2017 Nissan Maxima Performance Upgrades

The 2017 Nissan Maxima, part of the eighth generation (A36), offers a blend of sporty styling and comfortable daily driving. While it's not a dedicated sports car, its 3.5L VQ35DE V6 engine provides a solid foundation for performance improvements. This article explores various aftermarket upgrades you can undertake to enhance the performance of your 2017 Maxima, focusing on areas like power, handling, and braking. We'll cover the technical aspects and considerations for each upgrade, assuming you have intermediate mechanical skills and access to the necessary tools.

Engine Performance Upgrades

Intake Systems

The factory air intake system is often restrictive, designed to prioritize noise reduction and cost over optimal airflow. Upgrading to an aftermarket cold air intake (CAI) or short ram intake (SRI) can improve engine breathing, potentially leading to horsepower and torque gains. Let's differentiate between the two:

Cold Air Intake (CAI): A CAI typically places the air filter outside the engine bay, often near the wheel well or behind the bumper, to draw in cooler air. Cooler air is denser, containing more oxygen per volume, which allows the engine to burn more fuel and produce more power. The effectiveness of a CAI depends heavily on its design and the climate you're in. In hot climates, the difference in air temperature between a CAI and an SRI may be negligible, especially after heat soak.

Short Ram Intake (SRI): An SRI places the air filter within the engine bay. While easier to install, SRIs are more susceptible to heat soak, as they draw in air that's already been heated by the engine. Modern SRIs often incorporate heat shields to mitigate this effect, but their performance gains are typically less significant than a well-designed CAI.

Technical Considerations:

• Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF): Most aftermarket intakes require relocating the MAF sensor. Ensure the sensor is installed correctly and securely to prevent erratic engine behavior and check engine lights.
• Installation: Installation usually involves removing the stock airbox, intake tube, and potentially disconnecting vacuum lines. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Tuning: While some intakes claim to work without a tune, a custom ECU tune can often maximize the performance gains from an aftermarket intake. We'll discuss tuning later.

Exhaust Systems

The exhaust system is another area where aftermarket upgrades can yield noticeable improvements. The factory exhaust system is designed for quiet operation and emissions compliance, which often restricts exhaust flow. Upgrading to a cat-back exhaust system or even headers can reduce backpressure and improve engine breathing.

Cat-Back Exhaust: This upgrade replaces everything from the catalytic converters back to the tailpipes. It typically includes a new mid-pipe, resonator (if applicable), and mufflers. Cat-back systems offer a good balance of performance gains, sound improvement, and relatively easy installation.

Headers: Headers replace the factory exhaust manifolds, offering a significant improvement in exhaust flow. However, installation is more complex and may require removing other components. There are two main types of headers: shorty headers and long tube headers. Long tube headers generally provide greater performance gains but may require modifications to the exhaust system or even the chassis to fit properly.

Technical Considerations:

• Catalytic Converters: Replacing or modifying the catalytic converters is often illegal and can result in emissions test failures. High-flow catalytic converters can offer some performance gains while remaining compliant with emissions regulations.
• Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors): The exhaust system contains O2 sensors that monitor exhaust gases. Ensure these sensors are properly reinstalled and connected after any exhaust modifications. Damaged or improperly installed O2 sensors can trigger check engine lights and affect engine performance.
• Exhaust Leaks: Proper sealing of exhaust components is crucial to prevent leaks, which can reduce performance, create noise, and potentially allow harmful gases into the cabin. Use new gaskets and torque fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications.

ECU Tuning

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages various engine parameters, such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and throttle response. A custom ECU tune can optimize these parameters to maximize performance gains from aftermarket modifications. There are several options for tuning your 2017 Maxima:

Piggyback ECUs: These devices connect to the factory ECU and modify its signals. They are typically easier to install and remove than reflashing the ECU, but they may not offer the same level of control and precision.

ECU Reflashing: This involves overwriting the factory ECU's software with a custom tune. This offers greater control over engine parameters and can potentially unlock more performance, but it also carries a higher risk of damaging the ECU if done incorrectly.

Technical Considerations:

• Dyno Tuning: The best way to ensure a safe and effective tune is to have it done on a dynamometer (dyno). A dyno allows a tuner to monitor engine performance in real-time and make adjustments to the tune to optimize power and efficiency.
• Professional Tuner: It's highly recommended to work with a qualified and experienced tuner who is familiar with the VQ35DE engine and the 2017 Maxima. A poor tune can damage your engine.
• Fuel Octane: Many custom tunes require the use of premium fuel (91 octane or higher). Using lower-octane fuel can result in reduced performance or even engine damage.

Handling Upgrades

Suspension

Upgrading the suspension can dramatically improve the handling and cornering performance of your 2017 Maxima. Common suspension upgrades include:

Lowering Springs: Lowering springs reduce the ride height, lowering the center of gravity and improving handling. They are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to improve the look and feel of your car. However, they can also compromise ride comfort.

Coilovers: Coilovers are adjustable suspension units that allow you to fine-tune the ride height, damping, and rebound. They offer greater control over the suspension and can provide a more comfortable and controlled ride than lowering springs. However, they are more expensive and require more complex installation.

Sway Bars: Sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) reduce body roll during cornering, improving handling and stability. Upgrading to stiffer sway bars can make a noticeable difference in cornering performance.

Technical Considerations:

• Alignment: After any suspension modifications, it's essential to get a wheel alignment. A proper alignment ensures that the wheels are properly angled, which improves handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency.
• Bushings: Consider replacing worn or soft rubber bushings with stiffer polyurethane bushings. This can improve handling and reduce suspension flex.
• Ride Height Adjustment: If installing coilovers, take the time to properly adjust the ride height to achieve the desired look and handling characteristics.

Wheels and Tires

Upgrading to wider wheels and stickier tires can significantly improve grip and handling. Wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the road, increasing traction. Stickier tires offer better grip in both dry and wet conditions.

Technical Considerations:

• Wheel Offset: Choose wheels with the correct offset to ensure proper fitment and avoid rubbing against the fenders or suspension components.
• Tire Size: Select tires with the appropriate size to maintain the correct speedometer reading and avoid clearance issues.
• Tire Pressure: Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency. Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust it as needed.

Braking Upgrades

Upgrading the brakes can improve stopping power and reduce brake fade, especially during spirited driving or track days. Common brake upgrades include:

Brake Pads: Upgrading to performance brake pads can improve stopping power and reduce brake fade. Choose pads that are appropriate for your driving style and needs. Track-oriented pads typically offer the best stopping power but may produce more noise and dust.

Brake Rotors: Upgrading to slotted or drilled brake rotors can improve heat dissipation and reduce brake fade. However, drilled rotors can be more prone to cracking under extreme conditions.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines: Stainless steel brake lines reduce brake pedal flex and provide a firmer, more responsive brake feel.

Technical Considerations:

• Brake Fluid: Use high-quality brake fluid with a high boiling point. Consider upgrading to DOT 4 brake fluid, which has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 brake fluid.
• Brake Bleeding: After any brake modifications, it's essential to bleed the brakes to remove air from the system. Air in the brake lines can reduce braking performance.
• Proper Installation: Ensure all brake components are installed correctly and securely. Brakes are a critical safety system, and improper installation can have serious consequences.

By carefully considering these upgrades and performing them correctly, you can significantly enhance the performance of your 2017 Nissan Maxima, transforming it from a comfortable daily driver into a more engaging and capable machine. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with qualified professionals when necessary.