Who are the suspension expets?

[GKing023]

I just got my s14 about a week ago and i've already taken it to VIR for a club event with BMWCCA and the car is bone stock. Im not fimilar with the suspension setups with this car. But if it was a DSM i wouldnt have this problem. Im wanting a good streetable setup that would work well on the street as well as at the track. I'll only be doing about a track event everyother month, so I dont want nothing that would be like rolling on rocks. What would you all suggest?

[shift_s14]

coilovers def.! what is your budget? some good sway bars, strut bars, replace bushings, tie rods...so on lol.

[Jung918]

I started with changing out all my bushings to poly. Then with all the arms and then got coilovers. Just need to get swaybars. I ride is a little hard but I don't mind. Maybe you can find some people with upgraded suspension parts and see if you can get a ride with them.

[OptionZero]

you can read the millions of suspension threads, that's a start

[TheWolf]

remember build a suspension for 95% of what the car will be doing... not the 5% track day. So I'd look for something that was very streetable and some adjustability such as camber plates and adjustable suspension arms. Unless you don't want to redo your alignment every track day.

[exitspeed]

Originally Posted by OptionZero

you can read the millions of suspension threads, that's a start

This is the best advice given so far...

That "search" button has all the answers your looking for.

[aznpoopy]

search. but here's the easy answer

1. t/c rods or t/c rod bushings, since stockers are almost always blown.
2. strut/spring or a street coilover, since stock shocks are usually on their way out
3. subframe spacers, since the rear bushings are usually fucked

[tre]

Originally Posted by TheWolf

remember build a suspension for 95% of what the car will be doing... not the 5% track day. So I'd look for something that was very streetable and some adjustability such as camber plates and adjustable suspension arms. Unless you don't want to redo your alignment every track day.

Most people would rather suffer the horrible daily drive. Because nothing is more apparent at the track than shitty suspension.

[TheWolf]

There's nothing more apparent than a bad driver. Unless your on slicks which most guys who goto track days arn't, then a sport stock unit would be more forgiving and have a much more progressive edge. I'd almost steer him away from a coilover just because a good spring shock combo is easy to find. A good coilover isn't. Way to many threads of kids nut swinging on cheap coilovers as a solution when they're probably worse than a good spring shock combo. Start small and make minor modifications. Definitly check out your stock stuff before you mod. Aznpoopy is right. most of those area are weak/blown.

[GKing023]

Thanks for most of you all's replys. I guess the question i need to ask myself is do i really need a full coilover or anyother suspension parts? Have i really driven to the point that i have maxed out my suspension and that i really need a full coilover? Like TheWolf said, it would be the beast idea to start small and progress as you go. Why would i need all that adjustment when im not really driving to the limit of the equipment that i already got. As far as tires go, i, myself would rather go to the track on street tires. Some of ya'll would really disagee, but there is nothing better then to go out on the track and whoop someone elses ass knowing that there on track tires and your still on street tires, and to know that your able to drive better then most people on the track. Most people tend to think that if i have track tires that im able to go faster. Well that may be the case in some situations, but, if you dont have the skill to go along with your equipment, then it's useless. I would beleive that, that would really be real the test of skill. To really push your car to the limits and beyond in almost stock form rather then to have a highend suspension setup and not to have the skill to reach that limit. That to me is a true test of skill. If anyone would like to contest that then hit me up. Im not saying that nobody has any skill, but thats just my opinion when it comes to roadracing. I do admire the art of drifting but i'ed perfer roadracing.

[g6civcx]

I suggest checking the entire chassis and suspension first for damage. People who own Nissans generally abuse them and don't maintain them very well. Fix what needs fixing first.

I recommend a complete suspension rebuild if you're tracking. It's not as involved as you think. You just have to swap out broken bushings and re-install stock parts if you want. The biggest thing to look for is worn rubber parts. They make the car feel really floppy, and a lot of people tend to overlook them when prepping the car.

If you have more money to spend, there is a gallore of parts available for the S14. Just do your homework so you don't get stuck. If you want some suggestions PM me because everyone has their own opinion of what's good and what's not.

A tight suspension and chassis combo is really confidence-inspiring. There's nothing worse than hearing your car groaning in the middle of cornering.

[Silverbullet]

def fix what needs to be fixed first. Bushings may not be a priority. Look at decent shock/spring or coilover setups first. They make the most difference. Chances are your tie rod ball joint boots are torn so you may want to replace the outter tie rods right after. That will make your steering input more responsive. Bushings come after those IMO. Also dont over look tires. Keep in mind its the tires that connect your car to the road.

If u got more money to throw down after, def get an LSD. VLSD works great if you dont plan to drift at all. If you do plan to do some sliding but would like to keep it very streetable, look into the S15 LSD. It is a helical type and dosnt make your car sound like somethings broken.

[alkemyst]

Originally Posted by tre

Most people would rather suffer the horrible daily drive. Because nothing is more apparent at the track than shitty suspension.

I don't agree with that...at that point it's time to get a weekend car then.

It takes a bit more cash but you can be pretty competitive and have a nice DD.

Most people put more into parts though then their own ability.

I'd give 90% to the driver.

[alkemyst]

Originally Posted by TheWolf

A good *CHEAP* coilover isn't. Way to many threads of kids nut swinging on cheap coilovers as a solution when they're probably worse than a good spring shock combo.

corrected...I like my KTS Betas though around a grand.

[g6civcx]

Originally Posted by alkemyst

corrected...I like my KTS Betas though around a grand.

I'm stupid as well. I'm very happy with my Megan Street for $850 shipped.

[yokotas13]

adn my footwerks for 650 (i got a steal)

cost isnt a huge factor, its what you are getting for your money. I got custom spring rates, valving for it, and the setup i wanted for hundreds lesst han others. its all about what tickles your fancy for what you want to do

[Shredder]

I copied my friends setup from this site and I dare say that my 240 now out handles my wife's mr2 Spyder. If you are looking for a budget suspension setup that works, check out the tutorials section http://www.driftopia.com/tutorials.htm

[tre]

So I just took a look at the page. And i must admit Subframe spacers has to be the stupidest idea. You dont want to lower your sub frame. It'll make your suspension geometry even worse than what its at. If anything you want to raise your subframe. If you're gonna do something like "spacers" might as well cut out a plate and weld it onto the subframe and rill a hole through the center so you can line up/bolt up the subframe. Or just buy better bushings?