thanks everyone, but FEW more questions...really sorry =D

[wannaupgradesolarabad]

Ok so here is what i think i'm gonna go with on my car:

Pro1's 9006 Fog
Blue Domelight
Pretty sure the Xerd CAI (u guys rock for leading me to that)
Tokico Shocks

But here are my questions:
(this is prolly a dumb question) what exactly do struts do and should I get them? if so, which are best? Same questions for shocks as well.

I need more responsive brakes...what should I get replaced/upgraded and which manufacturer?

Thanks again

[Mole]

well for brakes, there is a Rotora big brake upgrade GB list that is going on over at teamsc3.com (13.2 disc with 4 piston)

Struts are what absorbs the road inperfections. ie bumps dips etc. tokicos are the only aftermarket ones out for solaras that are able to handle the lowerings.

[wannaupgradesolarabad]

well, i don't wanna lower them i jus need shocks that are smoother b/c my rims make the ride pretty bumpy =/ So should i jus stick to the stock springs?

[wannaupgradesolarabad]

also, will replacing brakes interfere w/ my abs? or is that something TOTALLY diff?

[hari-bhari]

well, i don't wanna lower them i jus need shocks that are smoother b/c my rims make the ride pretty bumpy =/ So should i jus stick to the stock springs?

how big are your rims? most of the time ull want to lower the car after getting rims. the part that does the actual lowering are the eibach springs, they make your car sit lower. however, using the springs in conjunction with the stock struts will give you poor ride quality, because the gas inside will be compressed beyonds its normal level already, leading to less absorption of bumps and a bouncy ride. that is why people recommend the tokico struts at the same time you get your lowering springs, so there is minimal sacrifice in ride quality, and you dont have to pay for installation again when you blow your OEM struts.

[SammySolara]

Hey! wannaupgradesolarabad, don't be sorry for your questions... that's what we are here for-- to help out other Solara owners .

Oh, by the way: Sign up and you can have tons more fun

[WTF??]

In order for you to stick to the "comfortable ride" stay with the stock shocks and springs... the reason being is that theyre softer for the luxury ride and not performance... upgrading to tokico gas shocks will give you a stiffer ride which will lead to more handling... do more research into the tires/rims/tire pressure and youll even get more comfort

sumone wanna back me up on this?

[TXSolaraSLE]

In order for you to stick to the "comfortable ride" stay with the stock shocks and springs...
sumone wanna back me up on this?

like solara nytez said, you're not going to find a more "comfortable" ride with aftermarket parts, because they're all designed for performance. performance = stiffer springs = less "comfortable" ride quality. From what you've said, it sounds like the only reason you would need to spend any money on suspension is if your struts are bad and need to be replaced. as for the rest of your stuff, there's lots already posted if you use the search function

[mlimin]

for the big brake kit you will have to find the right offset wheel. I got brembo big brake kit, and it just pain in the... to find the right offset. I ends up sell my tsw rims and get racing hart just to fit that giant brake. Even with the new wheel I still need to add 5 mm spacer, but the brake really make big difference.

[wannaupgradesolarabad]

well, i don't wanna lower them i jus need shocks that are smoother b/c my rims make the ride pretty bumpy =/ So should i jus stick to the stock springs?

how big are your rims? most of the time ull want to lower the car after getting rims. the part that does the actual lowering are the eibach springs, they make your car sit lower. however, using the springs in conjunction with the stock struts will give you poor ride quality, because the gas inside will be compressed beyonds its normal level already, leading to less absorption of bumps and a bouncy ride. that is why people recommend the tokico struts at the same time you get your lowering springs, so there is minimal sacrifice in ride quality, and you dont have to pay for installation again when you blow your OEM struts.

my rims are 17" trd's...the red capped rims.

[Guest]

for the big brake kit you will have to find the right offset wheel. I got brembo big brake kit, and it just pain in the... to find the right offset. I ends up sell my tsw rims and get racing hart just to fit that giant brake. Even with the new wheel I still need to add 5 mm spacer, but the brake really make big difference.

how can u figure that out?

[WTF??]

u got the trd rims... but didnt lower the car and still want a more comfy ride?

Am i the only one whos confused?!?

[Guest]

u got the trd rims... but didnt lower the car and still want a more comfy ride?

Am i the only one whos confused?!?

haha, sorry...I bought this car used w/ the rims so the former owner MITE have lowered it, but it looks about level w/ stock solara's i've seen. Anyways, if the stock shocks are the comfiest option i'll stick w/ those. So i guess my only real question is what brakes are really worth it.

[xXsolaraXx]

well for brakes, there is a Rotora big brake upgrade GB list that is going on over at teamsc3.com (13.2 disc with 4 piston)

Struts are what absorbs the road inperfections. ie bumps dips etc. tokicos are the only aftermarket ones out for solaras that are able to handle the lowerings.

by the way KYB also make struts for the solara!

[impactX]

well for brakes, there is a Rotora big brake upgrade GB list that is going on over at teamsc3.com (13.2 disc with 4 piston)

Struts are what absorbs the road inperfections. ie bumps dips etc. tokicos are the only aftermarket ones out for solaras that are able to handle the lowerings.

by the way KYB also make struts for the solara!

IMO, Bilstein > Tokico > KYB (non AGX)