I just had basically my whole front suspension done - Had to get new struts (stock, but new), new axles, new control arms, new bushing, new rack.

But I'm looking into getting something to increase handling / the look of my max. I want to upgrade to 17" rims becuase I think they make it look much nicer, but is that basically all that will improve, the look? 17 tires are also a fair amount more expensive than the stock to replace - would I have any reason to justify them besides the look?

Also - how much of a drop on stock wheels would be too much? Too little? I found a guy locally that has a 1.8 inch drop springs for a 5th gen maxima I wanted to see if they could work on mine... But I want to look a little sleeker, not ricer. And to still be able to clear speed bumps + now feel every vibration in the car would be good too.

Any advice?

 

well if you want a nice drop with the best perfornace and no problems on speed bumps etc then get Eibach. If you want the car really low and still have good performance and good ride (for that big a drop) then get Intrax. If you want to see a car with stock wheels and Intrax drop then look at my sig.

Also forget about stock struts holding up to intrax or Eibach even. They will wear out in no time at all because they are not made for a drop.

I have 17s but have not put them on yet because I am waiting on the stripper to finish with them so I can paint them. I have pics on my cardomain site of my 93 with 17s and my intrax.

 

Don't get Suspension Technique springs if you want performance or a spring that won't make you bottom out just about everywhere! For the drop though, they're excellent! lol

 

17" wheels and tires alone will increase the handling limits because of the tire's shorter, less compliant sidewall, and the simple fact that most tires that you will look at in that size will be much more performance oriented than the choices for stock sized tires. Rubber compound, carcass construction/reinforcement, etc. When I went to 15" to 17" on my car (pretty much stock) I jumped from lousy A/S tires to high performance summer tires. It didn't make the car lean less, but steering was sharper and there was a TON more tire grip. The flip side is that yes, they ARE more expensive to buy and replace, and typically don't last as long (see above re: tire choices). You could always split the difference and go with 16" wheels....

I remember pics of a member (91se or something...) who was slammed on Sprints with stock SE wheels - it actually looked very good in my opinion. Much like Michael's car above, but a bit lower.

 

you also forget your acceleration will slow if you goto MOST 17" rims.

 

yup that is why I am not in a huge hurry to get my wheels. They are even heavier than most other 17s.

By next year I plan on having some light weight wheels

 

Good point, there are negatives so it's not a free lunch.

Unsprung weight is usually increased so that slows acceleration a bit, and makes the ride a bit harsher. Also, the low-profile tires makes steering the car on badly rutted/potholed roads more difficult as the "tramlining" effect is increased and you get more steering kickback.

If you can afford more lightweight wheels (and tires actually), try to get them.