a good upgrade for strut/ shocks for my 98 q45

[celica]

Can i use the 98 q45t strut/shocks on my 98 regular q45?

or can you recomend a certain brand for better handling

[Q45tech]

Define your version of the word "handling" as no matter what you change in suspension the "G ability" of the Q won't change much beyond 3-4%.

Changing Tires have the ability to change things by 10-12%.Higher load index stiffer tires create lower slip angles so they FEEL like they handle the load better [less sidewall compression under the same load]

Michelin Pilot sports will transform the Q [what comes oem on the G35 coupe] even the HXM Pilots used on 2004Q will be significantly better [stiffer].

New struts will always be stiffer than worn 30,000 mile or worn out 60,000 mile struts.

Stiffen the rear rubber sway bar bushings with metal washers to compress and remove the slack in bushings.Can't do much with front sway bars because of coupling design where/how they attach.

The Japanese version of the 97-01 Cima [US Q] have a rear strut tower brace oem deleted in US to shave costs.

[celica]

what struts do u recommend for my 98 q45?

[Q45tech]

The oem.

[Falkdesigns]

I'm planning on getting SR Special struts/shocks from Japan (made by KYB) to pair with TEIN S-Tech springs (2" lower than stock) total cost for springs and struts ~ 600 usd or about 300 less than OEM struts alone.

Glad to hear about that rear strut brace, that just got added to my to-do list.

[97Q45t]

It looks like that my '97 Q45t has a rear strut brace. Not as nice as the front one, but it is one.

[maxnix]

FY33 t models have different rear shock part numbers. Not sure if they would fit a standard without the actuators of the t model.

I agre with Q45tech. Once you have fresh OEM on, most of your complaints will be gone.

[airman]

I'm planning on getting SR Special struts/shocks from Japan (made by KYB) to pair with TEIN S-Tech springs (2" lower than stock) total cost for springs and struts ~ 600 usd or about 300 less than OEM struts alone.

Glad to hear about that rear strut brace, that just got added to my to-do list.

OEM struts are going to be about the same (600). By the way, what is the benefit of the KYB struts over OEM ones?

[Falkdesigns]

Stiffer valving and made to be used with lower springs. And that 600 is for struts AND springs.

[airman]

Stiffer valving and made to be used with lower springs. And that 600 is for struts AND springs.

For new? Not bad at all. How much is shipping?

[Falkdesigns]

That's the problem, you have to get them off yahoo! Japan auctions. Shipping should be about 50. My wife should be placing a bid on some this weekend. Ship to her parents in Tokyo, then they'll ship to us.

[BadQ45t]

Man, why doesn't someone market those in the US? Let us know how purchase and install goes....That sounds sooo sweet. I just do not want to spend the $$ on just re-doing the stocks stuff.

The best mod for this car is wider and stiffer tires. I put the Yoko ES100's on mine 245/45 17 and handles much different.

[Chrisfrend]

Celica, I also have a 97 Q touring model, and was unsatisfied by the somewhat sloppy feel and poor control of body motions. One way to fix this problem is to install the much thicker 24 mm rear stabilizer bar from the standard 1997 model. The touring bar is much smaller for some strange reason, about 18 mm.

The 24 mm rear bar from the standard model is only about $120 plus a few dollars for bushings and brackets. It pretty much eliminates what some on this board have referred to as Buick-like handling. The suspension feels firm and taut, but not harsh, and the rocking motions are gone. A cheap fix that might be worth considering to improve handling. It makes a big difference. Of course, there is nothing wrong with new struts and shocks too.