Sports package suspension

T

tt-6

Member
I'm looking at picking up a 2006-2008 FX35 and am researching which trim packages I want.

I've read conflicting posts about the sports package and was hoping to try and get to the bottom of what is actually different about the sports package.

I know about the 20 inch rims, clear tails, dark headlight housing, dark grill, interior brushed aluminum accents, polished roof rack, and know it comes with the hands-free package. Is there anything else that it includes???

The most important factor to me about the sports package is the actual suspension differences:
I read that the suspension components are actually different, stiffer springs/shocks?
I was told that the sports package also changes the geometry of the suspension, that they have different mounting points or something like that?

Can someone verify or debunk these 'myths' I've heard?

I have a few other NOOB questions but I'll start new threads once I have a better understanding of these cars. I've never followed nissan's/infiniti's, so I'm really a NOOB about these cars, I've always been a toyota guy so don't hold that against me! :wink (2):

Thanks!!!
 
tt-6 said:
I'm looking at picking up a 2006-2008 FX35 and am researching which trim packages I want.

I've read conflicting posts about the sports package and was hoping to try and get to the bottom of what is actually different about the sports package.

I know about the 20 inch rims, clear tails, dark headlight housing, dark grill, interior brushed aluminum accents, polished roof rack, and know it comes with the hands-free package. Is there anything else that it includes???

The most important factor to me about the sports package is the actual suspension differences:
I read that the suspension components are actually different, stiffer springs/shocks?
I was told that the sports package also changes the geometry of the suspension, that they have different mounting points or something like that?

Can someone verify or debunk these 'myths' I've heard?

I have a few other NOOB questions but I'll start new threads once I have a better understanding of these cars. I've never followed nissan's/infiniti's, so I'm really a NOOB about these cars, I've always been a toyota guy so don't hold that against me! :wink (2):

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Welcome to IS, fellow former toyota owner! My family has had several toyotas in the past. I went to Nissan/Infiniti, and never looked back!

As for the sport package, I don't know the exact details, but from what I can tell, when searching parts catalogs, categories are broken down between "w/18 inch wheel" and "w/20 inch wheels" when looking up suspension parts. So there is a difference. Unfortunatly, I don't know the exact specs. I'm sure you'll hear from others soon.
 
the suspension really isnt different. Just get some springs or coil overs. Lowering the fx is like driving a different car. Night and day
 
Upon release infiniti said that the sport suspension was "stiffer tuned" than the non-sport. However a few years ago they said that there was NO difference between sport + non sport suspension, except the different sized rims. I think they also refunded a check to certain owners who bought the 'sport suspension.'
 
Like others have said the difference is the wheel size. This has been a great mystery to me though, I have seen stock non-sport FXs with the sports 20s and they appear to be taller than a sport suspensioned FX on the same 20s (noticebly more wheel well gap), but I must admit that this is only on the early first gens (03 and 04).
 
Thank you all for the info!

money042 said:
Welcome to IS, fellow former toyota owner! My family has had several toyotas in the past. I went to Nissan/Infiniti, and never looked back!...
Click to expand...
Thanks, but...I never said I was a former toyota owner. My Supra is staying put, I just want to find it a roomate for those cold lonely nights in the garage. :wink (2):

"LittleGagne" said:
the suspension really isnt different. Just get some springs or coil overs. Lowering the fx is like driving a different car. Night and day
Click to expand...
Thanks for your input! Getting to the bottom of this sports package suspension question will determine whether coilovers will be on the short list of purchases once I buy the car.

mikoto said:
money?
Click to expand...
??? Not sure what this means? The additional cost of the sports package is not a factor... ideally, i'm looking for an excellent condition 2008 with very low miles and don't mind paying more for one in mint condition in the color combination I want.

SexualChocolate said:
Like others have said the difference is the wheel size. This has been a great mystery to me though, I have seen stock non-sport FXs with the sports 20s and they appear to be taller than a sport suspensioned FX on the same 20s (noticebly more wheel well gap), but I must admit that this is only on the early first gens (03 and 04).
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback! I never noticed this but never looked at or considered anything older than a 2006.

---------- Post added at 12:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:03 PM ----------

Now this is a very interesting bit of information!

Please don't take offense to this, but is your statement based on "internet truth" or is this a verifiable fact??? I've searched this forum but can't find any mention of something like this happening, do you recall where you heard this from?

Regardless, this would explain why there is so much confusion about this, as I've searched and searched and constantly find conflicting statements about the suspension components. Most recently, I found a description of the sports package including an "Alternate Suspension".

I've sent off an inquiry to Infiniti to see what they have to say about different suspension components, I'll post the response here if I get one.

Thanks again!

pmanliu said:
Upon release infiniti said that the sport suspension was "stiffer tuned" than the non-sport. However a few years ago they said that there was NO difference between sport + non sport suspension, except the different sized rims. I think they also refunded a check to certain owners who bought the 'sport suspension.'
Click to expand...
 
Infiniti lists 2 part #s for sport and non-sport front struts and rear shocks , but springs and the rest of the suspension is the same no matter the package. According to the Infinit parts catalogue
 
tt-6 said:
Now this is a very interesting bit of information!

Please don't take offense to this, but is your statement based on "internet truth" or is this a verifiable fact??? I've searched this forum but can't find any mention of something like this happening, do you recall where you heard this from?

Regardless, this would explain why there is so much confusion about this, as I've searched and searched and constantly find conflicting statements about the suspension components. Most recently, I found a description of the sports package including an "Alternate Suspension".

I've sent off an inquiry to Infiniti to see what they have to say about different suspension components, I'll post the response here if I get one.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

What I said could be an illusion thing, but it's based on what I've seen.
Post up what they say, I am interested also.
 
Thanks again folks!

Apparently this board doesn't like consecutive posts from the same user in the same thread??? It messed up my formatting of quoting people and added the second post to the first so I guess I can't do that anymore, so I'll just respond accordingly...

Well thanks to pmanliu, I searched the other site and found the post! I'll copy and past what was posted over there.

As far as I can tell, Infiniti does, or did at some point, have different shocks for the sport package equipped fx35's. It seems that this 'mix-up' rebate only applies to 2005 fx35's. I take that to imply that the factory assembly line simply used the wrong part number for that year, but did use the correct sports package shocks for the other model years.

Here is a copy of the letter that one of the affected users received that was posted there:

---------
At Infiniti, we believe in creating products that evoke emotion, passion and excitement. The Infiniti FX is a testament to this philosophy, exemplified by its innovative design, performance and value. As we continually monitor and refine the unique features and performance of the Infiniti FX, it has come to our attention that some FX vehicles were delivered without the Sports Suspension Shock Absorbers originally specified as part of the FX's Sport Package. Rest assured that the FX's superior handling capability is not impaired by the shock absorbers currently installed on your vehicle.

WHAT INFINITI WILL DO

Infiniti recognizes that our customers have their own specific driving patterns. We believe most customers are completely satisfied with their current handling and ride characterists of their FX vehicle and most likely prefer the ride provided by their present shocks. However, some owners may prefer the even firmer ride afforded by the Sport Suspenion Shock Absorbers.

Therefore, to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction, Infiniti is providing two alternatives. The first is compensation in the form of a cash reimbursement. While the MSRP for the Sport Suspensions Shock Absorbers is approximately $200, we are offering Infiniti owners a $500 cash reimbursement. Or if you prefer an even firmer ride, we will install the Sports Suspension Shock Absorbers on your vehicle at no additional cost to you for parts or labor.

....
snip
....

Infiniti is truely dedicated to your satisfaction, and stands proudly behind the FX

Infiniti Divisoin
Nissa North America, Inc.

-------------

Based on this, it does appear that there are differences in the sports package suspension components, so it looks like the sports package is staying on my list of requirements. I haven't heard back from Infinity yet, I'll give them a couple days before I call and talk to a live person.
 
so its a bit firmed of a ride.. i seriously like the sport pkg cause of the trim.. 20",silver roof rails,clear tail light,darker head lights and front grill and interior touch.. cause if you planning on lowering like most of us did. you will pretty much replace the shocks and springs altogether!

good luck on finding the answer you are looking for.
 
Don't get me wrong, I actually do want the sports package! But it greatly reduces the number of available fx35's on my list. I've got my eye on a 2008 w/ 9,000 miles but no sports package and no tech package, the 2 things I want... other than that, it's my ideal car, it's so clean and is a garage queen too.
 
On the choices of the sport package and the tech package, if you find an FX with the tech go for it,you can sport the FX by the wheels and the suspention (20in wheels,springs and shocks.) I got lucky and found an FX35 with both tech and sport package but Im going to change the springs and shocks soon.So you can always upgrade to a sport suspension later.
 
I remember the day that check came. That was a great deal, & so glad they were non-sport shocks. As if there were a difference, haha. Fancy dinner that night
 
How come there aren't any major japanese companies that offer coil overs for these cars...nothing from HKS, not even Nismo...?

The handling characteristics of a car are very important to me, which is why i'm in the market for an FX over any other SUV. I have a $3500 suspension setup on my 1000hp weekend fun car, and after all the time and money I spent on that car, the handling of that car is my favorite feature.
 
tt-6 said:
How come there aren't any major japanese companies that offer coil overs for these cars...nothing from HKS, not even Nismo...?

The handling characteristics of a car are very important to me, which is why i'm in the market for an FX over any other SUV. I have a $3500 suspension setup on my 1000hp weekend fun car, and after all the time and money I spent on that car, the handling of that car is my favorite feature.
Click to expand...

BC racing & MEGAN both over coilovers for our cars...
 
tt-6 said:
How come there aren't any major japanese companies that offer coil overs for these cars...nothing from HKS, not even Nismo...?
Click to expand...

This isn't a home market vehicle for them. Not even a Nismo intake is available (per their parts catalog), even my Titan had Nismo parts available (the intake was sweeeeeet). For the 35 many engine parts just bolt right in (some with minor modifications I suppose - like intake brackets).

We also have Kido coilovers, but no one on here has them because of lack of US support.
 
I know about the offerings by BC and Megan... I think you know what I implied by looking for 'major Japanese companies' like HKS, Nismo... :mask:

Now the home market thing makes total sense why there isn't more aftermarket support from said companies. :smile (2):
 
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