Thread: Improving handling on stock springs.

My hyperco/koni setup rides better than stock. And it will only lower your car about an inch or so. I'd rather DD and hyperco/koni B13 than an OEM B13.

I think springs might just be too much money. I'm going to start by freshening up some bushings, then put a swaybar in the back and go from there.

Unless they're worn, it's a waste IMO (unless you're doing the front offset bushings).

I agree with the swaybar as the first step, but struts and springs are crucial too.

I'm on hyperco's + AGX's all around and the ride is good, I only ever scrape one place, and in the middle of the car too (high center type scrape coming out of an underground parking lot) but my stock 97 maxima scrapes there too.

The bushings are indeed shot after 175k miles and 17 years. I've never done bushings before and I hear they're a PITA.

Ideally I'd like to do springs and struts but that will have to come later given my current lack of budget and the other things that need attention on the car. I'm really not too disappointed with the way it handles in stock form.

Do the bushings if you must, and a PROGRESS rear sway bar
the next time you buy tires, get stickier tires.

Then start saving for some RM springs (usually only $200) and agx's

that is the cheaper spring/strut option...

As mentioned above, rear sway, set at the lowest setting for use with OEM suspension, is a nice treat. Also look into Superpro caster bushings, front sway bar bushings, and strut tower braces. But definitely the caster bushings. And the rear progress bar.

road magnets are the best for our cars.

I've read seemingly intelligent articles on other forums claiming that strut tower braces are useless. Can you really tell a difference when you put them in a B13, or is it just kind of 'imaginary' placebo effect?

Our chassis is flippity-floppity. Maybe the cars that are the basis for the other forums you speak of actually have some bracing built in, but ours doesn't have that much. Take a ride in a car that has been stiffened up a bit and you'll notice the difference. I have bars on both strut towers, the IKEA brace, and the lower control arm brace. My car is MUCH better feeling.

A very interesting observation. I shall replace my AGX's with Koni's based on Benito Malito and your opinions on that subject (Hyperco II vs. RM II).

I'll give up some absolute 10/10'ths track performance and precision for the daily driving comfort of the Hypercoils.


Yes, yes, maybe, and yes.

Keep in mind he is looking for a very comfortable daily driver.


Your very informative thread VQ:

http://www.sr20-forum.com/suspension/29764-rm-vs-hypercoils-daily-driver.html

Per that thread, and this one, I would not ever go any stiffer than my Hypercoil Gen II's. I am not interested in "linear springs" nor higher rate springs. I do not think I can get my chassis any stiffer (increasing ride quality) without in-cabin bracing. I am looking forward to an increased level of daily-driver comfort when changing to CSK's.

On the other hand, younger forum members (without a dozen chronic injuries and too much hard mileage on their human body) seem to do just fine on the RM/AGX combo.

Maybe I am splitting hairs?

Mike23ft - I just looked at your Profile. You're 24-years old (youngster, LOL). You'd probably be fine with AGX/RM's if you ever decide to go that route.


Agreed. As usual.

This is what 98sr20ve had to say:


Steve is correct, as is Isfahan.

Not to specifically disagree with Steve, that would be a good set-up. However, the front Progress bar is (absolutely) un-necessary on a daily driver.

Nor do I *think* the caster bushings (recommended by Isfahan and Mike Kojima) were even available yet when I quoted Steve. I personally bought them soley on Mike K's recommendation. Ie...inexpensive and Mike raves about them for both track and street? Sign me up, no thinking on my part required.


Define "best." They certainly do not qualify as "best" at anything I can think of besides the "best, budget conscious, serious performance spring for our vehicles". On the street they are not the "best" for comfort. On the track they are not the "best" for performance.

Am I knocking RM's? Hell no. I think they are a terrific value and solid basis for an inexpensive performance suspension.


Agreed.

FSTB, 3-Point RSTB, IKEA Brace, Progress LCAB, Stephens Fender Braces, and a fully foamed chassis.....

There is no question whatsover that those extensive chassis modifications have transformed the ride and handling in my Classic.