What should I get next? Brakes, Suspenion or Wheels?

[TonyC]

Ok guys, I need your opinons. Already have my redtop SR in so I'm pretty content in the power department. I'd thought I would focus on other aspects of my car. Here's what I have. 93 fastback with stock SR, 5zigen Border3 exhaust. Everything else is pretty much stock.

Here are my plans.

1. Z32 Brake Upgrade - Probably gonna go with 26mm because I still have the stock SE wheels. Does anyone have experience with buying the rebuilt brake kit from Heavythrottle or should I just get new ones through PDM Racing ($950 ouch)?

2. Suspension - Thinking of getting the Tein Basics becuase of the low price and the fact that I will probably never see a road course. Probably a few drag events, otherwise 99% on the streets. Any other budget coilover setups to consider?

3. Wheels - Definitely want at least 17x8 in the rear. Looks like the 5Zigen FN01R-C with +35 seems to be a popular choice. Would there be any problems with going 17x8 all around? That way I can rotate the tires periodically.

Ok the problem arises what to get first, second, and third. I was thinking getting the brakes first then the coilovers and lastly the wheels because I would look pretty silly with 17in rims on the stock suspension. Also will the stock wheels clear the coilovers? I've heard of some problems that may arise. Another thing, I have yet to check if my SE alloys are the ones that do clear the 26mm Z32 calipers. Will do so first thing tomorrow morning. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

[Johny5]

if you do get the fn01r-c's, getting 17x8 all around with same offset would look kinda stupid. then again getting 17x8 all around with diff offsets for rear would look stupid because you'd be sticking out in the front and tucking rear when you rotate. do 17x8 17x9 rear and put some shitty $100 tires on the rear wheels, we all know they'll be gone in months anyways. just put nice tires on the front, those might last longer ;)

[TonyC]

I still have the 4 lug. Do they make 17x9 for the 4x114.3? I don't want to convert to 5 lug unless I really have to :p . Would 17x7 +35 front and 17x8 +35 rear look better?

[Johny5]

in my own personal opinion the 17x7, 17x8 would look a bit better, but the 7" wide in the front would look wierd. but i dunno, i guess i really shouldn't be giving advice on 17s. i went with 15" fn01rc's ;)

[nightwalker]

get the 17x8s, buy wide front fenders, and you'll be all gravy. Or do 17x8, +30 front, and 17x9 +32/35 rear. They'll look groovy! I'm waiting for my new/used wheels, 15x7 +10 all around, when they get here, I'll put them on and take pics to show you how groovy they look.:o

[Heartwork]

build it from the ground up first....

do your suspension first as a "major mod"....it'll be funner and have a longer lasting fun appeal to it...

save up and do the brakes at the same time or soon after suspension

[kalieaire]

yea, do that otherwise your car will be too riced out to bear.

[AutoRnD]

suspension first them rims then brakes...

the fno1rc's do not come in 17x9 for the 4 lug guys...

[wanganwonder]

What do you want 17's for? ROCK MESH!!!

[TonyC]

Thanks for the input guys, I've pretty much decided. Definately going to get the Teins first. As a matter of fact, I'm going to order it tomorrow. I'm going to take it one step at a time. I haven't decided on what to go next but when the funds allow for it I will make my decision.

wanganwonder: I think 17s are the perfect blend of both performance and looks. I think 18s are too big and and are just for looks while 15-16s are too small for looks. To each their own.

[psychedelicbeats]

i have a set of bronze 5zigen fn01rc's 17x8+35 all around on my 96' SE and they look perfectly fine. it clears my shock/spring setup easily. rear has a huge huge clearance while the front has about 1"-2" clearance between the shock and the inner rim of the wheel. it may not achive the flush look, but it sure as hell looks nice nontheless. ur car is a bit narrower i believe, so it would probably be more flush to the body. s13 struts are relatively smaller than s14 struts so i wouldn't think there would be any concerns about clearance, that is unless you are heading towards a coilover setup. also, if u plan to choose a wider wheel on the back, you will beat ur ass to death because of tire maintenance. like u said, it's gonna be 99% on the street so why bother sporting 2 different sets of wheels? you're not going to do anything THAT "special" to your car like you said. keep in mind what others may tell you is just their opinion like what you are hearing now. i would advise you to start out with some suspension mods (as you planned to) to get you used to the way your car acts and how you can adjust to it. a coilover suspension is very nice to start off. unless you dont want to sport that much money, i would get a shock[adjustable preferred]/spring combo. other than that, i think you're off to a good start. good luck with the car. i'm just barely starting!