All your Vogtland Spring questions are answered, look, drop, ride w/ pics
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5
Originally Posted by The Kid
is there any way to make the car even or just a tad higher in the rear. i love the way the vogtland drop looks but evan or higher in the rear is my preference is there a way to do this or not thanxs.
If it sits a little low in back when the car is empty, an amp rack/speaker box is going to make it really bad.................
..............then, when your girlfriend's fat friend is riding in the back,
say goodbye to the sidewalls on the rear tires.
Originally Posted by Chris NW
..............then, when your girlfriend's fat friend is riding in the back,
say goodbye to the sidewalls on the rear tires.
That's just too funny. How much does she weigh?
Originally Posted by 00MaxSE
Why do you hate them. I love mine. 
bigfatty, did you cut your bumpstops?
bigfatty, did you cut your bumpstops?
I cut mine right at 2 in front, and abou 2 1/2 in back, no problems yet with bouncing off of them.
Originally Posted by Chris NW
Some cars have spacers available that sit between the botom coil and the spring perch. I don't know much about the 5th gen Maxima, so I can't say what's available for this car.
If it sits a little low in back when the car is empty, an amp rack/speaker box is going to make it really bad.................
..............then, when your girlfriend's fat friend is riding in the back,
say goodbye to the sidewalls on the rear tires.
If it sits a little low in back when the car is empty, an amp rack/speaker box is going to make it really bad.................
..............then, when your girlfriend's fat friend is riding in the back,
say goodbye to the sidewalls on the rear tires.
Fat
Originally Posted by boondoxmax
I thought the you are suppose to keep the bump stoppers. My buddy who works at a shop and who is putting mine on when they come says it's important not to cut them......
Fat
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 831
From: West Henrietta, NY
Forgive me but from reading the company's description these springs seem to be designed with performance as a top priority. Somebody above mentioned that they had also driven in a car with H&Rs, but nobody has really stated how the ride quality of each compares. I understand it will have somewhat to do with what strut you choose. Has anybody driven on both setups? How does ride quality differ with these two springs (Vog vs H&R)?
Thanks
Thanks
I've ridden in an H&R equipped car and they are a little nicer ride. they have more "squish" to them (nice tech term huh?) they a nice ride i won't lie, but for the price, I like my vogtlands. I am continuing my research and will soon be ridin on boss chens to see how they are comparitivly speaking. I can hang with a excellent driver in a new s2000 with my "family sedan" and not have any concern about being unpredictable yet have a nice enough ride for the family. I also ran better times than several wrx's at a recent auto x. i think that's pretty respectable with these springs. comparitivly speaking, they are substantially better than the maxspeeds, maybe better performance wise than the H&Rs, but the H&R's are a bit nicer ride. enough to justify the difference in cost...no, but if you can get an exceptional deal on them, they'd be worth it instead of the Vogtlands. One side note, the Vog's have a similar stance to the H&R's...higher in the front, and lower in the rear. The Vog's are little lower on both ends with the front respectablly lower then the H&R's. Hope my longwinded explanation helps.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
i know this is way late and no one will read or reply, wtf. just installed vogtland springs three weeks ago, after doing much research of other springs, h&r's, tien's h-tech's and eibach's, the overwhemling choice of most members, i decided to go with this from what i read about them at different maxima's websites.
comfort was my 1st priority and performance and drop, secondary. after installing the difference is night and day from stock SE springs. the performance is stellar, flat as 2003 bmw 525i 5speed manual w/ sport package but not as cusshy. drop is clean and even. ride is definitely stiffer that stock, but not unliveable at all. potholes and dips are heard/felt more but not bad at all. for the trade off well, well, well worth it
didn't cut my bumpstops fronts or rears, against all recommendations to by everyone. haven't noticed anything.
comfort was my 1st priority and performance and drop, secondary. after installing the difference is night and day from stock SE springs. the performance is stellar, flat as 2003 bmw 525i 5speed manual w/ sport package but not as cusshy. drop is clean and even. ride is definitely stiffer that stock, but not unliveable at all. potholes and dips are heard/felt more but not bad at all. for the trade off well, well, well worth it
didn't cut my bumpstops fronts or rears, against all recommendations to by everyone. haven't noticed anything.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
stock shocks, did notice while changing springs, 'tokico' brand stamped on the strut assembly on the fronts. didn't notice any stamps on rear struts/assembly area. would it be going out on a ledge in saying it is the same as tokico HP's? maybe, maybe not, but nonetheless it dampens very nicely and performance in handling has gone up in every way.
this might not be Vogtland specific but, i even noticed the turing radius has decreased, i can make a u turn instead of a 3 point turn on same street, unless they widened the street.
gonna replace when the go out later with tokico illuminas but thought saving $400+ was smart move for now.
this might not be Vogtland specific but, i even noticed the turing radius has decreased, i can make a u turn instead of a 3 point turn on same street, unless they widened the street.
gonna replace when the go out later with tokico illuminas but thought saving $400+ was smart move for now.
Originally Posted by zenjia 03merlot
stock shocks, did notice while changing springs, 'tokico' brand stamped on the strut assembly on the fronts. didn't notice any stamps on rear struts/assembly area. would it be going out on a ledge in saying it is the same as tokico HP's? maybe, maybe not, but nonetheless it dampens very nicely and performance in handling has gone up in every way.
this might not be Vogtland specific but, i even noticed the turing radius has decreased, i can make a u turn instead of a 3 point turn on same street, unless they widened the street.
gonna replace when the go out later with tokico illuminas but thought saving $400+ was smart move for now.
this might not be Vogtland specific but, i even noticed the turing radius has decreased, i can make a u turn instead of a 3 point turn on same street, unless they widened the street.
gonna replace when the go out later with tokico illuminas but thought saving $400+ was smart move for now.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 203
Originally Posted by bigfatty
***UPDATED MEASUREMENTS AND PICS ON 2/1/06, POST 21***
Ok I got my KYB GR2's with Vogtland Springs put on and after about 50 miles I have some initial impressions on them.
I bought this set up after much debate. I was looking for something that would lower my car about a 1.5", give some better handling but also retain a decent ride. If push came to shove I would chose ride over handling, my max is not a race car to me. On my Honda Prelude I had KYB AGX struts with H&R springs and most of my comparisons will be made to that as I have never been in another max that has aftermarket springs. I was extremely happy with the results I had on my prelude so I looked into the same thing for my max. Well KYB does not make the AGX's directly for a 5th gen but with some modification they will be able to fit them. I was surprised at how much this setup jumped since 2002 when I put this setup in my prelude when I paid a little over $425 for both. The cheapest I could find now was well over $550 and still had to mod the rear struts to work in my car. I started looking into the GR2's and found that they seemed to be one most well liked struts that are non-adjustable and since I would give the nod to ride over handling I went for those. I found a guy on eBay who sold these with a set of Vogtland springs for $472 shipped. I had planned on going with H&R but I looked into them. I didn't find much feedback for the maxima's but I did find that they both gave me a similar drop and both were German made. So I took the plunge and ordered them.
When they came
They came from California as most do and were packaged pretty well. They came with a CD but it’s mostly in German. I sleep through Spanish class in high school, let alone German so I have no idea what it says.
Ok I got my KYB GR2's with Vogtland Springs put on and after about 50 miles I have some initial impressions on them.
I bought this set up after much debate. I was looking for something that would lower my car about a 1.5", give some better handling but also retain a decent ride. If push came to shove I would chose ride over handling, my max is not a race car to me. On my Honda Prelude I had KYB AGX struts with H&R springs and most of my comparisons will be made to that as I have never been in another max that has aftermarket springs. I was extremely happy with the results I had on my prelude so I looked into the same thing for my max. Well KYB does not make the AGX's directly for a 5th gen but with some modification they will be able to fit them. I was surprised at how much this setup jumped since 2002 when I put this setup in my prelude when I paid a little over $425 for both. The cheapest I could find now was well over $550 and still had to mod the rear struts to work in my car. I started looking into the GR2's and found that they seemed to be one most well liked struts that are non-adjustable and since I would give the nod to ride over handling I went for those. I found a guy on eBay who sold these with a set of Vogtland springs for $472 shipped. I had planned on going with H&R but I looked into them. I didn't find much feedback for the maxima's but I did find that they both gave me a similar drop and both were German made. So I took the plunge and ordered them.
When they came
They came from California as most do and were packaged pretty well. They came with a CD but it’s mostly in German. I sleep through Spanish class in high school, let alone German so I have no idea what it says.
Aboslutely awesome write-up, BF!
Right now Im lookin at the Kyg-Gr2 struts with the Vogtland springs....for $411 bucks...
My question was...
How's your ride holding up, now that you've had this setup over a year now? (i assume you still do)
Thx in advance,
Virtually nothing has changed since I did this write up and I still think bang for buck this one of the best things I have or could do to my max. I am looking at my thermometer right now and it says 0. Even when things get really cold, this combo holds up great with virtually no noise at all. $411 is definitley well spent on this combo.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
VQuick 6 month update
Originally Posted by VQuick
Glad you like them. Have fun taking apart the suspension again in a few months when the stock struts are blown. 
Hey man just wanted to touch bases with you again since your prior comments, you know, the one above.
Well it has not been forever by any means, but it has been much longer than a few months, 6 months to be exact. the stock tokico struts standard on 5.5gen SEs are still fantastic, imho.
the vogtland springs are settled in much more. The bumps/ potholes/ road imperfection associated noise has decreased as well. My recent upgrade to BFgoodrich G-Force "Sport" 225/50zr 17 has helped a whole bunch in the comfort/ crazy handling characteristics, heavy rain/light snow duties made easy, and costco lifetime everthing flat/balance/rotate/ refund for defective/etc. came out to be about $110 US each tire installed.
The 225/50ZR 17 BFG sport's are as wide as Michelin's 235/45ZR 17's XGTZ4's , which were my original choice. plus the extra 5% in the aspect ratio helps a more in absorbtion of shocks = comfort.
Plus, they fill it up with nitrogen and give you a green cap to signify that. of course i still reserve the right to correct myself after the installation of illuminas, but seeing how the car still feels right know in march 07, i'm A-okay
If it's true that the stock struts on 5.5 gens are Tokico then that might explain things. Generally the 4th gen and 5th gen Maxima components are extremely similar but this may be an exception. Everyone who runs a drop on stock 4th gen struts has them blow fast, but that could also be because 4th gens are older. How many miles are on your stockers?
In any case, it's good to hear it's working out! Illuminas should be even better.
In any case, it's good to hear it's working out! Illuminas should be even better.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
I did see, with my own eyes the stamp of 'tokico' on the fronts struts, i didn't see them on the backs, however. im kinda embarassed to say my mileage, im only at 30k, that might explain things as well. i baby my maxi too much. others are at 190k, 120k, 60k-90K, 40K at least, im like dam i think i have a problem.
but my theory is that the stock 5.5 SEs have tokico's HPs. can't wait to get the illuminas on though, from all the accumalitive .orgr's stories...the dream is not over.
peace
but my theory is that the stock 5.5 SEs have tokico's HPs. can't wait to get the illuminas on though, from all the accumalitive .orgr's stories...the dream is not over.
peace
Nightmare = Reality
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 718
From: Waterford, MI
I found this thread when I was looking for info on Vogtland springs. I'm highly interested in them, and I was wondering if anyone found the answer on the lower rear? I noticed in your measurements BF that after the intial settling, the rear was measured HIGHER. Is this true or what? Also, Is there maybe some thicker strut mounts or a less of a bumpstop cut that would help the height of the rear be level? I'm all stock right now suspension-wise so am on the fence between eibach and vogtland. I think these are going to win for me though. with that small of a difference though, I image that an extra strut-mount added (double-stacked) would fix it with out the need for longer studs or anything special like that.
BTW zenjia 03merlot; the stock 5.5SE shocks are NOT Tokico "Blues". Tokico makes our OEM shocks with specs from nissan, this is why they are often considered the best out there for our cars. the stock shocks/struts are the equivalent damping as the Tokico Illuminas set to "1" all around iirc. the Tokico HP "Blues" are the equivalent to the Illuminas set to 2-3 all around.
BTW zenjia 03merlot; the stock 5.5SE shocks are NOT Tokico "Blues". Tokico makes our OEM shocks with specs from nissan, this is why they are often considered the best out there for our cars. the stock shocks/struts are the equivalent damping as the Tokico Illuminas set to "1" all around iirc. the Tokico HP "Blues" are the equivalent to the Illuminas set to 2-3 all around.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
Okay let just say your right, stockers are not blues, but if my stock 'tokico' stamped struts are similiar to illuminas set to '1' then NO WAY in hell, i am going to pay to be tortured. by 1, you do mean the softest, most dampening setting don't you?
it is already punishing enough, set to tokico's 'softest setting'.
it is already punishing enough, set to tokico's 'softest setting'.
Illuminas on 1 definitely seemed softer than stock dampening to me..even with worn out stock dampers before I lowered. The 1 setting is awfully soft, even with the soft GLE stock springs I'm not sure it'd be enough. Just my opinion.
Nightmare = Reality
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 718
From: Waterford, MI
well, It might be more of a 2, but I've seen many assessments quoting that the HPs are twice as firm as the stock dampers. Just keep in mind that the SE springs also play a factor in the ride characteristics. I'm at 125k on my fully stock suspension and It's driving me nuts, the springs seem just fine but the dampening has become quite sloppy, making for a harsh, bouncy ride. Fresh shocks/struts will always seem better, but I also think that the HPs/Illuminas have a multistage dampening process whereas the stockers have a linear effect(someone correct me if I'm wrong please)
I bought this setup, waiting to get it in....need to do it soon with the energy suspension bushings, it should make a huge difference on the highway and give my car a nice tight drum feel, i do the tie bar, SFCs, and rsb/rtb combo after the exhaust and wheels
Nightmare = Reality
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 718
From: Waterford, MI
I'd still recommend getting them despite the fact i wound up getting Eibachs. long story short, place i went to had run out of what i had ordered and we didn't find out until a week after i ordered, so to make good on the purchase i got an excellent deal on the Eibachs. if i didn't get the deal i did, i would have likely gone and ordered these.
On the pedobear bandwagon
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 480
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-G...spagenameZWDVW
Is this the set you guys got? I'm thinkin about it now
Is this the set you guys got? I'm thinkin about it now
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
oh i luv em. they were alot stiffer than stock '03 spring/struts, but the handling tradeoff was unbelievable. they actually feel even more comfortable now, not sure if springs 'broke-in' or struts chilled out, but not as jarring since when i put in new, back in sept'06. kept the stock struts since it only had 30k on them. looks dope, the vogtland claims 1.4" /fronts but it is really about 1.6" to 1.7". ill try and get some photos up with vogtland. housecor has a definitive web site comparing most of the popular springs, vogtland picture was a little hard for me to see the wheel gap b/c the black paint job made it hard to distinguish the actuall gap.
I like the way it looks, the gap is slightly higher in the front, but the car looks even/level ground. and did i mention the handling? its whole different animal.
I like the way it looks, the gap is slightly higher in the front, but the car looks even/level ground. and did i mention the handling? its whole different animal.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
they are the shiznit. handling is night and day, compare to stock setup. vogtland have a nice clean a@@ look too. front wheel gap is slightly higher, but on level ground the drop looks so even. try to get some pic's up.
i dont understand why it seems like people are penny pinching on the suspension like getting certain springs because they are a littl cheaper or what have you. alll the money we drop in our cars why not just spend the money and get the good stuff. i got h&rs on illuminas the best everyday spring out there and ive tryed quite a few based on others opinions . just curious??
there is nothing wrong with this setup when on a budget like some of us. for now i have these but when i'm done with some other things i will convert to coilovers, its not like i'm racing on this setup (i may someday) but its what i wanted to get done now, and have more left over to do more
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
From: berkeley, ca
im at 34k now, so about 8k. the struts will eventually wear out, but right now there just great. oh yeah, forgot to say that vogtland aren't cheap, in case there are some of you people out there on the org who might presume they are, got mine for 180US$+40$shipping. most prices of vogtland fall between $180-220. vogtland has been in the business of manufacturing springs in germany since the early 1900's. eibachs and h&r are all germans, as well. tokico spring packages that comes with springs/struts combo are, as many on the org suspects, as well as i, that the springs are made by vogtland.
in oakland, california there is a about 360 degrees onramp onto intersate 580 westbound, i mashed the accelerator, the car was on rails, the g's were unbelievable, my stomach was following behind 30 feet. anyways
in oakland, california there is a about 360 degrees onramp onto intersate 580 westbound, i mashed the accelerator, the car was on rails, the g's were unbelievable, my stomach was following behind 30 feet. anyways
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 91
thinking about this setup. I am looking at the Vogtland with KYBs as a set. Do you still like them? I have a 00 GLE (80k) and upgradef my wheels to 05 245 45 18s from a Maxima SE. How much clearance will I need for the vogtland setup? Where do I measure, in the wheel well or the outside?
/dig
^_^
I'll be installing vogtlands and GR-2's within the next few weeks... and I'll be putting new tires on my 17x7.5 +30 & 17x8 +33 350z rims. It seems to me that I might be able to fit 235x50x17's on all four corners without rubbing. I want to fill the fenderwells just right.
I'll report back here as to how they fit, but in the meantime, does anyone here think that I might need to drop to 45 series rubber?
(I have an '00 GLE and '00 GXE... the GLE is happy stock except for an FSTB and the CAI which the GXE will be donating... while the black GXE itself is getting un-chromed, blacked out, blue Lamin-X on the headlights, replacement of a bunch of bushings with poly units, Blehmoco lower tie bar, Megan catback, fogs, a possible VB mod, and anyhting else to smooth out my hard 1st to 2nd shift that the GLE never does... this car will be a slightly dropped daily driver traveling 70 minutes a day, mostly slightly twisty highway roads...)
^_^
I'll be installing vogtlands and GR-2's within the next few weeks... and I'll be putting new tires on my 17x7.5 +30 & 17x8 +33 350z rims. It seems to me that I might be able to fit 235x50x17's on all four corners without rubbing. I want to fill the fenderwells just right.
I'll report back here as to how they fit, but in the meantime, does anyone here think that I might need to drop to 45 series rubber?(I have an '00 GLE and '00 GXE... the GLE is happy stock except for an FSTB and the CAI which the GXE will be donating... while the black GXE itself is getting un-chromed, blacked out, blue Lamin-X on the headlights, replacement of a bunch of bushings with poly units, Blehmoco lower tie bar, Megan catback, fogs, a possible VB mod, and anyhting else to smooth out my hard 1st to 2nd shift that the GLE never does... this car will be a slightly dropped daily driver traveling 70 minutes a day, mostly slightly twisty highway roads...)
Last edited by sixteenXnine; Sep 3, 2008 at 04:06 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dank4us
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
34
Jun 10, 2024 03:45 AM
95Maxi
4th Generation Classifieds (1995-1999)
35
Sep 2, 2015 10:37 AM
doobadoo
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
2
Aug 15, 2015 06:43 PM