Tein Basics INSTALLED!

Taurus45acp · 02-22-2009, 01:57 AM

Sorry my camera died during the fking install, but it was quite simple to do. Just removed the top 3 strut tower nuts on the front and the 2 massive 17mm bolts holding the strut to the front control arm and the stock crap suspension comes right off. Anyways after the install, which took about 2 hours, with the help of an air impact wrench (never leave home with out it) I drove the car about 10 miles to my parents place where I am going to have it hang out for a week while I am away on business.
But the 10 miles was much fun, I didn't go all out because I am not sure exactly how the car is going to react now, plus the alignment is completely off. But I did do a few aggressive maneuvers and boy the handling is RAZOR sharp and the ride quality is awesome.
The basics are lighter than the stockers and they are also shorter, the car has been dropped about 1.2 inches in the front and 1.5 in the rear. Body roll is down to a minimum and this is before I install my Cusco fstb, octotat rstb(pending purchase), and rear anti sway bar. The only weakness I found in the suspension was the mounting of the brake line bracket, that was a BITCH. I got very dirty doing the installation but it was well worth it. I also installed my AEM cold air intake. It was actually for a 94 sentra, but I just had to do a few modifications with a cutting wheel to one of the mounting brackets and also had to grind down my fender where the battery tray goes, this was more difficult than actually installing the entire suspension setup.
I also never realized how ugly the stock intake system is

. Anyways I need to get a shim for the hole surrounding the secondary tube on the intake, so I am thinking about shooting some expanding foam around the area to keep it nice and solid. I also need to tap the secondary so i can mount the air intake temperature sensor, since there is not a place for it on this intake.
These are just minor details, once I get the car realigned, a resonator installed on my exhaust and the rest of my suspension components installed. This car is gonna be soooooooooo much fun to drive this summer. There will be many videos to follow

Ill get pics up ASAP of the finished products. I need to drop my artillery off at my folks place for safe keeping while im not at home, so ill be taking pics of the awesomeness then.

Nitelife · 02-22-2009, 12:49 PM

Sounds like a busy weekend. It's always worth it though when you get to drive your car, which has become a totally different animal. Your daily driving experience should be completely transformed once you get all of your suspension goodies installed, and the car aligned.

PMKN_PI · 02-22-2009, 09:51 PM

Cant wait to see pics!

Sentradude17 · 02-22-2009, 10:00 PM

So how much more do the S-techs drop your ride compared to the basics? I'm shopping for suspension and it's between stechs and basics..

Taurus45acp · 02-22-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sentradude17

So how much more do the S-techs drop your ride compared to the basics? I'm shopping for suspension and it's between stechs and basics..

as stated it was about 1.2 front 1.5 rear, but its so much more than just a drop. the rebound and compression are perfectly balanced for the weight of the car. There is no comparison between the basics and drop springs.

TommyD241 · 02-22-2009, 11:40 PM

I think sentradude may be confused. S-techs are just springs. Basics are coilovers and the drop is adjustable.

I find it interesting that you dropped the rear more than the front. Usually, people drop the front more than the back or do an equal drop front and back.

Taurus45acp · 02-22-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyD241

I think sentradude may be confused. S-techs are just springs. Basics are coilovers and the drop is adjustable.

I find it interesting that you dropped the rear more than the front. Usually, people drop the front more than the back or do an equal drop front and back.

i want a little more of a weight bias to the rear of the car, this will make it easier for me to flick the car into a turn with braking oversteer if needed. This does hurt off the line traction (a little) but im not going for straight line speed.

TommyD241 · 02-22-2009, 11:54 PM

Ahhhh ok. I plan to drop mine 1.5" in the front and 1" in the back when I install my coilovers. I want to get rid of some of the fender gap.

n1smojunkie · 02-22-2009, 11:54 PM

I dropped my p10 1.8 in the front and 1.5 in the rear. What what!

Taurus45acp · 02-22-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyD241

Ahhhh ok. I plan to drop mine 1.5" in the front and 1" in the back when I install my coilovers. I want to get rid of some of the fender gap.

yea it does look a whole ton better, i Wasnt able to take pictures today. I decided to change the oil/cap and rotor/spark plugs/wires. By the time I had finished the sun was going down, and it was cloudy. So next week Ill have a bunch of pics for you guys.
I do a lot of touge and canyon driving and if I were to drop it too much in the front it could compromise my weight bias and cause more understeer than is already apparent with these cars.

ps. Funny thing is I bought this car less than a month ago and I have tossed a little time and money at it, it is so much more of a driving experience from when it was stock. My next focus is getting the motor to rev a little more freely and a better clutch. The stock one is just too gutless and soft, I want neck snapping shifts and hard wheel spin in 3rd gear shifts

TommyD241 · 02-23-2009, 12:02 AM

Hehe sounds like your having fun!

Taurus45acp · 02-23-2009, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyD241

Hehe sounds like your having fun!

almost, this summer when i get to hear my engine roar at the apex of a gradient S turn on a bright sunny day with the windows down and the radio off. Then ill be having fun.

Sentradude17 · 02-23-2009, 03:40 PM

Oh my bad I thought basics were springs.. "not to thread jack" but last night I was searching and I'm trying to decide between the ksport full coilovers or megan full coilovers.. I'm really aiming to auto x my B14 so what is your guys opinion?

v1rg1n1azf1nest · 02-23-2009, 08:11 PM

Sounds like everything went well...I highly recommend you get your rear beam bent if you have the opportunity to have the work done! Your car will handle like a champ. Get those pics up!

TommyD241 · 02-23-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1rg1n1azf1nest

Sounds like everything went well...I highly recommend you get your rear beam bent if you have the opportunity to have the work done! Your car will handle like a champ. Get those pics up!

I totally agree. A bent rear beam is the key to make a B14 handle properly.

Taurus45acp · 02-23-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyD241

I totally agree. A bent rear beam is the key to make a B14 handle properly

who the hell does it in the northwest? Ive got the cash but no one to do the work right.

scrildo · 02-23-2009, 11:23 PM

WTF man. Where are the damn pics?!??!? The anticipation is killing me over here.

TommyD241 · 02-23-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taurus45acp

who the hell does it in the northwest? Ive got the cash but no one to do the work right.

Unfortunately nobody. You are going to have to take a road trip to Afterhours in Socal or Steve Foltz in Pueblo Colorado.

You might be able to have Steve Foltz fly out to you if you organize a beam bending party. You will have to have like 6-8 committed people and pay for his lodging, flight, and shipping of tools.

Taurus45acp · 02-23-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrildo

WTF man. Where are the damn pics?!??!? The anticipation is killing me over here.

my company sent me to an oceanfront beach resort for the week to attend a "conference" it was either now or never...so it went now. I wasnt able to take pics because my god damn camera eats batteries like fat chicks eat chicken wings. I PROMISE as soon as i get back I will post the pics.

would you have said no? lol

my balcony shot.

Taurus45acp · 02-23-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyD241

Unfortunately nobody. You are going to have to take a road trip to Afterhours in Socal or Steve Foltz in Pueblo Colorado.

You might be able to have Steve Foltz fly out to you if you organize a beam bending party. You will have to have like 6-8 committed people and pay for his lodging, flight, and shipping of tools.

unfortunately from what i have been seeing there are very few committed b14 owners around here..ill see what i can do about a road trip if possible. hell even a beam bending convoy would be sweet.