Been a while since an update. The latest gadget that I ordered and am pretty excited about is a tool called Uprev Cipher. It's the alternate equivalent of Nissan Consult tool which the dealer uses to diagnose issues and tweaking ECU settings. It'll access the ECU via OBDii port, to a USB on the laptop. I'll install the diagnostic software on the laptop and use it to run the program and communicate with the car computer.
My reason for getting it?
To bump up the Ignition Timing. 5.5 Gen (2002-2003) Maxima come with a factory Ignition timing of 15 Degrees. It can be bumped up or down 5 Degrees to remain within Manufacturer specs without voiding warranty.
Catch: Must use premium gas. 93+ Octane. Which is what's recommended for it anyways, and I use always.
Pro: It improves lower end throttle and response. Supposedly improves gas mileage but I'm not betting on that.
The others thing I can do with it :
Cipher communicates using Nissan’s proprietary communication protocol which enables you to view data with more speed than generic OBDII scan tools giving the user better insight into how the vehicle is running. Sample rates of 20 times per second can be achieved on more than 15 sensors at a time.
Simple ECU and BCM Control Cipher also provides the user with basic dealership work support routines for the ECU and BCM including:
Target Idle RPM
+/- 2 degree static timing adjustment
Cylinder power testing
Clear Learned Fuel settings
Manual control of BCM functions, ie. Windows UP/Down, Activate Locks, Wipers, Lamps, etc.
Fuel Pressure purge
Ethanol Adjustments (if vehicle is equipped)
Coolant Test
[HR][/HR] Supported Parameters: Below is a short list of available data parameters...
Engine Speed - RPM
Throttle Position Sensor
Vehicle Speed
MAF Sensor
Calculated Load Value
Oxygen Sensor
Ignition Timing
Accelerator Position
Wide Band A/F Voltage (equipped vehicles)
Coolant Temperature
[HR][/HR]
It should be here by Tuesday morning. Shipped out today from North Carolina.
My intended goal is to advance the timing to 17*. It should be fun. Will update once I've played around with it.
Performed the Ignition Timing Advance 2 days ago. It was at factory default of 15*, it is now at 17*. The impression so far from the tweak is pleasant. There’s definately more oomph on the low end. Increased throttle response.
Still going to track and see if it has any impact on the fuel economy. This is rumored, and i’m not holding my breath on it. But will track any changes.
Overall, it was money well spent purchasing the cable and software. :k: I can now pull/clear codes, monitor the motor. Do coolant/temp/oil/engine stress tests. Among other features that were pasted earlier.
Sounds good brotherman! Have you graphed out the performance of your car? Share the charts if you’ve got any. Its always so much fun working on your own car. How did you manage with the headers? You were planning on a change weren’t you?
I managed to do the both fuel pumps way back on the Touareg and its been running pretty well. I do have issues with the fuel economy with this one but its a beauty to run about in. It runs pretty sweet when you’re not pushing it too much but you push that pedal to the floor and you can actually see the fuel gauge creeping its way down towards Empty
I’m probably getting rid of it soon though. I’m eyeing something bigger perhaps. If not bigger, I might go all out and get a track toy. Choices, choices!
No, i haven’t done the tune graphs yet. Thinking of getting Greddy E-Manage of Apexi VAFC II to street tune. But that’ll have to wait till I throw on some nice headers.
And I haven’t gone with the headers yet. Trying to work out the best Headers/y-pipe/catback combo that doesn’t give that awful drone when driving. Trying to preserve sleeperness with on-demand growl. If you get what I mean. lol
Next on the things to do is Coilovers, Stillen front lip and rear lip. Those should help with the appearance.
Performance mods will continue of course.
Glad to hear you were able to swap out the fuel pumps. Did you go OEM spec? Yeah man. Gas is crazy expensive nowadays. C’mon OIC…increase the production! lower prices!
Haha yeah bru, I hear what you're saying! No worries, do the maths and make up your mind I guess. You have pictures of the look you're going for? Share.
I'm thinking of getting rid of the 'Egg and going for something more fun. I am either going to get a beater for the road and invest in a track-day car, I have been looking at Radicals because they even have a league here. I was thinking F1 style single-seater (An ex-F3000 perhaps) but the returns aren't worth it plus we have no F1 style single-seater leagues. The other option is get a nice road-car, I've been looking at early 90's TR's.
Too much drool, this is all speculation right now. InshaAllah lets see, maybe next year I will surprise you guys with something special ;)
So, was bored a few days ago. Had previously ordered a Berk Intake (Short Ram) with Apexi twin-tunnel filter.
Install was a breeze. Had a little bit of struggle getting the coupler on the MAF Adapter. Total install time including phone calls in between, roughly about an hour. That includes the time needed to remove the OEM air set up.
Also caught a deal on a super rare item, made for the maxima community by a maxima enthusiast. It's subframe rails with cross-bars that basically stiffen the undercar chassis and make it super solid. It basically takes your 8 year old maxima, and makes it ride like new. This I have not had installed yet. It will require professional tools, because a part of it has be welded. So will have it done at the shop soon.
Impression on the air intake so far?
Nice growl at WOT. Didn't notice any significant loss on the lower end. Maybe because it's cold anyways. During summer might take a little hit on the torque on the low end, but gains on the high end def. justify the loss. But having bumped up the Ignition timing should compensate for the lost throttle response.
Still no progress on coilovers. Projected install after winter, very possibly during spring break.
