Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Not until the tie-rod gets replaced, and I find out where I am with regard to alignment. Soon enough, though. Thanks, Chris.

Oh, and you're up next, buddy.

GoFightNguyen

iTrader: (14)

You guys should not forget that the springs will settle anyways over the course of the next week, maybe more, given how little John drives. The front drop might clean up a bit. Swifts are linear springs, so they're a little more predictable in their load vs compression curve. Maybe you just need to gain weight.

rm2342

WOW! Looks awesome.. didn't turn out too bad after all. Great job!

monytx

iTrader: (2)

Looks really nice man.

twin_snails

iTrader: (2)

Looks really nice John! Any side shots available (looking down the fender line)? Are the Swifts any (even) marginally stiffer than stock?

BTW, really liking the carpeted ceiling. It's a nice touch.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Not to me, and I really was predisposed to feel a difference. But as far as I can tell, it feels exactly like the OEM springs on my 6MT.

To sum up this picture, these are 19x10" +42 deep-dish wheels in the rear, with 275/35ZR19 Michelin PSS, dropped 0.8" (according to Swift). I took this picture with the intent of squaring up the lip of the wheel perfectly parallel to my point of view with the camera, down the line with the front wheel. As you can see, the rear tire still pokes from the fender a few millimeters, but it's all so subjective now...

However you slice it, it's a keeper.

Adam West

iTrader: (3)

Real nice ride Rochester... lovin' what you're doing to the car.

twin_snails

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for posting the pics Rochester! I think the drop is perfect. :bigthumbup:

How did you discover that the tie-rod was shot?

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

My mechanic, when installing the springs. Springs aren't a DIY for me.

Lego_Maniac

iTrader: (3)

Cheat. Take the spring/shock assembly off yourself and take them to your mechanic and let him compress the spring and assemble them

Curious to hear your impressions aftet getting some more seat time. Specifically, how do they do with dips in the payment that cover several feet.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

I'm tentative when driving, because of the tie-rod, and because I've still not had the car aligned. So I'm driving it, but not hard, and not far. However, each time I take it out, I find myself becoming a little more aggressive, sensitive to familiar roads that have bumps and dips. Trying to find the new extents considering that the car is a little bit lower to the ground. So far, it's handled everything I've done. I'm waiting for that big thud, or "BANG!" moment, but it hasn't happened.

The car also feels much more planted on the road (which I know is such a subjective BS phrase). Then again, I'm also still getting used to having wider tires, and PSS on all four corners. There is a huge difference now in launching the car out of the hole, which is all about the tires. Still getting used to that, too. (Not that I do it all the time, but when I do... yikes!)

I suspect between the Michelin PSS and the new tire width, the OEM sport struts, the sway bars, the added negative camber, the lower center of gravity, and the FSTB... well, that all adds up to a pretty impressive ride for a heavy sedan. At least, it should. Feels like it to me.

doublea88

iTrader: (2)

Well Done Sir! i say it completes the look of your car with the vossens. Speaking of wheels, found someone selling the same wheels that you have for $2500 Brand new. They sure make the car look real classy!

Jethro

iTrader: (3)

The car has turned out great! Like the drop and the wheel selection. It is all coming together!

BTW, where did you end up buying those GT-R maplights, a Nissan dealer?

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Thanks! One of the reasons I chose the VOSSEN CVT is that at a glance, they look like they could be OEM. It takes a second look to realize there are details that set them apart, like the deep inner lip, the directional spokes, and the width. I think they're classy, without being in-your-face. I respect designs (in anything) that offer more to be appreciated when you give them a longer consideration.

I'm also really liking the finish, and the way your eye travels from one wheel the the next along the path of the upper-window trim, now that the belt-line window trim is blacked out. That's a nice detail.

Ordered them on a Monday afternoon, and picked them up the next day.

Jethro

iTrader: (3)

I see Z1 performance has these on their website for like $28. I may have to do this. Just curious, how does it look in comparison to the rear map lights? Those would still be the whitish OEM style, right? I am not aware of another Nissan that has those crystal type light covers that would work. Maybe its not as bad a contrast as I think...