I just jumped "the pond" from a 96' A4(2wh)into a loaded 2k SE 5sp. A "Factory Official" car, with less than 13k miles I found on Cars.com.
Love the acceleration, but hate the handling so far.
It has 16" stock tire/wh combo.
Anyone have some suggestions on the first, easiest mods to tune-up what I call a "mushy" and unpredictable suspension?
Have full warranty and want to keep it.
Are the 17" rollers THAT big of an advantage?
Any ideas?

 

Welcome. The Maxima's handling is reported greatly imporved with two things, a Front Strut Tower Brace (FSTB) and Rear Strut Brace(RSB). Check the stickies on the top of the forum to find out what they are and where to get them. Both are completely removable.

 

Thanks for the info.
I kinds figured those braces were the first steps.
I can turn a wrench, and have the standard(missing 30% of the pieces)tool kit. Are braces able to be done
"at home"?
Do the 17" wheels make a BIG difference?
That wheel swap could be EXPEN$IVE!!
Since what I have now looks fine, and is barely used.

 

FSTB and RSB will definitely improve the cars handling. Add a set of 17" wheels, and it will get better also. For a larger improvement, sport springs and struts are the choice. But to start off, the FSTB and RSB are the way to go. The FSTB and RSB are a very easy install. If you have jack stands and basic tools, it will be no problem. A wheel upgrade can run you a good amount of $$$, so maybe you can hold off on that and get more wear on your stock tires...

 

THIS IS THE COOLEST SITE!
Thanks so much for the information.
Heck, If there was an A4.org... and I knew about it, I
probably could have saved the b-jillion dollars I
threw at the locat Audi Dealers for the past 5 years.
It was time to re-visit Japan anyhow.
Thanks again.

 

no problem..

But I hate to tell you, check this out:

www.audiworld.com

 

Yup the bigger rims/tires will run about 1000 dollars, and the strut/springs about 500-600. The FSTB and RSB can be had for less then 300. You'll find out that once you start modding, it gets to be quite hard to stop.

 

Fstb and RSB are the most important. I also added two rubber H shaped spring spacers to each rear spring - subtle but it helped. Re- wheels & tires - the stock 16" Toyos are not bad - especially if you get the pressure right - try 33f, 29 rear (I keep them as my winter tires because they are very good in snow). The stock wheels are heavy BUT - the offset is perfect. Any change in offset outwards will create a huge difference in torque steer on uneven surfaces, so if you have poor roads stay stock. (I just went fron Long island to NJ and back and swore I'd get rid of my aftermarket wheels!)

wdave

 

hEY Wdave

Where did you get the spacers for your rear springs? (the h shaped spacers) What are they called exactly and where can I get them. Do they actually stiffen up the rear springs?

Thanks

Young

 

They're actually H rather than h, or a squished dog bone. They are available at anyplace that sells parts - K mart probably, but definitely Pep, Auto barn etc. Yes, they gently increase spring rate by partially deactivating a coil, but won't break the spring like the metal ones. Usually the stores have two sizes - the smaller ones are appropriate (about 2- 2.5" on the long side)- you have to get the block between the coils with the car jacked up and it shouldn't require tools.

wdave

 

Thanks wdave

 

I have the 17" and would be willing to let you take a brief spin (I am located In Cincy) and also have the tools to do the installs as well if you are looking for some assistance.

 

Hey!
I'll take you up on that(spin).
The mods are still under consideration but
I am quickly tiring of hearing those front tires
crying at every aggressive turn. However, the understeer
has become predictable.
My plan so far is:
#1 RSB
#2 FSTB
#3 H spacers mentioned above.(sound perfect)
Then see how it feels.
Mail me for a convenient time to swap driver seats for a few
turns.
Thnx

 

wiredcincy

I think you'll want to experiment with the tire pressures a little as you add these mods. No matter what you do to stiffen the chassis or increase rear roll stiffness, the outside front wheel camber will go positive and the rear wheel camber will remain essentially at zero. So there's still going to be some understeer and a little extra front tire pressure will still help.

As point of reference, I corner fairly hard whenever the opportunity arises and I'm running 36 front/30 rear in the '01 AE with the 225/50-17's (no suspension or chassis mods yet). The ride isn't that much harsher than with 32 but there is noticeably less understeer. I know, the placard says 32 all around, but my normal passenger load is just the 2 of us these days, so a little less rear tire pressure is reasonable and lets the back drift a little to take out some of the understeer. The Malibu runs 34/30, again to make it more neutral (vs 29/32 on the OE rubber that was much smaller than what it currently wears).

With the RSB added, there will be more weight transfer at the rear, so you'll probably want to run a little more rear tire pressure than without it (to keep it from feeling "loose"). Start with something like 35 or 36 front /32 rear if moderate to hard cornering is anticipated.

Norm

 

I like to keep my tires at 36 front and 33 back. I have the 17's with an FSTB and RSB.