sports pkg seemed a no-brainer choice at what $350? you get better looking wheels and better tires (don't really need all season in SoCal).

if it really is too stiff, just put the stock springs/shocks back on and sell the pkg to someone who wants it.

i really wonder if some G owners would find themselves better off in the long run with an I35. i had a loaner for a few days earlier this week. besides the body roll and torque steer, it's a more luxurious everyday car for straightline driving.

i still prefer the G though, myself.

'03.5 Sedan, Silver/Black, Leather, Sport

 

I think a lot of people have this upsidedown concerning the sport vs no-sport. I have driven both extensivly. not just a test drive. The sport suspension has a smoother ride than the non-sport and is less harsh than the non-sport. not saying there is night and day differences but when i had the non-sport the body motions from side to side where more pronounced which in my book makes it harsher than the sport because your jiggling around more and the sport suspension has a more stable ride when going fast. it also absorbs bumps better.

 

Sport or no sport, it's about feeling the road. I drove them both and like the extra feedback and precision that comes with the Sport Package. You might try another tact: I have a friend who has an I 35. It was one of the things I looked at before Nissan brought us there newest Gem, the G35MT. The I series is pretty cushy and wallows around a little more, but it is quiet and pretty quick. It might be a better fit for you. You can get a smoking deal on them right now. Personally, I would not be caught dead in the thing, but I will buy one like it for my wife when she gets done with of mini-vans and soccer *****.
G35/S/MT PD over Graphite, Premium package.

G35/S/MT....this car rocks!

 

Thanks for all the responses to the thread.
I have just over 1600 miles on it now, and I am pretty used to the ride. There are times now and then when I would rather not feel every bump on the road, but the ride is not harsh and there are advantages to the responsiveness.
Now I am dealing with the damn rattles and clicking in my passenger doors. Once those get taken care of, I will be a totally happy camper.

[b][i]<font color=red>BoneDaddy
2003.5 Garnet Fire, Premium, Aero, Sport

 

I have the sport package in my G, and I wondered if it was a bit too firm at first, too. I also test drove a version without the sport package, and as someone else said, there's a difference but it's not a huge one. At any rate, I think the G gets it's firmness from the stiff chassis rather than the suspension. There actually seems to be a lot of suspension travel for such a firm ride.

The more I drive this car, though, the happier I am with the way it rides. I don't really notice the road sounds, and I have the Goodyears. Actually the ride isn't even as firm as my other car, which is a heavily modified Toyota Solara. The Solara has been lowered and firmer damping struts have been added, as well as thicker front and rear sway bars. I would like to see how the G would ride and handle with lowering springs, or even coilovers. I also plan to go to 235's when the stock tires need to be replaced.

By the way, JJSg35, I think your rims look great. Do you have any rubbing with the 245 width?

 

BoneDaddy, I am happy you are getting the hang of it. Is it rattling from the road, or from the stereo? I had to take everything back out of the car to get the rattles under control. Turns out it was a jelly bean in the passenger side door, but sounded like it was in the back seat and more like 100 of them. The acoustics in this car are a little strange, especially with the sunroof and everything rattles if it's not tied down. Also, no food in the car rule now strickly enforced. Best of luck with your rattle hunt and let me know if you get anything to help.

G35/S/MT....this car rocks!

 

I hear you chief, I test drove both the sports susp and one without. Although I liked the handling a tid bit more, it really wasnt too noticible. I am actually glad I decided not to go with the sports, I have a friend with it and he hates it. He took some lil **** out on a date and the first thing she said was, gee, this car sure has a bumpy ride for a nice car.

tanslation, no sports susp= happier *****= more vagina.

 

I have a 2003.5 G35 with the sport package and I just returned the loaner G35 (2003.5 without sport). The handling was noticeably different. It actually felt a little floaty and the steering was not at tight. But that is just a matter of preference.

Why not go for a test drive at the dealer, or better yet, ask for a G35 loaner. Chances are, it will not have the sport package.