotes. Don't know about stock stereos. Not sure about the intake but check out : http://www.cosmoracing.com/productlist.asp?cid=188 They fit good and are inexpensive. I noticed a decent gain.As far as common problems; tread wear on front tires because of useable torque. Cheek cramping from smiling too much. Hole in wallet from addiction to modding your Nissan. Angry wife from all the chicks who like your car, just to name a few. And as far as other forums: zerothread/181499. So Welcome and good luck with the car.

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO Mike.

Just to one thing, please do not use a Fram oil filter. I have read horror stories about their internal construction. Use an OEM Nissan or Mobil 1 filter, you'll get much better filtration.

I'm on Mobil 1, and I normally go 5000 miles between services, but less if I've been running her hard.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Welcome to NICO, Mike! Hopefully we can help you keep both your Nissans running smooth.

Problems with the fifth gen Maximas are few, and the common ones are mostly minor issues, such as MAFS and O2 sensor failures. The VQ35DE is a very stout engine, and should be relatively trouble free if you keep up proper maintenance, fluid changes, etc.

(Early) Congratulations on the G35 purchase as well. They're insanely fun little beasts.

What was the car you traded for the Maxima?

Hopefully Matt pops in soon. He's got a fifth gen with aftermarket sound and should be able to offer advice there.

Scott's right about the Fram filters, too. Fram uses cardboard where better brands use metal for the spring-backing, and their filter elements aren't nearly as good as Nissan OEM or Mobil. Supertech would be my other recommendation. It's what I use on my older Maxima--Supertech is identical to Mobil except that the filter element is not quite as fine (20 micron as opposed to 10 for the Mobil).

[mikeatx]

I don't know for sure but I am pretty sure you need the solonoids in the doors to actuate the locks, and the remotes.

It does have power locks and all. I saw the fuse or relay location for keyless entry under the hood, but didn't look to see if theres anything in there. Theres also a blinking anti-theft light on the center dash area.
Modified by mikeatx at 12:51 PM 8/4/2006

[mikeatx]

What was the car you traded for the Maxima?

The trade for the Maxima was an '02 Acura RSX Type S with the Muegen Sport Supsension kit, lips, SRI, etc.

The trade for the G35 Coupe will be my '04 RSX TypeS. Its mostly stock. Only SRI and a new set of ES100s all around.

This is what I'm going to test drive and hopefully drive home in tomorrow:
Modified by mikeatx at 1:49 PM 8/4/2006

[mikeatx]

So the Maxima is front wheel drive? I figured the 3.5s would be rear wheel. Is mine the GXE?

[maxhopper]

Yep, the Max is FWD. If you do have a base model, it would be a GXE.

As for the radio, I do not believe there are preouts.

For other NICO members and meets in your area, be sure to check out the regional forums. zeroforum?id=151

[plain]

i just bought a 1999 maxima myself today, but all maximas are front wheel drive.

[maxhopper]

Except the first gen Maxima (81-84). It was RWD.

[mikeatx]

The stock deck didn't have preouts. I just replaced it with a Pioneer MP3 deck.

The new deck has a wired remote input. Is there an adaptor to connect the 3 wires from the steering wheel controls to the pioneer remote input? I would love to have the new deck work with the stock controls. Could I make one with a standard 1/8ths stereo jack?

I got the Infiniti this weekend! I take delivery on it Tuesday. Waiting on a draft check, but its mine!
Modified by mikeatx at 4:16 PM 8/6/2006

[maxhopper]

You should be able to connect the stock controls to your new unit.

Here's a diagram of the remote wiring.

[Nismonkey]

Mikeatx,

WELCOME TO NICO! I assure you that you have found the only Nissan/Infiniti site you will EVER need.

Nice find with you Maxima & G! Check the regional forums for NICO related events & meets. Us NICO folks are always into something!!!

[mikeatx]

Well that helps slight, I know which line is the ground. lol

I tried wiring the ground to ground and connected the other 2 to the remaining connections for the pioneer in both directions.

I got either vol up or vol down to switch sources on my pioneer deck, but thats it. I'm guessing theres gonna need to be a small circuit to adjust the voltage levels to what the pioneer is expecting.

I just don't want to spend the $60 on one of those kits if I can DIY it

[MaximA32]

welcome to NICO mike. congrats on the max and the G. the max has gobs of potential due to the 3.5. cant wait to find out what you do to it.

[Beancooker]

For a keyless control entry module look here: http://www.mattblehm.com/interior_sale.htm