The early 2000s was a great time to own a sporty sedan. Regular people at that time were usually looking for cars that are good for daily driving, while others want something more aggressive and assertive.
Among the choices back in the day were vehicles like the Honda Accord, BMW M3 SMG, and the most popular of them all, the Honda Civic. However, there’s one underrated player amongst the bunch, which sports some pretty impressive features but hasn’t received enough attention for some reason.
The car we’re talking about here is the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. We know the name is a mouthful, but it has some pretty impressive functionalities that a car enthusiast would be happier to tinker with.
This car is the more aggressive, testosterone-fueled version of that time’s Nissan Sentra. It’s equipped with a decently powerful QR25DE engine capable of producing 175hp.
This feature was quite impressive at the time, but what really separates the SE-R Spec V from the run-of-the-mill base Sentra is its stiffer suspension.
This upgrade in suspension is one of the reasons why enthusiasts would like to grab one of these cars whenever they can. Aside from that, it’s pretty cheap too, so it’s a perfect candidate for a project car.
Modifying it is an ideal proposition for many enthusiasts because of its affordability and good aftermarket support on its back. One of the most common modifications that touch the SE-R Spec V is lowering springs.
What Are Lowering Springs?
Lowering springs are one of those suspension upgrades that offer visible and functional changes to a car. It’s a straightforward modification that can lower your vehicle up to a certain height.
These are the upgrade of choice for people who want to lower their cars without giving too much concern about the vehicle’s handling. It may lack adjustability features that most enthusiasts wish to, but for the budget-restricted gear head who just wants something decent for aggressive driving, then lowering springs are enough.
For the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V’s case, lowering springs can eliminate those ghastly fender gaps that ruin the vehicle’s contemporary but domineering look.
Contrary to popular belief, your car’s ride quality will not turn as sour as you think because some aftermarket springs maintain the current comfy ride quality you already have in your vehicle.
If you’re in the market for some lowering springs for your Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, then we’ve got a treat for you. Below are the best Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V lowering springs your money can buy.
#1 Tein S.Tech Spring Kit
- Manufacturer: Tein
- Part Number: SKP02-AUB00
- Ride Height Reduction (F/R): 1.5”
- Vehicle Fitment: Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (2002-2006)
Perhaps the prevailing reason why car enthusiasts want lowering springs is to dress up and style their cars. A nicely lowered vehicle like the SE-R Spec V is indeed a sight for sore eyes. Tein understands how awesome Japanese cars look when slammed to the ground
That’s why they created the S.Tech Spring Kit. This set of lowering springs is capable of giving your vehicle a more aggressive appearance, thanks to its capability to drop the car by 1.5”.
That newfound change in height goes along with an increased road holding ability.
Made from chrome-vanadium, the Tein S.Tech lowering springs have impressive fatigue properties and are guaranteed to resist sagging. Its progressive spring rate design lets you enjoy smooth rides over bumps, potholes, and even hard corners.
What’s more, the package includes some rubber silencers to eliminate coil slap and reduce the annoying noise the springs may create. It even has a nice green powder coating finish for extra style points!
The Tein S.Tech Springs Kit went through rigorous road testing in North America to see viability for U.S. roads. And lo and behold, these springs rode well! Tein backs this kit with a 1-Year Defect and Sag Warranty, just in case it fails for some reason.
Tein S.Tech Spring Kit Features:
- Made from SAE9254V Chrome Vanadium alloy
- Uses progressive spring rate design
- Comes with silencer rubbers
- Works well with OEM dampers
- Guaranteed not to sag for more than 5mm
- Backed by Tein 1-Year Manufacturer Defect and Sag Warranty
#2 Tanabe DF210 Dress-Up Form Springs
- Manufacturer: Tanabe USA
- Part Number: TDF055
- Ride Height Reduction (F/R): 1.8”
- Vehicle Fitment: Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (2002-2006)
Some people aren’t easily satisfied with slashing off a few inches off their car’s height. These kinds of enthusiasts are the people the Dress-Up Form Springs are made for.
According to Tanabe themselves, the DF210 springs offer the perfect drop and ideal balance; features that any enthusiast would want for their project cars. In a nutshell, these springs provide a massive reduction in ride height while maintaining the superb ride quality the SE-R Spec V is known for.
Such an aggressive drop will make the car look well dressed up indeed.
The term DF210 means Dress-Up Form 210. While the Dress-Up From refers to being stylish, the term 210 is rather peculiar. The 210 stands for the tensile strength of the springs, particularly 2100n/m, the highest strength rating by far for coil springs.S
trength and the capability to lower a car aggressively – a dangerous but enticing combo.
These springs can offer you excellent lowering, superb comfort, and good performance. Thanks to the Sustec 210 technology, you can enjoy driving a SE-R Spec V with more robust, thinner, and lighter springs.
And also, Tanabe made sure to increase its spring rate by 10-15% to compensate for the shortened amount of travel.
Tanabe DF210 Dress-Up Form Springs Features:
- Aggressive ride height drop (1.8”, front and rear)
- Made with Sustec 210 Technology
- Made from high tensile steel
- 10-15% increased spring rate
- Made for people who wants the lowest of drops
- Backed by Tanabe USA 3-Year Warranty
#3 Tanabe Sustec GF210 Performance Springs
- Manufacturer: Tanabe USA
- Part Number: TGF134
- Ride Height Reduction (F/R): 0.8”/1.0”
- Vehicle Fitment: Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (2002-2006)
There’s no doubt that most car enthusiasts like to get their cars lowered to make them look good. But some are eager to shrug off aesthetic appeal on the side in favor of performance.
If you’re with the latter group of people that wants to reap the maximum performance benefits from a set of performance lowering springs, then the Tanabe Sustec GF210 Performance Springs are for you.
This version of the Tanabe Sustec will give you a decent drop in ride height and maximum performance without compromising daily driving comfort.
So what does the GF210 bring to the table? First is a subtle drop in your car’s height to give it a more aggressive stance. These can lower your vehicle by 0.8” to the front and 1.0” to the back.
The second is excellent handling and vehicular stability. The Tanabe Sustec GF210 uses springs 20-30% stiffer than the stock, suitable for spirited street driving.
The main difference between the Tanabe Sustec DF210 and the GF210 is their applications. The DF210 cares more about slamming your car to the ground and giving it a more aggressive stance.
The GF210, on the other hand, allows you to enjoy a decently lowered SE-R Spec V that’s also fit for intensive driving purposes. So if you care more about putting yourself in a spot where you can drive better on the streets, then the Tanabe Sustec GF210 is the upgrade for you.
Tanabe Sustec GF210 Lowering Springs Features:
- Decent ride height drop (0.8” to front, 1.0” to the rear)
- Made with Sustec 210 Technology
- Made from high tensile steel
- Stiffer springs, 20-30% stiffer than stock
- Made for enthusiasts who prefer to drive spiritedly
- Backed by Tanabe USA 3-Year Warranty
#4 Godspeed Project Traction-S Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Godspeed Project
- Part Number: LS-TS-NN-0008
- Ride Height Reduction (F/R): 1.7”/1.0”
- Vehicle Fitment: Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (2002-2006)
Godspeed Project is usually the go-to aftermarket suspension parts manufacturer of car enthusiasts with slightly stricter budgets than usual. Their suspension upgrades may be cheap, but don’t underestimate them yet!
Their springs, particularly the Traction-S Performance Lowering Springs, can give you a pretty comfortable ride and a moderate height drop. Despite its price, many would consider that Godspeed and its springs are something worth taking note of.
The Traction-S Performance Lowering Springs provides all the essential things you need from a set of lowering springs. It enhances your car’s overall on-road performance by improving its capability to corner, enhancing its steering response, and making turn-ins quicker.
Godspeed Project made these springs in such a way that rattling, clunking , and even rubbing won’t exist, especially when the springs are pushed to the limit. They’re also made from cold wound SAE 9254 steel wire, a material known for its sag resistance.
It is then powder coated to eliminate any possibility for rusting and corrosion.
What’s more, these springs work well with the stock shocks already present in your car. However, if you want better road performance, we advise that you pair them with aftermarket performance shocks too.
In that way, you can fully enjoy a nicely lowered car that rides well and drives excellently.
If budget-friendly lowering springs are what you seek, then we’re pretty confident that you can never go wrong with the Godspeed Project Traction-S Performance Lowering Springs.
Godspeed Project Traction-S Performance Lowering Springs Features:
- Conservative spring rates (240lb/in to the front, 210lb/in to the rear)
- Budget-friendly
- Made from cold wound SAE 9254 steel wire
- Works well with OEM shocks
- Powder-coated for corrosion and rust resistance
- Backed by Godspeed Project 1-Year Warranty
#5 Megan Racing Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Megan Racing
- Part Number: MR-LS-NS02
- Ride Height Reduction (F/R): 2.0”
- Vehicle Fitment: Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (2002-2006)
Lowering your vehicle doesn’t always have to be expensive, don’t you agree? There are many aftermarket brands out there that offer decent lowering springs at an equally reasonable price.
Aftermarket parts providers like Megan Racing provide budget-restricted enthusiasts a chance to mod their car with cheap but reasonably reliable. Megan Racing’s lowering springs may be inexpensive, but it does its job pretty well.
The Megan Racing Lowering Springs can lower your SE-R Spec V aggressively. Compared to the Tanabe Sustec DF210 that only offers a 1.8” front and rear drop, this one proposes a 2.0” for both ends.
These lowering springs are pretty durable, too, thanks to the sag-resistant SAE 9254 wire and phosphate powder coating that keeps corrosion at bay. They also replace the stock springs and will work accordingly well with other OEM suspension components.
Many SE-R Spec V owners love the Megan Racing Lowering Springs because it rides pretty decently. What’s more, it’ll never put you in a position of worry because it’ll never let your car bottom out.
However, because many consider these springs “okay,” many prefer to go for better and pricier lowering springs.
Megan Racing Lowering Springs Features:
- Made from SAE 9254 cold wound steel wire
- Offers an aggressive drop
- Covered with phosphate powder coating for corrosion resistance
- Directly replaces OE springs
- Backed by Megan Racing 1-Year Warranty
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Lowering Springs: What to do After Installation
After removing the stock springs and replacing them with aftermarket ones, you now have to bring your car to a shop for alignment. This is crucial because you have to remove the shock absorbers first can replace a car’s springs.
And while doing so, you inevitably mess up with other suspension components like camber plates, which is a prime cause for misalignment.
Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t bring your car for a realignment immediately. This is because the new springs need to “settle in” first. What this means is that the shocks need to be more acquainted with the mounting points first.
The shocks need to work accordingly with already existing suspension components, like rubber isolators.
Before doing an alignment, try to drive your car around for about 10 to 20 miles. It may take you a day or even a week, depending on your driving.