i have finally decided before i put my wheels on, im going to strictly focus on modifying my suspension. what are all the things i should do to make my car perform better by mod'ing the suspension. I also do not want to lower my car too low, that every time i go over a bump, i will regret it.

97 GXE STOCK

 

I guess your best bet is to get H&R springs so that you'll have a "closest to stock" ride. My original SE springs were a little more firmer than your model and when I switched to Eibachs the ride was more firmer than stock SE. Personally, I'd upgrade the shocks at the same time. My stock shocks lasted for a month after doing only the springs.

 

I would get the FSTB first. You'll notice a big difference w/ it. Then a RSB. I would recommend getting the H&R if your into ride comfort.

 

I'm not sure what kind of budget you have set...but here's what I'd do with the car and with ur needs:

H&R's to lower
Koni's Adjustables for strut/shock
Front Strut Bar
Rear Sway Bar

Once again, I don't have a clue what you are looking to spend, the only shortcut I see if by not getting the Koni's and going with Tokico's...but I haven't heard the best of things concerning Tokico's. From what I know about prices, this setup I listed would run you about $850....give or take depending on brand of Front Strut bar and Rear Sway bar...i calculated the H&R's to be about $220 (just an estimate) and I know shox.com sells the koni's for $440. I think I've seen Tokico's in the upper $200 range (~$280-$290). Hope this helps.

Sachin

 

So this is all you suggest I Do ? Because once i add all the mods to my suspension, im going to focus on something else. what kind of sway bars also ?

 

What Springs and struts should I use.
I have 96 SE, and it feels like riding in a Russian train. I can feel every tiniest inperfection on the road, even if I can't see it. I want more luxurious ride. I talked to a mechanic today, and he pushed on the front and said it's fine. But it's very rough. I would understand if my car was lowered or something, but this is ridiculous. I have 15" 215 wide wheels.

 

Sounds like the shocks may be worn and old. Since the mechanic just pushed on the car, he didnt sound like he cared too much! Maybe check em out somewhere else.

 

I keep hearing about all these different brands of shocks and springs. I don't have squat done to my suspention, so when I start, I want to do the FSTB, and then the shocks and springs.
Now my question is What kind of shocks and springs go best together and how much would they go for? I have a 98SE and don't have a problem with lowering my car, but no more than 1.5" - 2".

Should the shocks and the springs be changed, or can only one of them be done!?
Is the install difficult?

Thanks

 

I want softer ride, and good cornering as a close second.
I don't want to mod my car to achieve this, aside from changing shox,struts,springs.
Is there a specific setup that will give me what I want?

BTW, The guy didn't care much, because he doesn't do that type of job. But I wanted to get his opinion, because if you go to a specialized store and ask, of course they will tell you to do it. Anyways, I don't really care what he said, because the ride is pretty crappy.

 

I have koni shocks and H&R springs... generally speaking happy with this combo, tradeoff is not noticable compaired to the factory setup.... good handling and ride overall.
But streets and freeways are mostly better here in Los Angeles....

 

Most of my time I am in South Bay area, and occasionally I come down here. So if it's good enough for LA streets, it' good enough for me.
I read Koni shocks require some modifications, and H&R springs are for lowering, which is not something I want to do. Well, it's not my goal, but I wouldn't necessarily mind if the ride quality was maintained.
What setup would give me quality stock SE or softer ride without those side effects?

 

So are you saying that this H&R/Koni combo is the same in stiffness compared to stock setup or is it stiffer? Did you have SE suspension before?