need help
05-28-2011, 05:23 PM
#1
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NH
Posts: 311
need help
After a 5 year hiatus I'm back in a 2002 Maxima. It's majestic blue.
I am now ready to start modding. It's mostly stock except for a CAI.
I have roughly 500 bucks now and want to know what you guys would do first.
I was thinking new (used) rims ands tires (18") but I think I still need a drop.
As far as that goes I was thinking Tein SS coilovers because from all I read that seems to be the way to go. I drive 4-5 days a week on one of the worst highways in the country (I-495). I want to keep a comfortable ride but I would like less of a wheel gap.
Do I save up a bit more and get the coilovers first or is there a cheaper alternative that will serve?
OR do I do a tint first? Or something else?
I have a new Alpine deck on the way.
I am now ready to start modding. It's mostly stock except for a CAI.
I have roughly 500 bucks now and want to know what you guys would do first.
I was thinking new (used) rims ands tires (18") but I think I still need a drop.
As far as that goes I was thinking Tein SS coilovers because from all I read that seems to be the way to go. I drive 4-5 days a week on one of the worst highways in the country (I-495). I want to keep a comfortable ride but I would like less of a wheel gap.
Do I save up a bit more and get the coilovers first or is there a cheaper alternative that will serve?
OR do I do a tint first? Or something else?
I have a new Alpine deck on the way.
05-29-2011, 06:53 AM
#5
Either way, there are no lowering springs that can compare for matching ride quality especially when dropping over 1.2"
I have the Tein SS, and with the settings at 3/4 stiffness, and lowered about 2", it rides as smooth as stock or smoother, no exagerration.
05-29-2011, 06:27 PM
#7
05-29-2011, 07:58 PM
#8
I was originally going to get a set of Tein SS's, but I ended up with BC Racing coilovers (for a few different reasons). I've only had them on for 2 days, but I absolutely love them! Just remember OP, if you want to go the coilover route, they're not just a "slap it on and forget it" mod. (they need cleaning, care, etc. to make sure they last) Again, BC Racing FTW (though I'm sure the Teins are excellent too).
Hit up jmautoracing in the group deals section. I don't know if they have any left, but I got mine through them for $920 shipped. (Teins will be at LEAST $1160 for the COs alone, and they require new OEM front strut mounts.. the BCs have pillowball mounts, so you don't need new OEM ones)
Also, I did all my bolt-ons/go fast mods first, but I'm pretty sure my coilovers are my favorite single mod. My car looks and feels like a completely different car (in a good way).
Hit up jmautoracing in the group deals section. I don't know if they have any left, but I got mine through them for $920 shipped. (Teins will be at LEAST $1160 for the COs alone, and they require new OEM front strut mounts.. the BCs have pillowball mounts, so you don't need new OEM ones)
Also, I did all my bolt-ons/go fast mods first, but I'm pretty sure my coilovers are my favorite single mod. My car looks and feels like a completely different car (in a good way).
Last edited by jowo9; 05-29-2011 at 08:02 PM.
05-30-2011, 04:47 AM
#11
Not at all, Tuner. Think about it... two of the most cost-effective 5.5 gen power and handling mods respectively, that together would run under $500.
1. Phenolic Intake Spacers ($225)
2. Rear Sway Bar ($175)
3. Dinner with the wife ($100)
Otherwise, my advice would be to blow the entire bundle on a quality set of summer-only tires.
1. Phenolic Intake Spacers ($225)
2. Rear Sway Bar ($175)
3. Dinner with the wife ($100)
Otherwise, my advice would be to blow the entire bundle on a quality set of summer-only tires.
Last edited by Rochester; 05-30-2011 at 04:56 AM.
05-30-2011, 07:22 AM
#12
Not at all, Tuner. Think about it... two of the most cost-effective 5.5 gen power and handling mods respectively, that together would run under $500.
1. Phenolic Intake Spacers ($225)
2. Rear Sway Bar ($175)
3. Dinner with the wife ($100)
Otherwise, my advice would be to blow the entire bundle on a quality set of summer-only tires.
1. Phenolic Intake Spacers ($225)
2. Rear Sway Bar ($175)
3. Dinner with the wife ($100)
Otherwise, my advice would be to blow the entire bundle on a quality set of summer-only tires.
Bigger Rims w/ matching tires
Coilovers
Tints
Also, it looks like the OP's objective might not be handling or power but mainly cosmetic improvements. At least that's what I got from his post anyway.
Guess we should have the OP clarify what he prioritizes in mods
05-30-2011, 07:56 AM
#13
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NH
Posts: 311
OP wants Cattman Headers, NWP Spacers, drop, tints, rims, etc. The wife is the only thing standing in the way. I'm sure I can sneak most of what I want in over time, but I want it all now!
Sorry, I just got the car and have been going a little nuts.
I definitely need new tires pretty soon, so I have been checking craigslist and found these:http://capecod.craigslist.org/pts/2406834970.html
The only problem I can see is with the 18s it may look even more like a tractor.
Sorry, I just got the car and have been going a little nuts.
I definitely need new tires pretty soon, so I have been checking craigslist and found these:http://capecod.craigslist.org/pts/2406834970.html
The only problem I can see is with the 18s it may look even more like a tractor.
05-30-2011, 07:58 AM
#14
05-30-2011, 07:03 PM
#15
^ Yes, I just based off his list. I like yours much better Rochester 
As for jowo's comments on the Tein SS, the mounts only need replacing if they're worn or quite old. Everyone says you HAVE to replace them with new, that's a load of crap. If your car is old with high mileage (most of ours are) and they haven't been done, then yes, do them.
If they're in good shape, reuse them.
In either case, BC's will be cheaper, and they've been getting great reviews from everywhere I've read.
I only got the Tein SS because I got a lightly used set for a good price shipped. Less than the BC's would have been by the time I got them into Canada.
That and I'm working on piecing together the Remote Damper module and motors so I can adjust them in-car
As for jowo's comments on the Tein SS, the mounts only need replacing if they're worn or quite old. Everyone says you HAVE to replace them with new, that's a load of crap. If your car is old with high mileage (most of ours are) and they haven't been done, then yes, do them.
If they're in good shape, reuse them.
In either case, BC's will be cheaper, and they've been getting great reviews from everywhere I've read.
I only got the Tein SS because I got a lightly used set for a good price shipped. Less than the BC's would have been by the time I got them into Canada.
That and I'm working on piecing together the Remote Damper module and motors so I can adjust them in-car
