2017 Nissan Maxima Aftermarket Parts

The 2017 Nissan Maxima, a vehicle often praised for its blend of sporty performance and comfortable practicality, provides a fertile ground for aftermarket modifications. Understanding the available parts and their impact on performance, handling, and aesthetics is crucial for any owner looking to personalize their ride. This guide delves into the popular aftermarket options for the 2017 Maxima, focusing on the technical aspects and potential benefits of each.

Performance Upgrades

Engine Management and Tuning

The heart of the Maxima's performance lies in its 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine. Aftermarket engine control units (ECUs), or piggyback systems, allow for optimized air-fuel ratios, ignition timing, and other parameters. These can unlock hidden horsepower and torque, particularly when combined with other modifications like intakes and exhausts.

ECU tuning is often the cornerstone of significant performance gains.

Intake Systems

Cold air intakes (CAIs) replace the factory airbox and intake tubing with a more free-flowing design. By drawing cooler air from outside the engine bay, CAIs increase air density, leading to more efficient combustion and a slight horsepower bump. Short ram intakes (SRIs), another popular option, offer easier installation but may draw in warmer air from within the engine bay, potentially negating some of the benefits of increased airflow. The material used in the intake tubing, such as aluminum or carbon fiber, also plays a role in heat dissipation and overall performance.

Careful consideration of intake design and material is vital for optimal results.

Exhaust Systems

Upgrading the exhaust system is a common modification to improve both performance and sound. Cat-back exhausts replace the piping from the catalytic converters to the rear of the vehicle, typically offering improved flow and a more aggressive tone. Axle-back exhausts are a less comprehensive option, replacing only the mufflers. For maximum performance gains, a full exhaust system, including headers, is recommended. However, replacing the catalytic converters may violate emissions regulations in some areas. The diameter of the exhaust piping also plays a significant role; larger diameter pipes reduce backpressure but can negatively impact low-end torque if oversized.

Proper exhaust sizing is critical to avoid compromising engine performance.

Handling and Suspension Upgrades

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs reduce the ride height of the Maxima, improving its stance and reducing body roll during cornering. The spring rate, measured in pounds per inch (lbs/in), determines the stiffness of the springs. Stiffer springs provide better handling but can compromise ride comfort. Lowering springs typically range from mild drops (around 1 inch) to more aggressive drops (2 inches or more). It's essential to ensure that the lowering springs are compatible with the factory struts and shocks. Failure to do so can result in a bouncy ride and premature wear of the suspension components.

Matching spring rates with appropriate dampers is crucial for optimal handling and ride quality.

Coilovers

Coilovers offer a more comprehensive suspension upgrade compared to lowering springs. They replace the entire strut and spring assembly with adjustable units, allowing for precise control over ride height and damping. Damping adjustment allows you to fine-tune the suspension's response to bumps and road imperfections, optimizing both handling and comfort. Coilovers are available in various configurations, including adjustable spring preload, rebound damping, and compression damping. The complexity and adjustability of coilovers make them a popular choice for enthusiasts who demand precise control over their vehicle's handling characteristics.

Coilovers offer unparalleled adjustability for fine-tuning suspension performance.

Sway Bars

Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, connect the left and right suspension components. They resist body roll during cornering by transferring load from one side of the vehicle to the other. Upgrading to stiffer sway bars can significantly improve handling by reducing body roll and increasing cornering grip. The diameter and stiffness of the sway bars directly impact their effectiveness. Larger diameter sway bars provide greater resistance to body roll but can also make the ride harsher. Adjustable sway bars allow for fine-tuning the handling balance of the vehicle. Increasing the stiffness of the front sway bar promotes understeer, while increasing the stiffness of the rear sway bar promotes oversteer.

Sway bar upgrades are effective at minimizing body roll for improved handling.

Braking Upgrades

Performance Brake Pads

Upgrading to performance brake pads is a cost-effective way to improve braking performance. Performance brake pads offer a higher coefficient of friction compared to OEM pads, resulting in shorter stopping distances and improved resistance to brake fade. Brake fade occurs when the brake pads overheat and lose their effectiveness. Different brake pad compounds are available, each with its own characteristics. Ceramic brake pads offer low noise and dust, while semi-metallic brake pads provide better stopping power but may generate more noise and dust. Track-oriented brake pads offer the highest coefficient of friction but require higher operating temperatures to be effective and may be unsuitable for street use.

Selecting the right brake pad compound is crucial for optimizing braking performance for your specific driving needs.

Brake Rotors

Upgrading the brake rotors can also improve braking performance. Slotted or drilled rotors help to dissipate heat and prevent brake fade. Slotted rotors offer better wet braking performance by channeling water away from the brake pad surface. Drilled rotors provide better heat dissipation but may be more prone to cracking under extreme conditions. Larger diameter rotors increase the leverage of the braking system, resulting in shorter stopping distances. However, larger rotors may require larger brake calipers and wheels.

Rotor design significantly impacts heat dissipation and wet braking performance.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Stainless steel brake lines replace the factory rubber brake lines with braided stainless steel lines. Rubber brake lines can expand under pressure, resulting in a spongy brake pedal feel. Stainless steel brake lines do not expand, providing a firmer and more responsive brake pedal feel. This improved feel allows for more precise control over braking. Stainless steel brake lines also offer improved durability and resistance to corrosion.

Stainless steel brake lines improve brake pedal feel and overall braking responsiveness.

Aesthetic Upgrades

Wheels and Tires

Upgrading the wheels and tires is a common way to enhance the appearance and performance of the Maxima. Larger diameter wheels can improve handling by reducing sidewall flex. Wider tires provide more grip, resulting in better acceleration, braking, and cornering. However, larger wheels and tires can also increase weight and rolling resistance, potentially impacting fuel economy. The offset of the wheels determines how far they extend from the hub. Incorrect offset can cause rubbing against the fenders or suspension components. Tire selection is crucial for optimizing performance. Performance tires offer better grip but may wear out faster and be more expensive than all-season tires.

Careful consideration of wheel size, offset, and tire selection is vital for achieving the desired look and performance.

Body Kits

Body kits consist of aftermarket bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers that alter the exterior appearance of the vehicle. Body kits can range from subtle enhancements to more aggressive transformations. The fit and finish of body kits can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer. High-quality body kits are made from durable materials such as fiberglass or polyurethane and are designed to seamlessly integrate with the factory body panels. Professional installation is often recommended to ensure proper fitment and paint matching.

Body kits offer a dramatic way to personalize the exterior styling of the Maxima.

In conclusion, the aftermarket for the 2017 Nissan Maxima offers a wide range of options for enhancing performance, handling, and aesthetics. By carefully considering the technical aspects and potential benefits of each modification, owners can personalize their Maxima to meet their specific needs and preferences. Remember to prioritize safety and ensure that all modifications comply with local regulations.