Well guys, I just picked up a 2008 G Sedan. (Used to have a 1st gen sedan.) I wanted an S model, but the ones near me were all ragged and the non S I found was in pristine condition. It was a female driver's lease return and has not a scratch on it.

I am now planning mods. I have decided on the Stillen exhaust. Where I'm looking for advice specifically is with the suspension. I am looking for performance improvements, not looks. I am in my mid 30s and don't need it dropped to the max. I want it to handle better in the twisty backroads. I go out on drives with lots of buddies in their M3s and one has a lotus. I feel like I have plenty of power, but they clearly can take the corners faster. Too much body roll.

I've done lots of searches, but most of the threads don't address the performance/handling improvements.

Questions:
1) Sway bars seem like a no brainer. Agreed?
2) Will I be happy with springs, or should I just get coilovers? Again, I don't care much about dropping it for looks, but am seeking handling improvements. I've looked at the Tanabe NF210s, but wonder if they'd be stiff enough.
2a) I've looked at the Tein and Tanabe coilovers's. Am I on the right track?
3) Will upgrading from 17s to 19s show a handling gain? I don't mind the looks of 19s, but don't want to drop 2k on new wheels unless it helps the handling.
4) Is there anything else I should be considering adding (considering my objective)?

Thanks in advance.

 

Let me preface by saying congratulations and that you still won't be able to handle nearly as well as that lotus in corners I have the mods you mention but can't get around Miata's at our local track.

1) Somewhat a no-brainer, the benefit is there at the expense of slightly diminished ride quality.
2) I only suggest CO's because they're adjustable. Thus, allowing you to tweak exactly to taste. I would let budget determine which one for the most part.
3) Tires are what makes the difference. A Summer tire on 17s will outperform an AS 19" tire. There are some things with sidewall flex from having a lot of it on the 17s, but again, the tire makes the difference.
4) Lighten the G as much as you can, reduced weight and a lower CG helps this car a lot.

 

Thanks Mike.

Any other thoughts anyone?

 

1. Yes
2. You may be "happy," but the stock shocks/struts are no where up to the task when it comes to spirited driving.
2a. Depends on what you want. IMO, you want a unit where height is adjustable separately from dampening. Also, you want to look into the minimum drop the unit features. Some manufacturers minimum drop is 1", while others are 1.5"
3. As Mike said, it's tire dependent
4. You can look into chassis bracing, but IMO not until you've done sway bars and COs or springs + struts/shocks.

Keep in mind that you'll want to look into brake upgrades too, especially if you're doing spirited runs. The stock brakes aren't up to the task.