I have a 2013 G37X sedan; my wife has a 2011 G37xS. I really like the way her handling feels much more taut than in my car. What are the best, most cost effective ways to get closer to her handling? I have read that the Sport rear sway bar makes a difference and I'm going to add one of those. What next? I don't necessarily want/need bigger brakes unless I need to go to bigger wheels/tires like her car has. Again, I'm not trying to get to SCCA racing class, just would like to be close to the factory sport handling if possible.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

Sway bars, coilovers, strut bar

 

For your rear sway bar, try tracking down a NISMO rear sway. It has a slightly larger circumference and is a bit thicker than the G37s/370z bar. I had luck finding one from a junkyard 370z NISMO. Upgrade to solid bushings as well.

For a strut brace, go with the Alutec solid bar. I was really tempted to go for either the Cusco or GT-Spec, since so many other users have these, but decided (by design) one solid piece is better than a three piece brace.

The reduction in body roll is superb, the tendency to understeer is a thing of the past, and the chassis takes less impact from bumps up front. Total win.

 

IPL bars too...they're the same diameter as the Nismo bars.

 

Any rough feel on the improvement just from an S type rear sway bar to a complete Hotchkis setup like this:
The buyers on the reviews really loved it, but pretty pricey compared to sticking in a factory S-type rear bar. I know this is subjective ?, but would a factory S rear bar give me say 70% of the improvement I could get with a hotchkis setup, or is the complete set like night and day improvement beyond what just upgrading the rear would be?

 

Honestly, I'd look at your tire/wheel package first. The tires need to be good enough to handle any extra suspension work that's thrown at them. After that, swaybars are going to be the next best mod to get you closer to the S suspension in how taunt it feels. I'd imagine the shocks/dampers are also firmer on the S vs. the base/journey. Sways alone aren't going to necessarily give you more overall mechanical grip though and I'm not a proponent of them overall as it's tying your independent suspension together. I'd rather go up in spring rate than sway bar diameter. Sways are far easier to install. Just realize it's a compromise.

Adding just a rear swaybar is only going to decrease the amount of grip you have in the rear and help the car rotate a bit better in corners as the front is now closer to the rear in spring rate. Larger sways increase your spring rate. It will help lessen the body roll out back if you go with just the S sway in the rear. Without better rubber, it'll feel more loose out back.

 

There is no difference in the X vs XS suspension on the sedan. The 18" wheels are the only "upgrade".

 

^^^^
This. Probably the ol butt-dyno needs re-calibration :P .

The XS is just a cosmetic package that includes the wheels, front bumper, side skirts and front seats from the S but mechanically its identical to the regular x.

 

Sways would be your #1 upgrade for "bank for your buck" from what you're looking for out of it, from there it depends on how much you want to upgrade. Coilovers, Camber Arms, and Cusco strut bar would be a complete setup~

Let me know if you have any questions!
-Lance
NextLevel Performance | Taking Performance to the Next Level!

 

If I want to keep the stock height, will any springs firm up the ride?

 

Maybe try to find some IPL springs or Nismo springs. They should keep you near stock height (maybe a half inch lower) while improving handling.

 

Sway bars + aggressive tires

 

The IPL springs should keep about the same height. I have a set off my car, I can measure the free length if anyone else has a measurement for the sedan spring free length handy.

 

I think Nismo or IPL springs are mismatched on a X with 17" wheels.

 

If I went with IPL springs, does it matter a version/year to work with the AWD? Are the springs sufficient to add to my strut, or do I need IPL struts too?