performance & cosmetic mods

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.  I might start selling these and others of their wheels.  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 look like shit. And for about 40-50 bucks not a bad problem.  

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.   Not bad for a 10 minute install.

The hood uses all the factory brackets except you loose the window washers.  I plan a mod the puts the washers into the wipers ala Pontiac GTP my friend Kevin has. His website is http://www.sachelledesigns.com 

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.  Yes I admit that when running around town, No stickers.  

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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.  I have just finished the install of all these parts but I used the factory shock (mistake) and I have a problem with the shocks bottoming out when I really lower the car. I haven't decided on the shocks I want to use.  That decision coming soon.  

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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.  I have all the pieces of the exhaust now and plan to install by this weekend.  I will take pics of the process.  I have already installed the intake.  Throttle response has been improved but I do not think I will get the performance potential until I free up the exhaust should be a big improvement.  Click here for the install of the Stillen Intake.  

Exhaust Update

Finally installed my full exhaust system including a Stillen Y-Pipe, B-Pipe, Cat Back Exhaust and a Random Technologies Cat.  The performance difference was huge! Here are some pics of the parts and the finished install.  

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More coming soon.