Modest suspension mods of XLE V6 question for experts here

[Lkdog]

I have a 2007 Camry XLE V6.
It was suggested I test drive an SE V6.

Quite a difference in handling and fun factor. Really liked it.

My question is this:

If I do basic strutbar/RSB replacement and put on 17" wheels/tires and no other changes-how much of a handling improvement will I see and how close to an SE V6 setup?

Or is it better to just look for an SE V6?

Thanks.

[GT-R]

It's better to just look for an SE V6.

[Lkdog]

Originally Posted by GT-R

It's better to just look for an SE V6.

They sure look better.

[TRD-98TT]

I have to disagree with the above posts because it seems they are just focusing on looks when the question is about handling. If you get an aftermarket front upper strut bar (there is no OEM Toyota one for the Camry) and a rear lower sway bar (the SE one is 16mm so aftermarket will be bigger) say from Ultra Racing, then your handling will improve but the SE model still has two things that your XLE does not. One is the "V" brace that is right behind the upper portion of the rear seat (that is why the SE rear seats do not fold down) which acts like a rear upper strut bar. The second is I think the spring rates on the SE are a little stiffer than the XLE. Now you can upgrade your springs on the XLE, say install SE springs and it would help some (by the way I have the factory SE springs for sale) or you can actually lower the vehicle just a little with some aftermarket springs which will help the handling even more. It comes down to if you are happy with your XLE as an overall vehicle and just want to improve the handling, then stay with your XLE and upgrade the suspension components. Hope this helps.

-Ryan

[ImJustMe55]

Originally Posted by TRD-98TT

I have to disagree with the above posts because it seems they are just focusing on looks when the question is about handling. If you get an aftermarket front upper strut bar (there is no OEM Toyota one for the Camry) and a rear lower sway bar (the SE one is 16mm so aftermarket will be bigger) say from Ultra Racing, then your handling will improve but the SE model still has two things that your XLE does not. One is the "V" brace that is right behind the upper portion of the rear seat (that is why the SE rear seats do not fold down) which acts like a rear upper strut bar. The second is I think the spring rates on the SE are a little stiffer than the XLE. Now you can upgrade your springs on the XLE, say install SE springs and it would help some (by the way I have the factory SE springs for sale) or you can actually lower the vehicle just a little with some aftermarket springs which will help the handling even more. It comes down to if you are happy with your XLE as an overall vehicle and just want to improve the handling, then stay with your XLE and upgrade the suspension components. Hope this helps.

-Ryan

+1 I was going to say something similar to what TRD-98TT said until I read what he wrote so I won't be redundant. However the "V" brace is one thing that would be hard to add to the XLE. Contrary to some peoples beliefs rear strut tower braces can make a significant difference in a vehicles handling ability. Before I put on on my Sentra Spec-V all I had was a 25mm RSB and my back end whipped out like a rear wheel drive car. When I got the rear strut tower bar it calm my rear end down and made the car significantly more manageable.

[Vikja Manni]

Can you add the "V" brace to the XLE? My XLE's rear seats do not fold down, but they do recline. I'm not familiar with the SE option package so don't know if the rear seats recline or not. I've been toying with the idea of adding the "V" brace if its possible. My thought at this point is the recline feature may eliminate the option to add a "V" brace, but I'm not that intelligent on the subject..

I prefer the look of the XLE over the SE (the factory body kit doesn't do it for me), but there's no doubt which one handles better in the twisties!

[Lkdog]

Thanks for the detailed responses.
Have no doubt that the SE V6 suspension is a "system" with multiple engineered and integrated parts which make it different (better for handling) than the XLE.

I was just wondering if you could get 50% of the way there (or whatever percentage) with the modest mods I mentioned-or are you better off getting the real thing.

If it was just based upon looks-for me the SE is more attractive.
I picked up my XLE V6 at a good price this summer and am happy with it-but the handling has always been a slight weakness in the non-SE Camry's (my third one since 1994).

For some reason I never tried an SE.
Lesson learned for me.

My situation is to do modest mods to the XLE V6, or go through the process and probably increased expenses of selling the XLE, and buying an SE V6.

[Vikja Manni]

For what its worth, I went from a tight handling Accord to the 07 XLE. The Camry rides beautiful in a straight line and scares the crap outa me in the turns. I added the front strut tower brace and 19mm rear sway bar and it feels much, much better. Prob not as good as an SE (hence my questions regarding the "V" brace) but still a vast improvement over a stock XLE.

[Lkdog]

Originally Posted by Vikja Manni

For what its worth, I went from a tight handling Accord to the 07 XLE. The Camry rides beautiful in a straight line and scares the crap outa me in the turns. I added the front strut tower brace and 19mm rear sway bar and it feels much, much better. Prob not as good as an SE (hence my questions regarding the "V" brace) but still a vast improvement over a stock XLE.

Thanks for the input. Good info.

I test drove a 2010 Accord Ex-L V6.
Handled very well and the interior and body were quite good.
Weak V6 IMO, though.
Road noise was surprisingly high for a $30K sedan also.

[ImJustMe55]

If you already have the V6 XLE then why waist the time trying to find a V6 SE in hopes that they will give you a 1 for 1 swap? I would just stick with the XLE and replace the parts that you want to replace for better handling. Ultra Racing has some good chassis braces and you can always get after market springs or even coilovers if you really wanted to go that far.

[ImJustMe55]

About the "V" brace, anythings possible with enough money and/or knowledge. I haven't really looked too deep into it though because I have the SE. Sorry

[njerald]

The XLE's have the V brace regardless of what the previous clowns have said.

Add the 19mm RSB for the biggest effect, the front strut bar doesn't do much except for looks.

[1956kiteboarder]

The SE's chassis benefits from unique sport tuning, with 15-percent-higher spring rates, special shocks that offer up to 50-percent-firmer damping at low piston speeds, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, and stiffer bushings on the rear suspension arms. In addition, there are body reinforcements not seen on lesser Camrys, including an underfloor brace, a V-brace behind the rear seatback (precluding the folding rear seats available in other Camrys), and thicker body-side brackets.

[Lkdog]

Originally Posted by njerald

The XLE's have the V brace regardless of what the previous clowns have said.

Add the 19mm RSB for the biggest effect, the front strut bar doesn't do much except for looks.

What was the level of improvement in handling in your opinion?
You are the guy who got me to look into this more!

Thanks.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by Lkdog

What was the level of improvement in handling in your opinion?
You are the guy who got me to look into this more!

Thanks.

It won't handle as good as an SE but it will come close with a better ride.

I don't mind a stiffer ride but I wanted the XLE features so I purchased one.

Cornering it is a 100% improvement, flatter and less lean. No effect in a straight line.

The bigger RSB would help an SE in the same way.