Nismo Front strut brace installed!

[vtyde]

http://shop.microimageonline.com/NISMO- ... -1JY00.htm

Installed this a couple days ago. It has some really nice touches: a springy plastic cover for one of the wires that has a potential to rub against the brace, and a clip on the other side to hold another cable. Looks really classy too.

It can be installed without removing what appears to be the wiper blade assembly in the instructions, but there are some tight angles without removing the assembly. Instructions are in Japanese but there are drawings that show everything that needs to be done.

Handling is greatly improved. This is the only non-stock suspension component on the car. There is noticeably less body roll when cornering which helps contain the oversteer on stock Versa hatchbacks.

Next up is a rear sway bar. I'm excited.

My last car was a Mazda3 hatchback, and they're in completely different leagues when it comes to handling. But this brace really makes a difference for the Versa, and I feel it's pretty close to the Mazda. And that's without the rear sway bar.

For less than $500 you can turn a Versa hatch into something that I think can seriously compete with a much more expensive alternative, at least as far as handling goes. Not sure if the Versa's weight savings can make up for the smaller engine, but my 05 Mazda's 4 speed auto transmission slushbox sure sucked the donkey balls out of the engine's power.

[Promise Land]

if you want better handling, I'd spend the money on lowering springs vs. the rear strut brace. The rear is pretty stiff compared to the front. The springs will make a HUGE difference.

[vtyde]

whoops, meant to say "helps contain the understeer". Got my over/unders mixed up.

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately lowering isn't really an option for me and to be frank I'm not a big fan of lowered cars for street use. I just want to minimize the body roll without advertising my modifications.

[williamk10]

Sway bars is a good idea for next step. When I get around to it, i'll be getting them next

[Andrews Chalmers]

IMO - getting a good set of tires will provide the biggest impact for your next upgrade. Michelin mxv4s are so much better than the stock Continentals.

[vtyde]

One thing I love about this car is the ubiquity of the tire size and how cheaply they can be replaced. The Mazda came with 17" rims and low profile tires, which are fun but wear quickly and aren't cheap. Those Michelin mxv4s are priced at the lowest end of tire that would fit the Mazda, yet are at the higher end of what fits the Versa. I can't say how much I love this car.

[vtyde]

Holy cow. I just installed the Ultraracing rear sway bar and I'm thrilled. The weakest part is definitely the tires. I can live with that.

[williamk10]

How would you describe the difference from stock to the UR bar?

[vtyde]

@williamk10: I can't say how the UR bar compares to stock since I installed it after the front brace. But the biggest benefit I get from both is reduced body roll. The front strut brace killed a lot of body roll and the UR bar killed some more. I can definitely corner tighter. I highly recommend the rear bar. The front brace may be overkill but I still like it.

[williamk10]

Thanks for the insight...i wants...

[vtyde]

The rear bar is really easy to install too. I used ramps, didn't need to jack up the car. Plug & play.

[vtyde]

It's been a week and I am so happy with this setup. Would like to go toe-to-toe with the Mazda now. I think the Versa handles better. I point and it goes where I want! This setup should be mandatory for all Versa hatches.