What to do?

I hate the fact that i live in an area where pot-holes are "deemed" fixed by adding speed bumps (pun intended). But I am also bored with the way the stock Y2k Maxima handles!

As far as over all responsiveness and effective yet mild mannered upgrades go; would I be better off:


A) Staying stock (boring)
B) Adding frame stiffeners. the RSB, RSTB, LTB, FSTB's and or FSB's (or whatever)
-or-
C) Changing Spring/Strut setup.

Also, what is most effective combination of B without changing springs

I really am weary of option C because I think the car is bad enough up here in N.E. MA

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks for any input.

 

B: In rate of effectiveness, i'd say RSB (based on .org readings), LTB Stage 2, FSTB. RSTB was said to do next to nothing. I have LTB 2 and FSTB. The LTB2 made a huge difference in turning and chassis strength. It does decrease your overall ground clearance by a little bit, but it is between the wheels so you shouldn't scrape anything unless you are slammed.

C: I personally will be going Eibachs or H&Rs w/ Illumina shocks. Decent drop, somewhat close to stock ride quality, but i've heard eibachs are more aggressive.

If you are scared to drop it, go with the bars at least. Adding ES bushings should help as well.

 

thanks ZERO-60Z, helps how is side to side affected at greater speeds with LTB2 and rsb?

 

i would suggest a combo of both B and C
FSTB, RSB, and LTB
+
lowered (i like my H&Rs, better handling but not to low)

 

I'm like you, StillenMax, I think the SE rides rough enough stock. Although I'd like to do something about the uneven stance, lowering just doesn't appeal to me from a ride standpoint. I just plan on adding a Stillen RSB and a FSTB (which will hopefully eliminate or at least limit body roll) and calling it a day.

 

which bushings recommended?

 

i think 0-60Z reccomended Energy Suspension Bushings. I am also no doubt adding a RSB, I HAVE a FSTB and it did really make a difference! But as far as lowering goes, i would sooner buy wider rims/tires. Any handling package on EVERY car changes tire width. Period.

 

What brand did you get? I like the Stillen but it's crazy expensive. The Vibrant doesn't look as cool but is only $60 instead of $150

 

I bought a 30 dollar e-bay one

I have a few corners I tested it on, i'm sure if I took it off I would notice, But maybe not

 

so how tricky is a FSTB to install? I'd love to do both it and the RSB myself. I know I'll need a jack and some stands but other than that, how much is invovled?

 

I don't have RSB, but based on the .org readings, everyone has said it stiffened up the rear, which is definitely one of the weakest points in our handling. I installed the FSTB myself, and could tell a difference, but the lower part of the car was still too loose. Thats where the LTB2 came in. Stiffened up the lower part to 4 points, which made a huge difference. Side to side is noticeable with less flex and better stability. Once you even hit a bump, you will feel the car flex less and be more stable. RSB is probably next for me, but springs/struts are going soon (62k), as well as tires.

 

interesting, but that doesn't really answer my question.

 

honestly, the FTSB by itself doesnt really do much (besides look cool in your engine bay). the combination of FSTB, RSB, and LTB is a huge improvement

 

FSTB is very easy. you just remove the 6 nuts from the strut towers and install the brace.
as far as the RSB, on a car with stock suspension, it can be installed with the car on the ground. however, it makes it easier if you have ramps. i've installed about six RSBs and it takes about an hour to do.

 

Thanks for the help, that sounds alot easier than I was expecting