What's up? I'm a newbie here; I bought a 2000 SE 5spd in January and I love it; I use this car to commute to work every day; I was driving about 100 miles a day until I moved, last weekend; now, my drive is down to 30 miles a day. I wanted to get some opinions on springs/shock modifications; I'm thinking about lowering my car, but because I have to drive on the beltway and the rough roads in the DC area, I don't want to make the ride too stiff. Would it be better to install the rear Stillen kit on my car or to lower it (it's only the rear that I think looks 4 X 4 ish). So far the only mod I've done is a nice VA legal tint job; I plan on buying 18"s, sway and strut bars, and a 3D woodkit to compliment my leather interior (GD anyone?).

Thanks for your help and to all my fellow Virginia Tech Maxima drivers.

T

 

many, many threads on this and related topics...

 

Get H&R springs. Get Tokicos or modified KYB from Cattman. Or you can just wait till summer and KYB will have (hopefully) gen 5 struds.

 

YOU ARE A NEWBIE!!!

SEARCH!!

...and please be more specific with you post SUBJECT.

 

If the beltway and the rough roads in the DC area are already rough enough for you, I wouldn't lower your car. They'll only get rougher.

 

I have done a lot of reseach on this subject; don't knock me because I'm new; this post is a combo hello/question; I know the Eibachs have a lower drop than H R 's and that the ride in H R's is smoother than Eibachs; if I were to buy springs, I'd probably buy Eibachs and get a nice pair of shocks.

What I want here is an Opinion from people who have springs and do a lot of driving (not just cruising and racing).

If you're from the DC area it would be a bonus!

This forum is great; it has given me a lot of insight.

Thanks,

T

 

I don't have springs on my Maxima because I have the same concern you do! I did have an Eibach Pro Kit on my 1998 Nissan Altima, however. Based on my personal experience, I stand by my original statement. If you lower your car, your ride will be stiffer . . . period! And from what I can gather from other Maxima owners, your ride will be significantly stiffer with Eibach springs than with H&R springs.

You've been advised!

 

I have Eibachs on my car and I dont know why everyone complains about the ride. Yes it is harsh, but only if your sitting in the back seat. From the drivers seat it feels like a 330i. I like them a lot and when I put AGX's on this summer, the ride should be near stock for all passengers.

 

The 2K+ Maxima is a heavier car than the '98 Altima, so it may be less prone to stiffness. But that certainly wasn't my experience in the Altima . . .

 

As far as springs I agree I would stay away from Eibach unless you want bruised kidneys and chipped teeth, harsh ride in other words, H & R are close to stock in ride quality.

 

To be honest lowering the ride will be fine, if you know what to expect from "any" car being lowered. Anywhere in NOVA should be fine, you will hate it when you trip to the district. I stopped driving in the district with my Civic because the roads just suck.

If you mainly drive on the VA side you should be fine with any kit, just watch the bad driveways and access roads. If you go with a coil-over kit then the speed bumps around here become your first and worst obstical.

God luck.