Rear Spoiler for 92 Q & Shocks/Springs Recommend

[BadQ45t]

I took posession of my pops 92' to add to my family of Nissans (84' 300ZX, 85 Maxima, 97 Q45t) and will be pitching my wife's Mits Gallant, which BTW was the most trouble free if not boring car I've ever owned.

So, anyhow, he has 92K on it so first thing I'm going to replace the shocks and springs, I was thinking tokiko blues and eibach springs. Is that the safe bet to freshen up that end of the car.

I want one of those touring spoilers on it. I really think those add to the looks of the car. How does one get one of those puppies???

Anyhow, been driving it around LA and will get the plenum cleaned and AFM replaced soon too as previously recommended, but for now we're happy with it, fun car for sure!

Jeff L.

[DAEDALUS]

I liked the difference provided by new struts; can't tell you what new springs would do.For the spoiler, why not look around at some dismantlers for a trunk lid with a spoiler already attached? (In your car's color, of course.) I don't think there are any differences in mounting or fit but verify that first. You'll need to swap the lock mechanism. Also not sure what wiring differences need to be addressed for the spoiler stop lamp. The alternative would be to get an unpainted part for about $500, have it painted, and then drill holes in the trunk lid to have the spoiler mounted. Wiring would still need to be installed.

[BadQ45t]

Cool, thanks! hey, I was just thinking about you Daedaulus. My dad's divorce from the step-monster err mother is moving along. As soon as that pink slip has my name I want to do the timing guides. My dad thinks I'm nuts, the dealer he goes to (Cars 101) that used to be Infiniti dealers think this is an urban myth, but I don't think so. anyhow, I'll ping you when I'm ready. Probably fed or so, for now I'll cross my fingers. I'm not dropping the 1k into it until she's mine!

thanks for the suggestion, I was just surfing around and saw that Stillen makes a pretty nice one, but I will look around for orginal equipement one since I like that understate look.

Jeff L.

[DAEDALUS]

I'm sure you told your dad and the dealer about all the documented horror stories out there. Poor Fred lost 2 cars. Hats off to Fred for sticking to the marque! My guide was almost entirely in the oil pan (in several pieces), and the chain was cutting a deep and wide groove in the block. Not a myth!

[AZhitman]

The Stillen wing is BEAUTIFUL!!! Jeff Trexler (another NICO Q owner) MAY have a line on getting them at a discount....

[greg_atlanta]

I would opt for the 20mm rear sway bar rather than the springs. Now that I have a sway bar I'm a believer!!!

Springs can be too harsh in everyday driving, esp. combined with stiffer shocks. I don't think the Q benefits much from a looks standpoint with springs (which is the reason 95% of cars are lowered).

Just remember the Tokico blues will be very harsh for the first 5-10K miles but they'll soften up in time.

[maxnix]

Notice that the rear parcel shelf is changed on the Q45t models which eliminates the interior CHMB.

I would get a parts list from Joe at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com .

[Q45tech]

"Just remember the Tokico blues will be very harsh for the first 5-10K miles but they'll soften up in time"

As I keep pointing they are softening up because they are wearing out........the question is how soft can you stand them .....The 90 service manual shows the rear new vs worn out numbers [251>185 and 77>46] in lb/in at 1ft/sec rate for oem assumming the Blues are 20% stiffer brand new out of box .

[BadQ45t]

Aren't the springs worn out at 100k??? I guess if not than I'll just do the blues. Where do you get that sway bar???

Who is Jeff Trexler, I want one of those wings for the back!

I will be doing the guides, a 1k insurance policy....just gotta have the pink slip first. Daedaulus, I'm gonna hit you up for that for sure.

Thanks for all the suggestions, BTW, what is a CHMB????

Jeff L.

[maxnix]

Center High Mounted Brakelight.

[BadQ45t]

Is the CHMB eliminated because the light is inside the spoiler?

Where can I get the sway bar?

[maxnix]

Quote »Is the CHMB eliminated because the light is inside the spoiler?[/quote]Yes, it is a different piece, if not a different rear parcel shelf, between the two models. Don't know because I am still waiting for a manual and have had no reason to disassemble, yet.

I noticed at the dealer that on the M45 with the rear spoiler the original CHMB was left in place. This is unfortunate, but unavoidable since the spoiler is a dealer only addition and not available from the factory, I am assuming. If it were a BMW, there would probably be a piece available to eliminate it. Don't know if it also lights with the LEDs in the spoiler.

I think having the first two generation Q's must be interesting. Hope to hear more comments, as the only other owner of both generations on this board seldom does.

[BadQ45t]

It is kinda fun having one of each generation. After doing 500+ miles up to the Bay Area from LA and than today using my 97' to drive to work, they are certainly different cars with very different personalities. I think that they will compliment each other nicely!

[Sopdadope]

The Tokico Blues are awesome! You'll notice a big improvement in handling by replacing the factory shock absorbers with Tokico blues and adding a 20mm bar. I myself have a custom 22mm bar and my car handles unlike any other 4000+ lb. sedan. BTW, I have one rear Tokico blue shock for sale, $60 shipped to SoCal. Lemme know if you're interested.

[BadQ45t]

I will be doing the blues at some point, but I've got to get the car a 30k service ASAP first. I will wait until I can get it to Cars 101 rather than pay the highway robbery of Peninsula Infiniti even if the service writer (Vince) is a decent guy. I want to get Synthetic fluid and a cooler installed, anyone have any lines on where to get a transmission cooler for the 92?

[szh]

I will be doing the blues at some point, but I've got to get the car a 30k service ASAP first. I will wait until I can get it to Cars 101 rather than pay the highway robbery of Peninsula Infiniti even if the service writer (Vince) is a decent guy.

Yeah ...

I am going over to Frontier Infiniti in a few hours. I took it in for an oil change and transmissions flushes and they want to do a "few more things":

- replace all brake pads- replace all rotors- replace all struts- replace all upper and lower links- replace the oil pressure sensor- replace the valve seat cover- etc.- etc.- etc.

I know that I have to do a few things, but the above list is just a bit more expensive than I want to do at one stretch! Sigh ... I just dunno whether it is worth keeping an older Q anymore ... And mine is not that old either!

Z

[DAEDALUS]

Pads, rotors, and upper links are fairly easy DIY jobs, if you're looking to save some mo. Maybe the oil pressure sensor too, though I've never done it. At 100k+, start planning to spend 2-300/month, and if you can get away with that, then you're doing well with a nice car for about as much as a new Neon.

[BadQ45t]

I know you have to spend it to keep it...I'm dropping almost 2 grand into my 85 Maxima as we speak. I know that sounds crazy, but the old girl is so useful to have around I expect another 200k out of the original motor (has 270k on it now) but it needed timing belt (with water pump cam seals etc), new brakes, new master cylinder, new manifold, new glove box (old one broke), CV Boots both sides, and a bunch of other stuff. I was hesitant to do it, but I've got too much in the car already to let it just fall apart.

I'm hopful after recovery from that to do some stuff to the new Q in the family.

[szh]

Hi, all.

Well, the extra stuff that Frontier recommended was (costs rounded up to nearest dollar):

1. Missing engine splash shield ($0 labor + $211 parts). I will get this part from Scottsdale and DIY, I think. Does anyone know if this item is critical to engine cooling and airflow?2. Replace both upper links ($240 labor + $286 parts). Another DIY, I believe.3. Alignment ($130 labor + $0 parts). I will wait till I replace the links.4. Replace all drive belts ($120 labor + $48 parts). I am having this done today at Frontier.5. Replace Oil pressure switch ($60 labor + $18 parts). I am having this done today at Frontier.6. Replace valve cover gaskets ($850 labor + $45 parts). I gulped and am having this done today at Frontier.7. Replace front pads ($174 labor + $96 parts). I will try a DIY.8. Replace rear pads ($206 labor + $54 parts). I will try a DIY.9. Replace rear rotors ($0 labor + $249 parts). I will try a DIY.

I am surprised that they did not mention the struts! I think they definitely need replacing, but this is one that I am not sure about doing myself. Daedalus, I think I need to call you and see a drive to LA after Christmas is in the works. Would you consider doing the work (suspension and brakes) at your normal rates and teaching me while you are at it?

Z

[DAEDALUS]

The bottom cover does help cooling, as it forces more air to flow around the engine. Whether it's needed in your neck of the woods depends on when, where, and how long you drive. Upper links are definitely DIY if you have the tools and the links cost $105 each from Scottsdale. (All parts should come from Scottsdale, Lisle, etc. to save some serious mo.) The pads and rotors aren't too hard to do. I've got a bunch of pics you're welcome to have. If you want to come down to replace them and/or the struts, I would be happy to have you visit, but that's quite a drive. (How bad are your brakes?) I do get a holiday leave from work through 1/1/03 and I'll be in town from 12/26/02 on. The Tokicos have been on backorder, so if you're sure you want them replaced, order them now. Regardless of who replaces them, at least you'll have well-priced parts on hand then. Also, consider that new Blues are only part of the equation. I strongly recommend replacing all rubber components in the assembly. It's no more labor, and it will keep the ride from being too harsh. I'm doing some work for a coworker soon so I'll probably be getting a better strut compressor than the throw-away tool I used last time

[BadQ45t]

wow, looks like alot of those items my dad had done when he wsa driving this 92', especially that $900 job on value cover! But I had to drop $2,500 bucks into my old Maxima due to the manifold cracking, that was like almost a grand to do since it was the back one and the studs were all busted up! Now that car has to go another 200k.

So overall are you happy with Frontier??? I think Peninsula is okay but they are quick to pull out that book even with extended warranty... Daedlus, I'll be down to do some work with you for sure once I recover from this Maxima work I just did with my old mechanic.