Whats the difference betweden a 97 Q45 and Q45T?

[trajanH]

This has probably been discussed before but not definitively in regards to the 1997-98 model Q45 cars. I would like to know what are all the differences between the 2 cars? What parts can be taken from a Q45T to make a bone stock Q45 a Q45t model? It would be very helpful to have this info discussed in depth here since there are some areas that are not well understood. IE: there is a WIKI article with a paragraph that reads: The Q45t was the most expensive vehicle in the Infiniti (excluding the AE for 2000) lineup and offered enhanced performance, a rear spoiler, heated seats, dynamically adjusted shock absorbers and other luxurious features not available in a standard Q45.

What is this "enhanced performance" all about? How are the shock absorbers "dynamically adjusted?" Whats the "other luxurious features?"

Modified by trajanH at 7:33 AM 8/12/2009

Modified by trajanH at 7:34 AM 8/12/2009

Modified by trajanH at 7:35 AM 8/12/2009
Modified by trajanH at 7:35 AM 8/12/2009

[maxnix]

First, don't believe Wicki's.

Second there is a post where I attached an article that mostly covers the cosmetic changes.

Third, there is a fascinating post on the differences on the early rear anti-sway bars. I can't remember the author, but I think the standard was thicker than the t model.

The electronically switched shocks were only available on 1999 and later t and the 2000 ae model.

Quite frankly, the 1999 and later is a much improved car in terms of safety and convenience over the early ones.

One last note is the early t spoiler had the CHMBL in it (although there was no delete rear package shelf for the standard CHMBL), while the later spoilers did not.
Modified by maxnix at 10:56 AM 8/12/2009

[Victor]

I don't know about the 97 but the 2000 Q45T came with 17 inch wheels instead of the standard 16 inch wheels. But I think the main difference for 2000 was the choice of luxury or sport settings for the shocks via a switch on the dashboard. My daughter leaves it set on luxury all the time, and I don't know if that's the same as the ride you would get with a non T.

[qship96]

Stay away from the 97-98 Q as they were turds with poor structural integrity when involved in frontal collisions- that problem along with much needed cosmetic changes were introduced on the more desirable 99+ models.

[paranoidjack]

Let's not forget genuine bird's eye maple interior. It's beautiful, on the AE and 2001t models.

[qship96]

Or the analog clock....or much improved rear end and tail lamp treatment....or the headlamps.....the list goes on and on

[Infinitiguy19]

Actually as much as I hate Lexus (I really hate them). I like the 1997-1998 tail lights compared to the other ones.

[qship96]

Hate Lexus??? go drive a new LS460L and report back. While too small for me, the Is350 or 5.o liter Is-F is a screamer with performance numbers to give a BMW M series a serious run for the money and reliability the Germans only dream about.

[maxnix]

Wife just did an indicated 143 mph with her boss in his IS350.

Sure glad I convinced him to get the F1 GS D3!

Have to point out the IS lack LSD. The 350 and the F could both use one.

Also, no belts on the 3.5L V6, timing chains finally! Weird thing is on the IS, the ATF "heat exchanger" sits atop the transmission.

[Infinitiguy19]

Hate Lexus??? go drive a new LS460L and report back. While too small for me, the Is350 or 5.o liter Is-F is a screamer with performance numbers to give a BMW M series a serious run for the money and reliability the Germans only dream about.

I would't get in a Lexus if it was the last car on earth. Dunno why but I just dislike them Just like Furds. Must be pre wired in me or somthing.

But I would drive 1990-1993 Q45's, Maybe some time I will like to drive a 1994 Q45, 1988-1989 Firebird GTA, 1978 Firbird (Smokey and the bandit one), 1969-1970 Impala, 1994 Impala.

And some other american and forein cars, that I can't remmber, But I will never drive a Lexus or a Mercedes Benz Unless its a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

But thats just my opinion, no need to start a flame war.

[rover3l]

Are you sure about the improve structural integrity on the later ones. I am aware of the addition of active head restraints on the later ones but I haven't found any references to the structural improvements

[qship96]

Yes, they strengthened the bodyshell{I think the area around the A pillars, but not sure on that} Brian {Maxnix} may remember more details and chime in, as he owns a later model.

[rover3l]

The following is documented on the IIHS web site and it states it covers all models after March 1997 to 2001

" FRONTAL OFFSET TEST"

OVERALL EVALUATION: Marginal

The Infiniti Q45 was redesigned for the 1997 model year. All 1997 and later Q45 models manufactured after March 1997 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a Q45 with the structural changes in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. (Following discussions with the automaker about the head injury criterion in the first crash test, the second offset test was conducted. Similar results were obtained. This evaluation is based on both tests.)

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled in either crash test. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, the seatback moved forward so that the head restraint hit the dummy's head. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the chest indicate low risk of injuries to this body region in a crash of this severity. In both tests, forces on the head indicate that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on both tibias indicate that injuries to the lower legs would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low. "


Modified by rover3l at 8:25 PM 8/12/2009

[maxnix]

Probably why seat belt pre-tensioners were added in 1999.

[EASTSiDE 2 WESTSiDE]

Well I personally have got into a accident in my 97 Q45 the front end was smashed to the point my hood, fenders, rebar, headlights and even radiator was smashed. I was cut off by a car doing about 50 and walked away without a scratch. I loved the car so much ended up rebuilding the front end to a 2001 with Xenon lights, hood and all. Personally I like the fact it has the Complete wood dash not the big Black part around the radio, the Rear end has the full tail lights. Only different to me is the newer hood extends over the wipers and the wood steering wheel option. Otherwise both have fairly the same options and just have replacement parts nothing is a major change and I have drove a 2000 Q45 and never noticed a difference. I think its all hype about the real difference. car now has 105,000 Miles and still running great slammed on 20's and still waiting for a major issue but aslong as you keep up on it and dont beat on the car it will run just great.

Not to be off topic the Q45 and Q45T has different options but the main cosmetic is wheels and a odd looking spolier.

[trajanH]

Well I personally have got into a accident in my 97 Q45 the front end was smashed to the point my hood, fenders, rebar, headlights and even radiator was smashed. I was cut off by a car doing about 50 and walked away without a scratch. I loved the car so much ended up rebuilding the front end to a 2001 with Xenon lights, hood and all. Personally I like the fact it has the Complete wood dash not the big Black part around the radio, the Rear end has the full tail lights. Only different to me is the newer hood extends over the wipers and the wood steering wheel option. Otherwise both have fairly the same options and just have replacement parts nothing is a major change and I have drove a 2000 Q45 and never noticed a difference. I think its all hype about the real difference. car now has 105,000 Miles and still running great slammed on 20's and still waiting for a major issue but aslong as you keep up on it and dont beat on the car it will run just great.

Not to be off topic the Q45 and Q45T has different options but the main cosmetic is wheels and a odd looking spolier.

Thanks for the insight. I drove a stock 97 Q45 and the ride was the same if not better than my 97 Q45T. That is why I wanted to know the actual differences between the 2. Maybe the smaller wheels of the stock 97 Q give a more luxury ride.

[maxnix]

Personally I like the fact it has the Complete wood dash not the big Black part around the radio....,

Don't know your year since your profile is incomplete, but all the wood in "the complete wood dash" is actually plastic. Only the maple in the 2000 ae and 2001 models is real. Personally, I prefer the fake as I find the maple a little garishly yellow.

[trajanH]

Don't know your year since your profile is incomplete, but all the wood in "the complete wood dash" is actually plastic. Only the maple in the 2000 ae and 2001 models is real. Personally, I prefer the fake as I find the maple a little garishly yellow.

Me too! I guess real Maple was the wrong choice of woods. A black Walnut is more close to the plastic dash trim in the 97 Q

[maxnix]

It becomes searchable by an English speaker!

Will a moderator please correct the mispelled word between?

Please use a spell checker for your posts if you are spelling challenged like I am.

[BadQ45t]

Okay, I have a 97t and it is a wonderful car. The diff between it and a 2000 is not all that much, but I do like some stuff but I prefer the rear on my 97.

So to address this guys question:

Touring had stiffer shocks, springs, blackout grill, leather perf'ed leather steering wheel and different rims. There were 16" and 17" rims available that were different then the regular ones. Finally the integrated spoiler was included as well.

That was it, I drove the standard and touring back to back and it was noticable at the time. I since have replaced both springs and shocks anyways, but the 97's is a VERY solid car provided that the owner took good care of it. I have owned mine since 2000 and have 92K on it and have had ZERO issues....it has airbags and a good frame.

If your looking for a 2nd gen I wouldn't steer away from a 97' if you found a good one. For example, mine is 50X better then most of them out there, fluid changes and flushes, all sych fluids since I owned it. I do like the analog clock and some other stuff, but at this point these cars are all older so get the best maintained one....the 97' was darn good and if you saw mine you'd agree.

[trajanH]

Okay, I have a 97t and it is a wonderful car. The diff between it and a 2000 is not all that much, but I do like some stuff but I prefer the rear on my 97.

So to address this guys question:

Touring had stiffer shocks, springs, blackout grill, leather perf'ed leather steering wheel and different rims. There were 16" and 17" rims available that were different then the regular ones. Finally the integrated spoiler was included as well.

That was it, I drove the standard and touring back to back and it was noticable at the time. I since have replaced both springs and shocks anyways, but the 97's is a VERY solid car provided that the owner took good care of it. I have owned mine since 2000 and have 92K on it and have had ZERO issues....it has airbags and a good frame.

If your looking for a 2nd gen I wouldn't steer away from a 97' if you found a good one. For example, mine is 50X better then most of them out there, fluid changes and flushes, all sych fluids since I owned it. I do like the analog clock and some other stuff, but at this point these cars are all older so get the best maintained one....the 97' was darn good and if you saw mine you'd agree.

Yea, I like the 97 rear end also, especially with that whale tail spoiler. I am very happy with my 97Q45t right now. I had to change the rims cause those rims exclusive to the q45t were butt ugly. It is amazing how different the 97Q looks with some great rims. So I would advise anyone that wants to bring a 2nd Gen Q up to date to invest in some modern rims. I just replaced the tension rods and stabilizer bars on my car and it rides like new now. I can now appreciate the stiffer ride of the q45t versus the cushy standard Q.The black grill is unique but what really sets the car off is the Cima hood ornament that I put on. If you can find one of those hood ornaments it is also a great investment for your ride.

[BadQ45t]

Agreed, I got rid of the 16" rims it came with in favor of some 17" ones...they were too hard to balance so I dumped those in favor of the 06' M45 Sport rims. It required spacers but oh they were worth it 19" with 245/35 19" YR rated tires.

I did the tension rods too at the same time I replaced the shocks and springs. I love the way the rear of my 97' looks much better then the 2000 Anniv. Edition...but like some of the updates on the interior.

BTW, the touring is hard to find, I wouldn't worry so much about that, find one that is in great shape, the best shape you can find. For $1 you can add lowering springs (or buy new springs) and KYB SR Specials that will make it handle way better then any stock Touring. Find condition first with great history of work.

[trajanH]

Agreed, I got rid of the 16" rims it came with in favor of some 17" ones...they were too hard to balance so I dumped those in favor of the 06' M45 Sport rims. It required spacers but oh they were worth it 19" with 245/35 19" YR rated tires.

I did the tension rods too at the same time I replaced the shocks and springs. I love the way the rear of my 97' looks much better then the 2000 Anniv. Edition...but like some of the updates on the interior.

BTW, the touring is hard to find, I wouldn't worry so much about that, find one that is in great shape, the best shape you can find. For $1 you can add lowering springs (or buy new springs) and KYB SR Specials that will make it handle way better then any stock Touring. Find condition first with great history of work.

You mean 1000 right? Ha ha, just checking. Yea, I would like to lower my car to get better handling and of course it looks much better sitting a bit lower.. I just don't know enough about the KYB SR Specials and what they bring to the table. Maybe someone can enlighten me. I would like to add air suspension and just lower the car at the flip of a button. My dad had a Citroen with the hydraulic suspension and that car had an amazing ride. When in park that car would sit real low.

[maxnix]

OEM non compressible hydraulic ram suspension is a whole different animal from after market add-on compressible air system.

[soniczombie89]

hello i have a 1997 infiniti q45 base with a 5.0 l motor, i have a couple of qustions before i start buying the wrong parts.
qustion:
1.) all i ever see for my model and year of my car i only see a 4.1 l motor and i have the 5.0 l motor why do i have a diffrent motor, and is this a commom thing to have a 5.0 l?
2.)i have a sqeeky,locking up passanger front strut and i can not figur out what kind of front struts i need for my year make and model? and should i buy both front pair of struts our can i just do one......merphies law here our not????
3.)front struts -ive called autozone , oreallys and napa and they can not find it at all!!! there telling me i need to go to a infiniti dealer to buy theam and i dont have one close to me at all. can some one send me a link our where i can buy them that is a trusted site?
4.) how much does the front struts cost price wise?(not looking for best ones just some good pair for bang for my buck)


i have 215k miles on my car and every thing works and still runs great! i owened the car for 1 year and love it but is this car worth repairing things?

pls get back to me asap waiting for your guys respnonse to get my car running!!!!
thx and im new to bloging and threads and new to infiniti

[qship96]

Tell us why you think your car has a 5 liter engine vs the 4.1 liter engine?

[BCC93QT]

Nissan produced a 5.0 VK in 2009 for the FX50... Snap a picture of your engine.

infinitipartsusa.com for struts

[BadQ45t]

So the KYR SR Specials are build by KYB (obviously) who is the original equipment manu for the 97' + non-electric shocks/struts. They will fit perfectly into your Q but are FAR higher quality than stock and can be found cheaper in many cases. You will have to find them vai a website called www.memoryfab.com, call them, they can get them. These shocks are higher performance than stock, really transform the car and also will last longer.

the 97' is not a Turd, not by any stretch. As I said, find the best one you can in the best shape with the fewest miles.