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blackxtrailgt Profile
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Date Registered: 12-2005
Location: Northern NSW
TOTAL POSTS: 103
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Handling modifications


Well, as you would all know the Nissan X-Trail is not exactly the best handling car on the road.

Not sure if your aware but Whiteline are making upgraded swaybars to suit the Nissan X-Trail. Driving around town, this should make for a much better handling vehicle, especially at the standard height. Obviously, this uses polyurethane bushes and I really recommended this upgrade.

On my GT, I have also fitted polyurethane bushes to all the suspension links for control arms, lateral links, etc to improve the handling of my ride and tune it for reduced tyre wear(20" tyres are expensive)

The only standard rubber bush left, was the front control arm, rear bush... To explain where this is: look under your exy, roughly where the front doors attach to the car. About 30cm in, under where you would normally rest your heel when driving, you will see a circular piece of metal with 2 bolts holding it to the chassis and a 'donut' of rubber inside it. That is the bush I am talking about.

So your asking, what does this have to do with me?!?!

Well, this bush is what controls most of your cars front end geometry. Many of you would know about the Subaru WRX and the Whiteline 'ANIT-LIFT KIT' which is a replacement part for this bush on a WRX. I have a similiar spec kit on my N14 SSS Pulsar and made a huge difference to the handling of my car.

Basically, I am in the process of helping to design a 3 position adjustable bush for the X-Trail, that many of you will be able to fit at home. I am going to be using my GT as a guinea pig for a few weeks but as I have the TEIN coil-over suspension it needs to be tested on standard X-Trails to make it commercially available.

It will be offered with 3 positions for Standard, Performance and Offroad with improved traction offered. Adjustment will take about 10min per side, requiring your car jack and a spanner.

Anyone interested in road testing this product for me??

Looking for some variety of driving styles and terrain here, with feedback returned to me. Those who are happy with this product will free to keep them.

Jalal, I imgaine you will probably be the first hand to shoot up...

Matt

Commercially, we imagine this kit will retail for around $120 but reduced tyre wear and more confidence in your cars cornering ability is a big incentive.

Last edited by blackxtrailgt, 18/Jan/2006, 2:11 pm


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Nissan X-Trail GT ~ SR20VET, producing 253Kw@wheels on 15psi and living with my uncle(its new owner) on the Sydney North Shore :D

ME?:
Smashed Twin Turbo VY SS Ute work hack
Heavily modified VQ35 powered N14 Pulsar - 350Hp@front wheels
18/Jan/2006, 1:59 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
NPC73 Profile
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Date Registered: 12-2004
Location: Mount Isa, QLD
TOTAL POSTS: 1247
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Re: Handling modifications


I'll be the first hand up, however due to my location am going to have to decline.

Will be interested in this product when it's commercially available though.

---
Noel...
Member ID: X-072 (Retired Administrator)
2003 X-trail, TI, Manual, (Series 1) - (with the works)
2013 Toyota Prado, Manual, Turbo Diesel - (Snorkel-K&N-Full Exhaust, 20" Low Profiles, Chrome Bullbar, HID Spots, + All the Bling!)
18/Jan/2006, 2:05 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
basshead Profile
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: Panania, Sydney
TOTAL POSTS: 2852
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Re: Handling modifications


I think there is already someone one these forums with an extra or stiffer sway bar fitted...

I thought a stiffer or extra sway bar would've had a negative impact on wheel travel and articulation (ie: less wheel travel), which I think would be the main concern for most of us... I know of one X-Trail owner that removed his existing sway bar to see how much it affected articulation.

I'm probably one of the closer members to Minto, and I've dealt with the boys there in the past with my Pulsar - I had their full "works" package and I replaced the standard rear sway bar with one of their 3-stage adjustable ones myself... They'd probably still remember me (or at least my pulsar). We manage to go offroad every couple of months, and I'd be curious as to how it affects articulation, but unfortunately I've been refused permission by the boss to offer our X-Trail as the guinea-pig.


Last edited by basshead, 18/Jan/2006, 8:33 pm


---
Rich. X-013(c)
'04 S2 ST Auto. Nudge_roofracks_tow_tints_Lightforce_GME_YokoGeoA/T-S_TBS_bashplate_50mm-spacer-lift
Click here to see >300MB of photos and videos All For His Glory.
18/Jan/2006, 4:50 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message MSN Yahoo Blog
 
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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Re: Handling modifications


Interesting Matt, but I need to do a bit more research about it before committing to anything, as the only sway bar I was thinking of upgrading in the future was the rear one (similar to the one Adam "Rybky" now has)

I'm pretty happy with the handling of my exy at the moment, especially after fitting the strut bar, which has made quite a considerable improvement during cornering, so am not sure how and in what way this bush upgrade will increase an already improved handling?

The strut bar gave me a good improvement in both on and off road conditions.

I'll get back to you when I have done enough research about this type of upgrade, but my immediate area of concern would have to be stuffing-up the alignment and potentially causing increased tyre wear (it is just a concern without having any basis, but an initial reaction)


---

18/Jan/2006, 9:04 pm Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
waky53 Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2005
Location: Barossa Valley
TOTAL POSTS: 286
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Re: Handling modifications


I wouldnt mind being a tester, but would being in Adelaide preclude me (being so far away)?
I was amazed what the strut bar did for the exy. Having driven mainly small 4 cylinder cars for the past 39 years, the exy being quite a bit higher & bigger, seemed to wallow like a whale. The strut bar has taken that feeling away & I'm driving it nearly like the corolla now.
Had also been thinking of the sway bar that Rybky had installed & now that I may be back in a job soon I will be able to afford it.
If I can help with the testing, I mainly drive on the black (love those twisty hills roads). Most dirt roads are normal secondary types, we dont do that much real offroad stuff, just getting to MTB courses in the forests sometimes.

---
Regards Dave, X162 Oct 04 Series 2 ST
Mods Strut bar_Fuel cap holder_earth wires_No door beep_Bonnet Struts_TBS_bash plate_16" Alloys_Rear sway bar_ F&R fogs
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18/Jan/2006, 9:30 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
BRETT72 Profile
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Date Registered: 10-2005
Location: Orange. NSW.
TOTAL POSTS: 1999
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Re: Handling modifications


Matt,

 I am sorry, but as per the other guys, the wife (boss & owner) is not keen until it is proven. But she is very interested in the upgraded bushes. Do you have the part numbers and/or cost for the total fitout.

 Thanks,


---
BRETT72 - X235

19/Jan/2006, 5:26 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message MSN
 
blackxtrailgt Profile
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Date Registered: 12-2005
Location: Northern NSW
TOTAL POSTS: 103
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Re: Handling modifications


Alright, just to clear this up.

This is not part of a 'Whiteline kit' yet. Rich, as your probably aware, Whiteline deal with a few suppliers to supply components and I am dealing with one of those suppliers, Super Pro Please keep this under your hat, as we do not want another polyurethane manufacturer coming in an stealing this idea.

Rich, You probably had a similiar kit fitted to the N15... It would have looked like a horseshoe of solid polyurethane, with a hole closer to one side??

This is not a swaybar but an offset castor bush, with the ability to reduce front end lift on hard acceleration. Lift on hard acceleration is what causes the most tyre wear and reduces traction, while improved Castor improves turn-in response.

The GT comes with front and rear swaybars standard, so 'guinea pigs' without an aftermarket swaybar would be great.

Basically, the rubber bush has a lot of movement so cornering and even highway speeds cause this rubber to deform. Once deformed, you will most like affect your static 'toe-in' wheel alignment. For more info, check out the 'Products' menu on the Whiteline site, then 'Whiteline Alignment Products' and read the article: "So what do they do and why are they important?"

Without giving too much away, there will be 3 positions. If you wish to keep it in the standard position at all times for the sake of removing the movement of the rubber bush, that will be fine. Of course, the performance position will offer + castor and anti-lift properties. The Off-road position will increase lift properties with standard castor settings(for the time being)

Obviously, Super-Pro will be supplying this kit to Whiteline and Whiteline will eventually offer a complete handling kit to suit the X-Trail. Not many X-Trails have had a reason to upgrade the lot... yet.

Noel & waky53: I can probably arrange for delivery to you. Will let you know how the kit develops and give you all my feedback.

Brett72: As nobody has done much to the X-Trail, I used universal bushes to replace all the suspension links. Pretty cheap parts as they are generic, just had to match up sizes to fit them. I can compile a list of what part numbers I used and for which bush/linkage, if you like? I spent a saturday morning from 9~1 with a meal break and plenty of measuring to replace all suspension bushes. Expect around 3.5 hours for your local mechanic to complete...

basshead: Suspension travel with this bush fitted will not be compromised. The lower control arm rear 'pivot' point is being moved / solidified. Although, the swaybar is likely to restrict independant wheel travel.

Last edited by blackxtrailgt, 19/Jan/2006, 10:56 am


---
Nissan X-Trail GT ~ SR20VET, producing 253Kw@wheels on 15psi and living with my uncle(its new owner) on the Sydney North Shore :D

ME?:
Smashed Twin Turbo VY SS Ute work hack
Heavily modified VQ35 powered N14 Pulsar - 350Hp@front wheels
19/Jan/2006, 8:40 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
Rybky Profile
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Date Registered: 08-2005
Location: Sydney
TOTAL POSTS: 542
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Re: Handling modifications


Matt,

I would be interested in trying this out for you. I currently have the Whiteline rear sway bar and a full set of Koni adjustable shocks, other than that I have not done any other mods to the suspension.

I have a "Spirited" driving style and do not go off road these days.

Based in Sydney.

If you think I would be a good candidate then drop me a PM email.

- Adam


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- Adam (MY04 Titanium Ti-L)
Full Hi-Tech exhaust,Koni shocks,Whiteline rear s/bar,front strut bar,K&N filter,eyelids,Pioneer DVD+iPod+Veh Dynamics+rear view camera
19/Jan/2006, 11:52 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
Rybky Profile
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Date Registered: 08-2005
Location: Sydney
TOTAL POSTS: 542
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Re: Handling modifications


Matt,

Just wondering if you had another taker for this or not?

This is something I could be interested in even if I am not suitable guinea pig material. emoticon

- Adam

---
- Adam (MY04 Titanium Ti-L)
Full Hi-Tech exhaust,Koni shocks,Whiteline rear s/bar,front strut bar,K&N filter,eyelids,Pioneer DVD+iPod+Veh Dynamics+rear view camera
24/Jan/2006, 3:45 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
blackxtrailgt Profile
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Date Registered: 12-2005
Location: Northern NSW
TOTAL POSTS: 103
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Re: Handling modifications


Rybky, Noel and waky53:
I am hoping to make you all the guinea pigs on this, I am still trialing the effectiveness of my own kit for a few weeks, so that we can be assured of ADR approval for testing and determining optimum settings for each position.

Will keep you posted.

Matt

---
Nissan X-Trail GT ~ SR20VET, producing 253Kw@wheels on 15psi and living with my uncle(its new owner) on the Sydney North Shore :D

ME?:
Smashed Twin Turbo VY SS Ute work hack
Heavily modified VQ35 powered N14 Pulsar - 350Hp@front wheels
25/Jan/2006, 10:13 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 


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