Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
#1
Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
I know since i now have body kit on my car it really needs to be lowered to balance out the look. However, i have heard from a number of mechanics and people who love cars that it would not be worth it at all. The gains are so minumum handling wise and some people say that it will be worse handling cause ur car is not set at the proper handling effiency. (I understand that you are lowering the center of gravity but does 1.5 inches really make a diference?)Also i heard that the alignment will not be the same and the overall driving feel will be poor. Another thing that has me worried is the raddling noise that is heard when you hit a bump. Can anyone confirm what i have been hearing, and help me with the decision of it is worth the money and what i gain after. Also i do not want much of a drop so what would be the best combo of springs and struts.
#2
Minimum?
pick me up off the floor..
you ask any of my friends who i usually drive with in groups about the difference between the handling of my car and theirs..
going around a corner at 110 - 120 .. no movement.. the car just sits there.. stable..
I was able to beat an M Coupe around corners.. my cousin in his GS 400 won't race me on the merritt parkway in CT ..
any idiot who told you that the handling is minimal is as i said.. an idiot..
the only draw back from lowering is the ride quality is decreased.. and if you have H&R's thats the total opposite.. the ride quaility is much nicer and comfortable over stock supension..
and the looks of a lower max is just remarkable..
i would say my ride quality is not all that due to the 2 inch drop.. but hey.. i got used to it
pick me up off the floor..
you ask any of my friends who i usually drive with in groups about the difference between the handling of my car and theirs..
going around a corner at 110 - 120 .. no movement.. the car just sits there.. stable..
I was able to beat an M Coupe around corners.. my cousin in his GS 400 won't race me on the merritt parkway in CT ..
any idiot who told you that the handling is minimal is as i said.. an idiot..
the only draw back from lowering is the ride quality is decreased.. and if you have H&R's thats the total opposite.. the ride quaility is much nicer and comfortable over stock supension..
and the looks of a lower max is just remarkable..
i would say my ride quality is not all that due to the 2 inch drop.. but hey.. i got used to it
#5
Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by MAXEJA
I know since i now have body kit on my car it really needs to be lowered to balance out the look. However, i have heard from a number of mechanics and people who love cars that it would not be worth it at all. The gains are so minumum handling wise and some people say that it will be worse handling cause ur car is not set at the proper handling effiency. (I understand that you are lowering the center of gravity but does 1.5 inches really make a diference?)Also i heard that the alignment will not be the same and the overall driving feel will be poor. Another thing that has me worried is the raddling noise that is heard when you hit a bump. Can anyone confirm what i have been hearing, and help me with the decision of it is worth the money and what i gain after. Also i do not want much of a drop so what would be the best combo of springs and struts.
I know since i now have body kit on my car it really needs to be lowered to balance out the look. However, i have heard from a number of mechanics and people who love cars that it would not be worth it at all. The gains are so minumum handling wise and some people say that it will be worse handling cause ur car is not set at the proper handling effiency. (I understand that you are lowering the center of gravity but does 1.5 inches really make a diference?)Also i heard that the alignment will not be the same and the overall driving feel will be poor. Another thing that has me worried is the raddling noise that is heard when you hit a bump. Can anyone confirm what i have been hearing, and help me with the decision of it is worth the money and what i gain after. Also i do not want much of a drop so what would be the best combo of springs and struts.
it was solved!
For my impression on lowering springs, please see the thread:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=73347
In a nutshell.
IT IS WORTH IT, the time & money!
#7
Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
#8
I think some cars aren't worth lowering...my 90 Accord coupe has wonderful response and feels solid in the turns. My Maxima, however, needed all the help it could get. After the FSTB, RSTB, RSB, H&R/Tokico, and 17X8" wheels, my Maxima can carve just about any turn faster than I'm willing to take it. By that I mean the car and a professional/crazy amatuer would go nuts, but as for me I own the car and love it too much to risk an incident.
In short, the Maxima does need stiffer springs and a slight drop. I really wish I had a .9" - 1.1" drop, but H&R does not make the OE line for our car. The reason I say this is because of the front bumper overhang (from the front fender well to the front tip). RWDs as well as some Hondas have minimized the front overhang and thus will lessen the probability of scraping.
In short, the Maxima does need stiffer springs and a slight drop. I really wish I had a .9" - 1.1" drop, but H&R does not make the OE line for our car. The reason I say this is because of the front bumper overhang (from the front fender well to the front tip). RWDs as well as some Hondas have minimized the front overhang and thus will lessen the probability of scraping.
#9
Re: Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by Vinipux
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
Um, no.
#10
Re: Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by Vinipux
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
There are laws but none against wheel gap. The manufacturers use less drop for people that have to deal with snow... The higher the ground clearance, the better your traction on snow...
#11
Re: Re: Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by dashingMax
In that case, all your Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds, Ferraris, Lotus, even Celica GTS, Integra Type R would be "ILLEGAL" due to their stock wheel gap.
There are laws but none against wheel gap. The manufacturers use less drop for people that have to deal with snow... The higher the ground clearance, the better your traction on snow...
In that case, all your Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds, Ferraris, Lotus, even Celica GTS, Integra Type R would be "ILLEGAL" due to their stock wheel gap.
There are laws but none against wheel gap. The manufacturers use less drop for people that have to deal with snow... The higher the ground clearance, the better your traction on snow...
it's not about a wheel well distance, it's the bumper distance
#12
Re: Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by Vinipux
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
I'll have a little of whatever he's smoking
WTF are you talking about. Yes cars must meet federal regulations on headlight and bumber heights. But this is designed into the car from the start. Why would a car company spend all their money designing a car that needs to be lowered when 99% of the people buying the car won't lower it?
#14
I beleive that the original concept of the vehicle is designed with lower CG. As a matter of fact look at all the concept vehicles of the past they are all lower and have larger wheels when compared to the production counter parts also more hp. They don't lower the CG because your average consumer does mind if he has to constantly be worried for clearance and also doesn't care for the stiff suspension, as a matter of fact most Sport sedans are not purchased by people like us therefore they have to find a happy medium. I do diagree with him saying it is the wrong Geometry there is nothing wrong with the design or geometry but it can be improved.
#15
Re: Re: Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by HoJo
I'll have a little of whatever he's smoking
WTF are you talking about. Yes cars must meet federal regulations on headlight and bumber heights. But this is designed into the car from the start. Why would a car company spend all their money designing a car that needs to be lowered when 99% of the people buying the car won't lower it?
I'll have a little of whatever he's smoking
WTF are you talking about. Yes cars must meet federal regulations on headlight and bumber heights. But this is designed into the car from the start. Why would a car company spend all their money designing a car that needs to be lowered when 99% of the people buying the car won't lower it?
#17
OOoohhhh...THAT'S WHY... >
...I always get pulled over and ticketed by the po-po when my three 210lb friends get into the car with me.
Another reason to stay fit and not store naval anchor chain links in your trunks people...we have to be mindful of those minimum ride height laws.
Now I know...and knowing is half the battle.
Another reason to stay fit and not store naval anchor chain links in your trunks people...we have to be mindful of those minimum ride height laws.
Now I know...and knowing is half the battle.
#18
Lowering is so not worth it
I mean who needs a car that looks alot better with less gap between the fender and tire. Also why would anyone want a flatter,better responding car when the stock suspension has more than enough floatiness
#19
Re: OOoohhhh...THAT'S WHY... >
Originally posted by Albertt
...I always get pulled over and ticketed by the po-po when my three 210lb friends get into the car with me.
Another reason to stay fit and not store naval anchor chain links in your trunks people...we have to be mindful of those minimum ride height laws.
Now I know...and knowing is half the battle.
...I always get pulled over and ticketed by the po-po when my three 210lb friends get into the car with me.
Another reason to stay fit and not store naval anchor chain links in your trunks people...we have to be mindful of those minimum ride height laws.
Now I know...and knowing is half the battle.
#20
Re: Re: Is lowering your car worth the trouble?
Originally posted by Vinipux
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
you have to understand something, America has certain laws that car manufacturers have to follow, one of 'em is a height of the car, when Maxima, bmw... cars were designed, they were really designed to sit about 1-1.5 inches lower than they are now, so basically the setup you have now is the WRONG geometry, if you lower the car by 1-1.5 inches, you will actually be sitting on the original geometry of the suspension, so lowering your car actually does help
and lowering the car helps to a pint, but slamming it 3 inches wont give you better handling than a good set of 2" springs, and even with Eibachs you pretty much have all the handling you need unless you hardcore race
#21
well u have all convinced me so far, im thinking of ebachi struts but im not sure what springs, i do not want much of a drop cause of clearance on all these backroads near my house. I am also looking for a comfortable ride so what springs am i looking at H&R, plus are those coil overs?
#22
if you want comfort go with H&R, but you will probably need shocks/struts because lowering your car puts alot of stress on them, check out the KYB AGXs or Konis both around 400 bucks, the KYBs are adjustable and brand new on the market + easier to install.
Coilovers? for good ones? expect to pay $$$$$
Weapon Rs are cheap, but there are alot of mixed reviews on em, so excercise caution
good luck
c_c30
Coilovers? for good ones? expect to pay $$$$$
Weapon Rs are cheap, but there are alot of mixed reviews on em, so excercise caution
good luck
c_c30
#24
Originally posted by MAXEJA
well u have all convinced me so far, im thinking of ebachi struts but im not sure what springs, i do not want much of a drop cause of clearance on all these backroads near my house. I am also looking for a comfortable ride so what springs am i looking at H&R, plus are those coil overs?
well u have all convinced me so far, im thinking of ebachi struts but im not sure what springs, i do not want much of a drop cause of clearance on all these backroads near my house. I am also looking for a comfortable ride so what springs am i looking at H&R, plus are those coil overs?
#25
Originally posted by MAXEJA
well u have all convinced me so far, im thinking of ebachi struts but im not sure what springs, i do not want much of a drop cause of clearance on all these backroads near my house. I am also looking for a comfortable ride so what springs am i looking at H&R, plus are those coil overs?
well u have all convinced me so far, im thinking of ebachi struts but im not sure what springs, i do not want much of a drop cause of clearance on all these backroads near my house. I am also looking for a comfortable ride so what springs am i looking at H&R, plus are those coil overs?
KYB GR2 will save you $100 but seem to be a slightly better stock replacements.
Good Luck...
#27
Originally posted by dashingMax
A very good alternative to H&R springs would be the B&G Springs. They offer the same comfort with a slightly lower drop (1.6"). When the darn KYB-AGX come out, go for it. I too am waiting for the AGX struts...
KYB GR2 will save you $100 but seem to be a slightly better stock replacements.
Good Luck...
A very good alternative to H&R springs would be the B&G Springs. They offer the same comfort with a slightly lower drop (1.6"). When the darn KYB-AGX come out, go for it. I too am waiting for the AGX struts...
KYB GR2 will save you $100 but seem to be a slightly better stock replacements.
Good Luck...
#31
ALLRIGHT, YOU LITTLE IGNORENT MOTHER AFERS, HERE IT GOES, NO BUMPER LAWS? RIGHT????? what am I smoking??? well, obviously something that helps
now, for all of nice boys and girls, here's a site about the bumper laws: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...per/Index.html
here's a part that talks about bumper laws
-------------------------
3) What are the Federal regulations for bumpers?
49 CFR Part 581, "The bumper standard," prescribes performance requirements for passenger cars in low-speed front and rear collisions. It applies to front and rear bumpers on passenger cars to prevent the damage to the car body and safety related equipment at barrier impact speeds of 2½ mph across the full width and 1½ mph on the corners.
This is equivalent to a 5 mph crash into a parked vehicle of the same weight. The standard requires protection in the region 16 to 20 inches above the road surface, and the manufacturer can provide the protection by any means it wants. For example, some vehicles do not have a solid bumper across the vehicle, but meet the standard by strategically placed bumper guards and corner guards
------------------------------
16 to 20 inches above the ground surface, any questions
thank you for listening, have a good day
now, for all of nice boys and girls, here's a site about the bumper laws: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...per/Index.html
here's a part that talks about bumper laws
-------------------------
3) What are the Federal regulations for bumpers?
49 CFR Part 581, "The bumper standard," prescribes performance requirements for passenger cars in low-speed front and rear collisions. It applies to front and rear bumpers on passenger cars to prevent the damage to the car body and safety related equipment at barrier impact speeds of 2½ mph across the full width and 1½ mph on the corners.
This is equivalent to a 5 mph crash into a parked vehicle of the same weight. The standard requires protection in the region 16 to 20 inches above the road surface, and the manufacturer can provide the protection by any means it wants. For example, some vehicles do not have a solid bumper across the vehicle, but meet the standard by strategically placed bumper guards and corner guards
------------------------------
16 to 20 inches above the ground surface, any questions
thank you for listening, have a good day