advice.... what first?

[rock chalk]

i have an 03 sentra se-r spec-v... i am trying to decide if i want to get a new suspension and improve the handling or get a cold air and exhaust system... after your suggestion what ideas for suspension or exhaust would you go with...... currently the car still has all factory items... thanx n advance for your ideas...

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I'd first try to prevent the QR25 (that is what came with those, right?) from imploding.

Where do you live? My desire for aftermarket suspension is directly related to the quality of the roads haha.

[rock chalk]

Central Kentucky area

And what do u mean by imploding and what can I do to prevent?
Thnx

[PapaSmurf2k3]

They have been known to suck up pre-cat material, start burning oil, and lose compression.

Do you have any of those symptoms (oil consumption and low/uneven compression)?

[06_blkout]

PapaSmurf is right, if you don't have a header, that NEEDS to be the first mod. It's a crap shoot to weather or not your pre-cat is going to come apart, so better safe than sorry. Megan offers an affordable piece. Or, if you don't mind spending the money, there is a long tube header in development that is making AWESOME power in it's testing stage.

Second, Energy Suspension engine mount inserts. 40 bucks, wheel hop is 95% eliminated.

Suspension, I've had Tein S-Tech Springs, and they were awesome for just being lowering springs, they're under $200 bucks too. Now I'm running the Tein Basics coilovers, absolutely no complaints, I just wish they had dampening control.

For intakes and exhausts, you can find awesome deals on Craigslist sometimes, there was a Nismo Exhaust going for 200 up here a few weeks ago.

The B15 market has kinda sucked for a while now, but there are a few kick a** companies stepping up to make B15 stuff.

This site will be your friend for great tech info too.

[rock chalk]

I am wanting to get into some auto-x racing next summer so I am wanting to corner well. I will look into replacing the header.

I have heard just replacing the springs won't help with cornering as well, just looks good and wears out the inside treads of tires.... Camber would need to be adjusted. With the coilovers would I need to get arms or extra stuff for camber adjustments?

[06_blkout]

I've got mine dropped a good amount on the Basics, and when I had it up on the alignment machine at work, the Camber was fine. I've never had an issue with tire wear. This chassis isn't nearly as bad as others when it comes to that. The only real options we have for adjusting camber is camber bolts and slotting the strut mount holes (don't do that lol)


There are lots of suspension upgrades for the B15, and when they're done right they handle awesome. If you want I can post up some links.

[rock chalk]

It would be great to see It the links. Thanks

[06_blkout]

Craigslist will be your friend for Nismo stuff if you want to go that route, I got a Nismo Strut bar (mint) for 40 shipped from there.

Some suspension stuff: http://www.importcarpartsplus.com/b15suspension.htm

I have the Eibach Sway bars, I really like them. The rear you have to do some slight modification to install them since we don't have a rear one stock, but it's not that bad, just make sure you have a good drill bit. For the front, it helps if you loosen the rear bolts to the engine center support, gives you just enough room to wiggle it in there. I've heard good things about the Tanabe Under brace, except it does take up a lot of ground clearance. There are custom options for rear strut bars, and I think a few big name companies make them.

Coilovers, I have the Tein Basics, but if you're going to auto x you'd want some dampening control, so I'd suggest the Tein Super Streets or the new TDMi coilovers. Also, you can't go wrong with BC.

Basic bolt ons (intake, header, exhaust) will help wake up your QR. For exhaust I recommend trying to find a used Nismo or Apexi WS2.

I'll continue this tomorrow with some more links.