Post by
sixteenXnine »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/sixteenxnine-u93647.html
Sat Aug 23, 2008 4:06 am
This thread is mainly focused on Gen-4 and 5ers, but I think anyone could chime in on this...
I'm well aware that the automotive press never really lauded the 4th and 5th generation Maxima's handling skills. IIRC they thought it did ok in the twisties, but could have used some improvement. By the '03 model year, they called the Max's suspension a bit long in the tooth. Must be Nissan took them literally when putting a long tooth on the grill of the '04, lol.
So, let's say you tear your suspension apart, replace all rod ends with the highest-quality, reinforced units you can get your hands on, you replace all suspension related bushings with polys, and you throw on some ~1.0" to 1.5" springs... oh and a set of struts like Illuminas, HP's or KYB GR-2's.
With this done and the car ready to roll, what would an automotive press guy think of the ride? How far would the bar be raised?
What would this car now handle like?
Better than a Lexus ES? Acura RL/TL? Can it touch a Mercedes? How bout VW, Volvo and Saab? Mazda 6?
Of course this proposed scenario would place the Maxima in good light vs any current domestic vehicles (new Malibu, Fusion, I think the Avenger doesn't need to be mentioned from what I've heard, bleh) as well, right?
Personally, I want my stock (with FSTB) GLE to handle just like it does now. Feels to me like a driver's car, but I think I'm biased a bit funny because I drove 4 Chevy Luminas and a damn Neon over the last 10 years. I haven't much experience in the handling aspects of current cars, case in point is the fact that I think my mother's 2000 v6 Sebring Coupe with 17's (Eclipse) handled great.
But I'm really salivating over what's gonna happen to my GXE... I'm gonna give the suspension componentry a once, over, replace any needed bushings with poly units, make sure my wheel bearings etc are fine... and then I'll put on my vogtlands and KYB GR-2's... and an FSTB.
(350z 17's, 235/50/17's, Megan Racing cat back, amp, subs will also be installed at the same time... I'll tint my tails as well...)
So BOOM, the GXE will no longer be rolling with a clangy broken OEM exhaust, absolutely cheap and shot struts and springs, and a crap wheel bearing and pooped bushings.
Will I then think that the GLE handles like crap after these mods?
I like to think of the GLE as the quiet one, with the light tan leather interior and sunroof... sunny disposition, sorta soft ride... comfortable comfortable comfortable.
.. And I have a feeling that my GXE will display a completely different temperament. Will I become prone to chasing IS-300's and the occasional 5-series on the twists and turns? Or should I keep my sights set lower?
It's like these cars are teaching me to drive all over again... as if all these years I was just commuting, never appreciating the metal around and under me (appreciating a Lumina, LOL!!!!1)... and now I think I have two specimens of a driver's car.
The Maxima is a driver's car, right? It's no Camry, it's no Accord, Taurus or Malibu.
I've heard of Maximas pwning some unlikely competitors in autocross events...
...
How about some feedback on this? What are we supposed to be shooting for?