I30 Struts and Shock recomendations please

[hernonm]

Hi,

I have a 200 I30t and I want to move to a more 'plush soft' ride instead of the stiffer ride this car has (I am 43 and want luxury not sporty :-)). The car has 90K so it's time for them to be replaced anyway. I am going to replace the rear springs (i was told that the factory springs are stiffer) with the 'base' I30 springs however I am totally confused on which way I should go for struts and shocks. From what I can tell I have struts up front and shocks in the back. Here are some options:

1) OEM - go and pay big $ for the I30 'base' struts and shocks
2) Ebay - which has so many options (KYB, Munroe, Tokico,

Also, do I need to replace the mounts? I'll spend whatever I need to get the ride I want so I'm not trying to go cheap.

Thanks in advance.....

-M

[Ellison@FCPImport]

Here are some ideas for you. We have the KYB's and are a great alternative to the dealerships. Check it out and let me know if I can be of assistance to you.

http://fcpimport.com/f/2000-infiniti-i3 ... sion?e=848

[hernonm]

Thanks for the reply but I was hoping to get some unbiased opinions. Your feedback is based on what you sell. My understanding is the KYB's are 'stiffer' then the OEM strus/shocks and if you read my post you can see I am looking for a softer ride not something stiffer. ALso, I think KYB's are used as OEM on some Maxima/I30's (not sure about that).

Anyone want to provide feedback based on my original message?

Thanks!

[Markc]

I replaced my OEM's with KYB and can tell you for sure that they are "stiffer". That, however, was what I was after. I felt that the stock setup was a little soft and "floaty".
I don't have experience with these, but have read online while researching, that Munroe Sensitrac give a soft and supple ride. Research for yourself as much as possible b4 you buy.
(Oh, and by the way, I'm older than you).

[loystock]

Take a look at this thread and look for post by "jltibbs" about Tokico Illuminas.

maxima-spring-strut-replacement-4th-5th ... 14767.html

[hernonm]

Thanks everyone for there responses. I am thinking of going w/ the Tokico Illuminas. Will a setting of 1 at least achieve the equivalent ride of the OEM I30 base struts. That is, as mentioned I am looking for a plush ride and from what I have read on regarding reviews of the Illuminas a setting 1 would achieve that.

Also, what does everything about replacing the struts mounts on the front. Should this be done, my car has 90K.

One more question. What other suspension components effect the ride of a car. I don't think my struts are bad (they aren't bouncy) so if replacing them doesn't cure the 'comfort' issue I have right now w/ my car, what else should I be looking at.

Thanks Again!

[Markc]

Tires play a large roll in ride comfort. I recently found this out the hard way; having new tires that do not provivide the comfortable ride that I was looking for. Much less comfortable than the previous tires in fact.

[loystock]

Low-profile tires are typically designed for better handling (a.k.a. aggressive) compared to regular tires. So you can eliminate those tires if you prefer ride comfort. But make sure the tires are inflated correctly as under inflation is dangerous (blowout as in the case of Ford Explorers) while over inflation will give you a stiff ride (and possibly but remotely a blowout). The sticker on the door or center console provides the recommended tire pressure, primarily for comfort. I always inflate the tires between the recommended pressure from Nissan/Infiniti and the maximum inflation pressure from the tire manufacturer - about 33-35 PSI, depending on the model and tires used. And always check/inflate your tires when they are COLD.

[hernonm]

Thanks for the reply on the tires. Well if I had known the 17" low-profile tires would impact ride performance so much I wouldn't have bought the car but now it's mine and i just replaced the tires to a tune of $800 (though the tires were rated the highest for ride quality and comfort). I do think (as the car has 90k) that new struts will help and maybe springs (seeing the current ones are the touring I30t stiffer ones) will make a big difference. Hope I am not being naive.

I was going to go w/ the Ullimans (setting 1) but they don't make them for my year car. Only Tokico blues and they are definitely stiffer then OEM. So i am back to either OEM or after market. I may look at Sensitrac though from what I read, they aren't long lasting quality ones but ride should be good.

[loystock]

You could have tried 16" tires for a more comfortable ride. For struts and other questions, you can call IoS (Infiniti of Scottsdale) - infinitiparts USA.com for advice. Jose Tesensky is the parts manager and his personnel are really helpful. IoS is a NICO sponsor and they typically sell Infiniti parts at 25% off MSRP, and tax-free for buyers outside AZ.

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com/partloc ... atalogid=0

[superphantom]

Hey there,

If you're looking for new struts, and not exactly a drop, I think KYB GR2's are a good replacement according to what I've been reading up on. The part numbers are 334367 334366 for the fronts and 341341 for the rear shocks.

People suggest that you replace the front mounts and the rear mounts aren't as big of a deal since they don't have as much stress. Other than that, there's the boots you need. Springs for the most part last the life of the car. Unless you're planning on lowering your car, there's no need to get another pair.

I ordered my struts and shocks from www.PerformancePeddler.com. The total came up to about 300, which is less than the 320 from EBAY. It was probably the cheapest I found. You could also use the discount code 'MAXIMA' for a little extra discount. Hope this helps!

[loystock]

Let us know how it turns out for you.

[Zoltan11]

I just put on some BC coilovers on my 2000 I30.
I replaced the oem struts. These coilovers are the best upgrade I have done on my ride. They feel great compared to the stock set up. I would highly recomend these to anybody. The really great part is that the come ready to install with springs and mounts. They also have 36 dampening setting from really soft to firm with just a twist of a knob. They also have ride height adjustment and the fronts have the ever so important camber adjustment. If that's not enough they look like trophies out of the box with black powder coating and anodized gold lock rings and camber plates. My I30 is a totally differnt sport luxury now.

[Markc]

What's the price tag on those coilovers?

[Zoltan11]

I ordered them from BC. They were about 1100 shipped for 4 coilovers including boots and mounts. You also have the option to choose a few different spring rates for the A33 model. I believe I got 8k/6k front/ rear. I have the dampers at 50% stiff in the rear and 70% front. The ride is nice and taught but eats up bumps like crazy. There is a huge range on these coilovers. 36 settings is amazing. Most others only have less than 10. Also when you drop the ride height the spring preload stays the same. The coilovers move the wheel up or down without bringing the overall spring length down. This is a really nice feature. I lowered mine 1/2" from stock with 235/45 18x8 Eventhough 235/40 were supposed to be as large as you could go. Btw I have the luxury version not the touring.

[Markc]

Nice. Sounds like you can dial in the best of both worlds.