LOWERED THE CAR AND SMOOTHED OUT THE RIDE!!

[GreyZone]

HAhahaha, yoiu guys arn't going to believe this...but read on...

We actually lowered the car today AND smoothed out the ride. It is still very firm and tight, but it is no longer anywhere near as bouncy as it was. As some of you now by now I am on a crazed mission to lower the car, put on bigger wheel AND smooth out the ride...generally considered impossible.

Today I am half way there (Still need to do the front of the car, this is only about the rear) and you won't beleive how simple this first half was.

FIRST: Removed the RSB. THat successfully reduced some bouncyness (see other post).

SECOND: Hahahaha, put weight in the trunk (this was suggested by the Nissan dealer. THe pricnicple here is that bounce generally is a process of "down travel," when the spring is getting compressed. If you reduce the springs ability for down travel, you can reduce the bounciness of the ride (sounds good in theory).

Sooo, to try this theory out, I placed four 45 lb weights in the truck, for a total of 180 lbs:

Drove the car, and UNBELIEVABLE!!! Between the removal of the RSB, and the crazy, insane ADDITION of weight (of course, its usually about weight reduction!) the ride is now PERFECT for me, and is EXACTLY what I was after. (I am not concerned about added weight, and losing tenths of a second in the 1/4 mile or slightly reducing gas milage, etc!)

Now, an EXCEPTIONAL benefit was also achieved from the wieghting of the springs...you guessed it...IT LOWERED THE REAR END! And, coincidently, it lowered it by about the amount of drop that would be received with the Pro Kit (however, the Pro Kit is going to give me stiffer ride, dont want that)...

THis is the picture of a stock AC at the Dealer today...you can see it is about 3 and 1/2 full fingers (almost four!), and I got big fingers...

THis is then a picture of the amount of drop I received from weighting the truck...it's about a good 1 plus inches! I can barely squeeze two fingers in the gap, whereas it was about four!

Hard to tell from this shot, but the rear is looking much better...

And Let me also say, I took the car out after all was said and done, and I romped on it with some good aggressive driving. It exceeded my expectations in every way (this was on winding mountain roads, up to 75 mph, with hard accelaeration, braking and cornering, didn't go on the freeway with it, but that should be nooo problem, going straight and smooth). I am LOVING the difference in feel and handeling. TO me, it is no comparrision, it is much better. THis also means no cutting springs, or even different springs, are needed for the rear. And, if I wanted it even a bit smoother, I could probably put in sedan springs, but I think I really like it the way it is.

Now, for the gap in the front, here is the plan. The front is going to need to be dropped about 1.5 inches. We are going to cut the front springs to do this. An inspection revealed that the springs can only be cut from the bottom (they are flattend on the top). It should be no problem to cut a half coil or a full coil, and it will just reslot itself in the bottom (see picture below) and stilll be stable on top (this is a picture of the bottom of the spring platform from the rear, but it's similar in the front):

And when all is said and done, I will have lowered the car AND smoothed out the ride while still keeping it firm and tight. I am now also seriously consideing 18" wheels (19s at the most) with taller side walls to maintian ride intergrity. I guess I would have to say I am pretty damn satisfied with how this has worked out so far. Biggest drawback? I have 180 lbs of weight in the trunk, but thats cool, doesnt take up much space, and my cost on this going to be next to nothing...I am actually not ADDING a thing to the car (uhh, except weight), and am even taking away from it to get what I want...that just cracks me up!

[LegendRacer]

Why would u want to lower it by adding weights? this is not actually ganna do much other then slowing down ur car (a lil) on a quartermile

and you better get thsoe weights tied down nicely...cause if u brake or turn hard, ul end up having weights flying and hitting all over ur trunk...

[BMAR240SX]

Wow that has to be the cheapest way i have ever seen to lower a car

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Looks like an interesting idea. I have also wanted to lower the car without the added stiffness of aftermarket springs.

[Miss_Lanaya]

I can see how your excited about the car being dropped I cant wait to lower mine, however, I may have missed something in a previous post but why didnt you just do it properly and buy springs??? Oh and the coupe looks HOT in white

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I can see how your excited about the car being dropped I cant wait to lower mine, however, I may have missed something in a previous post but why didnt you just do it properly and buy springs??? Oh and the coupe looks HOT in white

He didn't buy springs because he doesn't want the stiffness that comes with aftermarket kits.

[GreyZone]

I will take a look at how to secure the weights if I end up doing this, for today it was just expermental mode. If I kkep it this way I will make them solid and bullet proof in the back...I already have some ideas on how to do that.

But like I said, not concerned about extra weight. A bigger drawback to me is the trunk is small as it is, now my golf bag may not fit in the trunk!

With this engine at 270 hp I've got more than enough romp to satisfy me! And now, (IMO) a MUCH better handling car!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I have no problems with this idea, except that it counteracts the usual theory that less weight (lighter vehicle) is better at accelerating, cornering, etc. Now, you will have an additional 180 lbs in the back, so I'm sure your performance will decrease (even if ever so slightly) as a result. Nevertheless, as long as it provides you with the comfort and suspension that you want (without compromising safety), I don't see a problem.

[GreyZone]

I can see how your excited about the car being dropped I cant wait to lower mine, however, I may have missed something in a previous post but why didnt you just do it properly and buy springs??? Oh and the coupe looks HOT in white

Yeah, what Shift said...aftermarket is too stiff for my tastes. ANd I just love white...wanted it with black leather, had to order it and waited an agonizing eight weeks!! But nooooo regrets whatsoever! (went to different dealers every week or two to test drive one, get my fix...hahaha)

[chow]

Major project on your car, very nice.

Just one thing though.. How much is this project costing you?

I know weights over here are 1$ a lb. So 180 lbs = 180$.. almost a set of springs.

But i guess u want ride comfortness.. so..

Anyways keep going!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I know weights over here are 1$ a lb. So 180 lbs = 180$.. almost a set of springs.

You're right. As with many other things in this world, aftermarket springs have their advantages and disadvantages. While they provide the necessary stiffness and firmness for the suspension which may be necessary around a track (tight concerns) to prevent oversteer, they do take away that softness and comfort that is usually wanted to regular street driving. I guess it's either one or the other.

[GreyZone]

I haven't priced weights yet, your right though, could be pricey. Ebay would be nice, but the shipping would probably make that idea costly! Im sure I could find something used somewhere pretty cheap. When all is said and done, Im sure I will spend less than the cost of springs (including install), and have more of the ride I was after....which to me is priceless! So far I spent $20 to my mechanic for pulling the Rear Sway Bar off. That price will go up to cut the front springs, but he said it would only be 2 hours of labor, and he gives me a good rate).

There may be other ideas for how I could wieght the trunk, but these stnadard gym weights seem to be a pretty good way to go...thin and flat. If I go that route I will probably look at going under the carpet (even better, get used weghts, looks wont matter, they'll be unseen), but I havent even taken it out yet or looked underneath to see what would be involved. (Big drawback, harder to get to the spare!)

[GreyZone]

Why would u want to lower it by adding weights? this is not actually ganna do much other then slowing down ur car (a lil) on a quartermile

The weights are actually used first to dampen the ride and reduce bounce (see explanatin above regarding down travel of the springs). An added benfit however in this case is it also happens to lower the rear of the car and reduces that ugly fender gap. So, it happens to kill two birds (sorry birds) with one stone, so to speak. THe ride quality was my biggest concern, but, I also want it lowered. THis has conviently done both, so that now I only will need to lower the springs in the front. The car is "hugging the road" a lot better also. This has really worked out well.

[duffman1278]

uhhh.... seems a little ghetto.....lol Might as well get lowering springs or something

[generic808]

I have no problems with this idea, except that it counteracts the usual theory that less weight (lighter vehicle) is better at accelerating, cornering, etc. Now, you will have an additional 180 lbs in the back, so I'm sure your performance will decrease (even if ever so slightly) as a result.

And a decrease in gas mileage.

[audtatious]

And potentially have 180lbs of projectiles inside the vehicle in case of a crash....

[generic808]

But, buff arms

[mcheddadi]

OMG you actually put extra weight in you car?! that's insane LOL! hahahaha can't belive you actually put weights in you car hahaha!!

man your solution is too much for me hahaha

looking for a perfect 50/50 weight distribution or what?

instead of adding dead weight, why don't you ad a 180lbs sound system in the trunk instead?

[GreyZone]

Thought about a dead body, but theres the decomposition thing...of course, if I lived in the snow it would be a good alternative for the winter!

Some serious truth to the projection thing, dead body could end up being me....I could go ask the dealer..."Uh, can you put an airbag behind my headrest to protect me from these flying weights?"

So I'll probably get the award for the craziest, most insane nontraditional idea of the year...but it's doing exactly what I want it to. Some would drive the car as is and not like the ride or handeling, really personal preference stuff, I'm loving every minute of it.

I found the weights on craigs list...made em an offer of $100 for four, they want $135.00. Gotta make sure I secure those potential missles! haha, "Man killed by plate weight projectile today in a freak accident..." Of course, it wouldn't be the first time I risked being killed by my own insanity.

[chow]

lol yea, u better secure those things.. Not only for your safety but for the other peeps on the road..

I wouldnt f with ur car :P

And i think u should spend 200$ on a sound system that weighs 180lbs than dead weight! Im sure u can find random things to throw in ur trunk that may be useful.. say.. an AXE! Flashlights.. etc. Just incase u get into some wierd accident where ur stranded.. itd be alot more useful.

[chamade]

should have bought an GM boat or something in the first place

[BMAR240SX]

A 180lb sound system is far past insane in a 2dr coupe, im not a sound geek, but i have had my share of hami-down systems from my bud's and they weighed no where near that, the weights are fine, just make the dealer put that airbag behind you

[GreyZone]

should have bought an GM boat or something in the first place

don't like the water

[GreyZone]

They just called on the weights, offered them to me for $120, so I'm gonna go pick em up. Pray for me...if I don't make it back, know that I love you guys and appreciate all you have done to help me.

[BMAR240SX]

Honestly i doubt they will lift up and move around, shi* does happen but i dont know, they seem well positioned

[audtatious]

A 180lb sound system is far past insane in a 2dr coupe, im not a sound geek, but i have had my share of hami-down systems from my bud's and they weighed no where near that, the weights are fine, just make the dealer put that airbag behind you

Dunno, but my last system, with a single 12" and a wood box was 100lbs. The sub itself was 45lbs. Put two of them in a wood box and you have 145lbs

[BMAR240SX]

Damn making me feel like the box that i had was made out of cardboard

[shortys408]

I will take a look at how to secure the weights if I end up doing this, for today it was just expermental mode. If I kkep it this way I will make them solid and bullet proof in the back...I already have some ideas on how to do that.

But like I said, not concerned about extra weight. A bigger drawback to me is the trunk is small as it is, now my golf bag may not fit in the trunk!

With this engine at 270 hp I've got more than enough romp to satisfy me! And now, (IMO) a MUCH better handling car!

You can fit a golf bag in your trunk? i have trouble doing this.

[GreyZone]

Oaky, I have now returned and survived. Gotta say though, when I picked up the weights, it gave me a total of 360 lbs of weight in the car. It was waaaay too much! Thought I was driving an Accord! Went by my work and put the other weights back into the gym.

The best way I can explain the results is as follows. Stock this car (to me) was too stiff. It was "bouncy," the drive was like "boing, boing, stiff, uhh, boing, uhh." Nissan calls it "Sporty." I call it stiff and bouncy, too much so.

Now, the car is smoother, but firmer, which is a great combination. Its kinda like "whump, whump, ahhhh." Gone is the "boing, boing, uhh." It is also hugging the road and corners much, much better.

It feels very similar to several G35s I test drove, when I was trying to figure out what car to buy. All things considered, I couldn't be happier with it, and that's really what it's about. Not how you do it, but how it works. This couldn't be working better. With the front, if the cut doesn't work I will put the Pro Kit fronts in.

[GreyZone]

Okay, I'm comming outta the closet here....here are some pics of the car I just sold (sorry, I know, it's a Honda, but I have now seen the light). So, when I talk about mods, and tweaking stuff, etc....know that I've been addicted now for years...yeah, my name is David...and I'm an addict...

230 HP from a SOHC four banger, care of GReddy Turbo:

Lowered, springs, struts, camber, kit, as naseum:



Custom dash fabrication, w/enhanced security features (including AMPS under the seats with steel staps bolted through the floor board, and welded on the bottom, after three breakins...no more thefts after that):

The complete list...–96 EX Coupe 5spd –1.6L SOHC VTEC D16Y8–Turbo Charged 230 HP –GReddy Turbo w/Blue Box –GReddy Type S BOV –GReddy T-31 Intercooler –GReddy Boost Controller, Profec-B –Custom Billet Exhaust –Missing Link –AutoMeter Phantom EGT Gauge –AutoMeter Phantom Oil Pressure –AutoMeter Phantom Boost Gauge –AutoMeter Phantom Fuel Pres. Gauge –HKS Turbo Timer –Holly 255lph in-tank Fuel Pump –Vortech 10:1 FMU –A’PEXi V-AFC –MSD SCI Ignition –MSD Blaster 3 Coil –MSD Pro Cap –MSD Plug Wires –NuForms Block Guard –2 Mil Head Gasket (GReddy, of course) –ARP Head Studs –NGK BCPR7ES-11 gap @ .32 –CENTERFORCE Stage II Clutch –POWERSTOP Cross-drilled rotars –DC Sport Front Strut Bar –KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks (4) –Eibach Springs - Sport Line –Ingalls Camber Kit –ENKIE RF1 10 Spoke Rims 16x7 –Yokohama A520 205x45x16 –White Dash Upgrade –Florescent Orange Gauge Levers –DC Sport Billet short shifter –MoMo Graphite shift knob –GReddy Orange Shoulder Pads –Plus one totally kick *ss sound system!


Modified by GreyZone at 1:30 PM 12/9/2007