Ok:

Right now my car is stock. I have VDC. I want my ride to handle the best it can without adding too much weight to my already heavy car. There are so many options available and me being a car mod n00b, i'm lost in all those options.

What's best? coilovers? Springs? Camber kits? sway bars? Other things? Any of them mutually exclusive?

Also I want to change my wheels as traction is crappy with the current tires. I'm thinking 19 inches, but i'd want a light wheel so it doesn't kill my acceleration too much.

Any guides and the such? Compromises? What do you suggest?

 

First, you should try to define your budget. You could spend many $$$ on suspension and wheels and that could dictate and/or reduce your options. Also, try to be more specific on your goals. For example, do you plan on racking the car? Is it a daily driver? Are you willing to sacrifice some comfort for better handling?

No lecture, just trying to help so you get some responses. This forum is great for learning. Last thing, do lots of searchs for information on coilovers, springs, camber kits, etc. Don't worry about camber kit for now until you lower it. Coilovers are great for adjustability. New sway bars will help gid rid of understeer.

Good luck!!

 

Hmmmm i'm willing to sacrifice comfort up to a certain point, since it's a summer daily driver. Not crazy about lowering it unless it really makes a big difference. I'm definitely gonna get her new shoes as the current one just slip too much. Would go with 19 inces and as large as i can both front and back.

Are coilovers hard to adjust once installed?

 

It's not the rims making it slip, it's the crappy stock tires.

 

I agree the tires are sucky, but would getting 19 inch improve handling or just look good? Should i stick to 18 inches and get wider rims?

 

I would suggest this setup:

wider 18" wheels and good tires
A conservative spring drop (< 1 inch) - too much and camber issues!!
Koni or Tockico Shocks
A set of Sways


If you don't have the money for all I would suggest this order:

wider wheels and good tires - huge improvement (even better tires alone will make a nice improvement over stock)
Sways
Springs/Shocks together to save on install costs (unless doing it yourself)

Another alternative to spring/shocks is the Nismo setup or other coilover setups. I have considered this many times, but many are setup for a very stiff ride and if you lower the car too much you will need camber adjustment front/back which adds a fair amount to the cost. Also, most coilover setups cost a fair amount more than a spring/shock replacement. Hope this helps some.

 

Thanks, I'll look into that for sure

 

Wider tires with proper offsets will help with handling. As you increase the diameter of the wheel (i.e. 17" -> 19") the profile of your tire will likely decrease. I went from stock 17s right to 20s and the widest quality tires I could use without rolling the fenders. Handling was improved and the comfort was not noticeably different. Thereafter, I added TEIN coilovers and Cusco sway bars to really improve handling. The Cuscos really tightened up the ride and it is a bit harsher now.