I noticed, there is very little information related to "non straight line performance" on rekless, so I figured it would be a good idea to combine a few links to the sources that are related to either modifying suspension, or non-straight line fast driving and post them together in one thread. I have also posted the links to local autocross organizations for those who are interested in starting to autocross.

To start it off, here are a few widely known tips: (more detailed information can be found in the links)

Modding:

• Good tires is the best mod you can do.
• Do not lower the car by more than 2 inches.
• Stiffer is better only on smooth roads
• There is a lot more to suspension modding than upgrading springs, struts and sway bar.

Driving:

• Look (and think) as far ahead as possible but be aware of what’s going on close to where you are.
• It is better to go into a corner slow and come out fast, rather than vice versa.
• If you are recovering from a skid, look where you want the car to go, not at the objects that you might hit.

Links:

Modding/Tuning:

General Maxima Handling Mod site:
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaHandling

Suspension secrets -part 1 (modifying & tuning FWD vehicles) - a must read for everyone
http://www.whiteline.com.au/docs/art...sp_01_0202.pdf

How sway bars work, and why people use them
http://www.houseofthud.com/cartech/swaybars.htm

Handling Tuning Table
http://turnfast.com/tech_handling/ha...ingtable.shtml


Making It Stick - slightly more advanced handling information

Part 1:http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/te...ing_cornering/

Part 2: http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/nis...k-part-ii.html

Part 3: http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/nis...-part-iii.html

Part 4: http://www.whiteline.com.au/articles..._Align4_01.htm

Other suspension related links (by Puppetmaster on maxima.org)
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=477415



Skills:

Driving techniques:
http://www.willraceforfood.com/articles/articles.htm - this is essentially all you need, besides practice, to be a fast and safe driver

http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/driving.shtml

Good article called “How to not drive like an idiot:”
http://www.superstreetonline.com/howto/3088/index.html

Winter driving school:
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...ool/index.html



Where to practice:

Professional racing schools directory: (expect to pay anywhere between $400 and $5000) http://www.racingschools.com/rs/

Affordable schools that travel across the country: (Note: some of those sites might be under construction during the fall and winter)

Rev it up: revitup.com

Zoom Zoom live: https://www.zoomzoomlive.com/

BMW Ultimate Driving Experience: http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/...DE/default.htm

Autocross: (what most people do)

Events in Englishtown, NJ: http://autox4u.com/nnjr.htm

Events at Nassau coliseum, Long Island, NY: http://autox4u.com/nyr.htm

Event search: myautoevents.com


Recommended reading:

Going Faster!
Mastering the art of race driving. The Skip Barber Racing School Carl Lopez and Danny Sullivan (really recommended)

Speed Secrets
Professional race driving techniques. by Ross Bentley

More Info:

http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

More road course information. This is the curriculum from the White Mountain BMW CCA:

http://www.wmc-bmwcca.org/documents/curriculum.pdf

Lots of information on www.corner-carvers.com as well. But beware if you post, they aren't too kind to newbies who don't use the "search" function.

Recommended local MA autox events, you can find information for here:

www.boston-bmwcca.org
www.svtoa.org
www.ner.org

The bullets in the first post suck. Every car is different. Some cars just want tires, others need different things like shocks. Some cars can go 2+ inches, some you don't want to even bother lowering.

There's more to suspension than just stiff and not stiff. It's a big balancing act to keep the tire contact patch on the pavement as much as possible.

i agree