A couple of weeks ago..I got 17x8 wheels with 235/45 tires....big improvement in handling.

Monday I had the car lowered with H@R springs(will use stock struts till worn out)and now the car handles even more awesome.

I have a front strut bar on order (hopefully I'll get the damn thing soon it's been 2+ months) how much of a difference/ what differences should I notice with it?

 

will change, that is a good thing. The steering when changing lanes or turning will be 2-3 times faster because the strut bar is taking out the strut flex that occurs before you turn the steering wheel.

Springs, front strut bar and a rear sway bar are the three
components that are a must when it comes to having the ultimate suspension setup for the Maxima.

 

With front and rear STBs, sway bar, Tokico/Eibachs, 245x45ZR18s ...I can tell you a Max will ride like it's on rails. After you get done with these handling mods make sure you've got enough brakes. I quickly found myself in situations where I was so confident with the excellent handling performance that I was running ahead of my braking capability. I quickly rectified that to fully enjoy the increased roadholding.

 

Speaking of brakes. What would be a good brake upgrade that is not real expensive?

 

 

Just got a 98 SE and need to improve handling. In what order should I upgrade, I am planning on new tires, fstb, and springs. Is it ok to change springs but not struts, what will be the effects?

 

The Strut tower brace should be OEM but there cheap and its fun to do it yourself anyway. Worlds of difference - at highway speeds car seems more stable - it will take a line and hold it with alot less fuss. Even at low speeds your turn in will be MUCH crisper. Much more fun.

 

Definately a strut brace. Its soooo cheap and you get so much realized performance out of it.
Honestly if you want the best performance upgrade concerning tires you should sell what you've got (tires and Wheels)on Ebay and buy some nice 17" wheel tire combo 235/45 -17 from the tire rack.
I got over $600 bucks for my stock SE wheels and tires on Ebay then purchased a nice 17" tire wheel package for about $1350. so for around $700 the car handles the power is has much much better. Tires alone can cost around $400 to $500 so this is the best performance option.
And I wouldn't replace the springs and not the struts.
Do em both. You won't be sorry.

 

where are did u guys get ur strut brace?...how cheap are we talking?..