
 |
 |

Though I've
made quite some modifications to it. To start, it is a 1996
Maxima GXE with an automatic. I chose it over an SE or GLE,
because I am a family man, and this would serve as our main
utarian hauler (also the price was too attractive to surpass and
I love the chrome accents). Besides, I'd rather work with a base
unit and customize it to my own fashion (maybe I'll display my
Camry sometimes as evidence). Sure I told my wife I wouldn't
touch the car in terms of aftermarket touch-ups, but I couldn't
leave well-enough alone. I wanted to concentrate on the cosmetic
aspect, and avoid any powertrain upgrades for later. I first
started with the stock GXE atrocious steel wheels with pretty
nasty wheels covers. most of the publications and found I
wandered through some interesting Alba 16" Chrome 8 stars
called the Aurora. They're rather pretty snazzy sets and with
225-50VR16, it would make the car look more aggressive. Coming
from a guy who last car couldn't clear speed bumps if his life
depended on it, the height of the stock Max was rather dreadful.
With the new rims and tires, it looked as if it was on stilts.
With the help of friends and a torchgun, we heated up the springs
to a more appropriate stance (probably ~2 inches lower). The ride
turned really crappy though, as now any imperfections on the
roads turned into an adventure. I decided the ride was bearable
(at least for now) and added some SE lights next to rid those
balmy looking rubber inlets on the bumper. Being a conservative
person, I passed up on a wing for the backend, especially the
dismally designed stock unit. What used to be a demure looking
Maxima, turned into a rather respectable ride, but it wasn't
still up to my standards.. Well, I later got the
"tweaking" itch bug once again, and have restarted
project "Maximize". I sold my old 8 stars for some
dazzling chrome Momo Arrows in 17" flavor wrapped by 235-45
Dunlop's that I surveyed on the SMX. In place of the "off
road" suspension, I called up a aftermarket warehouse for
some Intrax springs. They offer a great ride and the greatest
reduction (~2 in) in vehicle height presently available for
the Maxima. I observed the changes for the 97', and liked its new
front end quite a bit, so I made a call to my local dealership.
The local body shop is currently transplanting the 97' clear
composite crystal-like headlamps, and new chin spoiler with
integrated fog lamps. I also contemplating the I30 waterfall like
chrome grill with the hood, but unfortunately there are minor
sheetmetal differences for an imperfect fit. While the shop are
doing these exterior operations, I called up my neighbors down
south, Stillen, and ordered their K&N intake system. Of
course with better air consumption, backpressure. release becomes
a necessity for proper breathing. A Chrome Sebring muffler with a
4" tip replaced the timid stock exhaust. With the much more
audible exterior dB's, I went in search of upgrading the sound
system. Being a rather connoisseur of music, I dared not skimp on
it. With the aid of a nearby stereo shop, I salvaged my old
stereo units and installed them in the new Max. The system now
comprises of a Pioneer CD Detachable face head unit (DEH-P815)
complimented by a 8 band Pioneer DSP Graphic Equalizer Processor
(DEQ-9200). These feeds the sounds into a single Acoustic 268u 4
Channel x 50 / channel amplifier. For the fronts, I installed in
two MB Quarts 6.5" Separates and Tweeters. For rear fill, in
was supplanted 2 6.5" MB Quarts Coaxials. I hesitated on
some subs because I didn't want to sacrifice any trunk space, for
now. And on the seventh day, I rested! It's going to be a very
pretty unique looking Maxima with a 97' front end, and a 96' rear
fascia. The Momo's were a welcomed addition, and ride fine with
the new springs. The tunes are killer calming any congested
traffics quickly. The only mods I have left in mind are possibly
the addition of the SMX aero kit (probably a heterogeneous
mixture of old and new for myself), the new ECU once the 96'
anomalies are rectified, and probably some subwoofers a la JBL
minisubs to further drown out outside distractions.
|