Performance Upgrades
Even daily drivers need love. I wanted to improve the driving and performance without getting too much out of control. First I started my improving the basic cosmetics, then suspension, then power upgrades.
cosmetic mods
While I have seen 19″ wheels, I realized to have a daily driver meant I couldn’t go there. Well 18″ are not much different but a little more practical. The wheels are made by Paradyme Alloys. They are a new company with great bang for buck good looking wheels. The size is 18″ x 7.5″ and the tires are 225/40 ZR 18 Kuhmo’s purchased from Discount Tire Online. I went with this tire size because it is nearly the same OD as my factory wheels. Hence no speedo problems.
Clear corners were a must as the orange ones terrible. And for about 40-50 bucks not a bad price either.
The biggest improvement to the cosmetics and an improvement in performance is the carbon fiber hood from FiberImages. I get more looks and questions, people touch it to see if it is real. I wanted the hood for the weight savings and cool look. Boy what a head turner at shows. The hood uses all the factory brackets except you loose the window washers. Not bad for a 10 minute install.
Now for the sticker question. Yes I received help and great technical assistance from people at different companies. I put the stickers on the vehicle at show to give them their props.
As for the Tail lights. I catch more grief from the Maxima guys and more questions where to buy from the max guys. I bought them because they where different (to me) and the kids at shows would like them. I really want to modify them (i.e. paint the chrome part body color) but that will have to wait until I have time. If they had carbon fiber lights , I would have bought those instead. At least it would match the hood.
suspension mods
I realize that the wheels and tires make a huge difference in the handling, but I wanted more. Since I decided not to put tons of power in (yet at least) I could still have fun if I could make it handle well. With that I installed Ground Control coil overs with a Stillen front strut brace, camber plates and rear sway bar. From what I read this is a pretty hot set-up.
engine mods
For the power performance. I am starting with the Stillen Air intake, with a complete exhaust including the Stillen y-pipe, Random Tech Cat, Stillen B-pipe and rear section exhaust. The performance improvement is impressive. Throttle response has been improved the car has much more power in the higher RPM range.