ugufru

So I have a 1995 Maxima SE that I'm auto-crossing this year and I'm going to need new struts. My old ones are done from driving on Pittsburgh streets.

I'm auto-crossing in STX class with 17" wheels, so I'm considering whether or not I should consider changing springs, or find a performance closer to OEM for when I'm off-track. I don't expect to keep this car for too much longer, so I can't see spending too much on a solution.

Question: My springs are original (183k miles). If I stay with stock stiffness and ride height, should I replace them? Will I notice?

Another Question: What are the spec differences for OEM springs between SE and non-SE models? Are specs available for OEM springs?

Thanks! -pc

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

SE rears are a bit firmer. If your auto-x why don't you throw in some Eibach springs and KYB struts in? That will definitely firm things up.

96i30azn

Eibach's are like $250 a set. Your struts will cost you ~$200 a set if you find a deal. Install them together and hopefully It'll only be like $100 for installation.

However, springs don't go bad so see if you can justify spending that much for however long you intend to keep the car.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

You are already replacing your struts so keep your springs and add a rear sway bar. Springs don't wear out. The SE springs are better than GLE or GXE springs because the SE ones are sportier.

If you really want to up your game to ultimate on the track you should bypass Eibach or H&R (which I have) spring upgrades and consider coilovers.

Eibach and H&R spring upgrades offer better performance than a stock SE, with a lower ride height, about 1.5 to 1.8 inches lower, without too much of a compromise in comfort.

Coilovers go all out for performance on the track while sacrificing comfort on the street.

ugufru

OK, so the word is that stock springs don't wear out and that "technically speaking" they are a little bit firmer then the non-SE springs. Did Nissan publish any spring rates or any other specs. Does anyone use adjustable yellow Konis in lieu of coilovers? can you switch between stock and track realistically without changing stock springs? -pc

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Just to clarify, you should go for either a spring/strut combo, OR coilovers. So, regarding Koni adjustable struts, you need to decide how to finish off your suspension setup on either OEM, Eibach or H&R springs. Coilovers replace the Springs AND Struts in 1 piece.

ugufru

Update: I ended up getting Konis + Eibachs. Also a Stillen FSTB and RSB and that has improved the car significantly over stock. It's much better tuned for autocross now and is great on the street too. Eibachs don't like rough roads, so thats the only downside that I've found so far. Rear Konis are not adjustable without removing them from the car which is a bit of a bummer so I just leave them full stiff. I'm going back to stock springs after racing season so I can drive the city winter streets unreservedly. Might even get some all-terrain tires...