Yeah I also have the same problem as you. I experience the clunking sound too when I bought my car. However it came after I bought it. My car was never lowerd so it can't be that. I still have to figure out the problem.

 

The clunking nosie is most likely your Tension Rod. The factory tension rod is filled with a liquid that over time leaks out and when this happens the rod becomes unstable. The clunking noise is from when you are turning the rod is actually moving causing this noise. There are a couple of options you have 1) replace the bushing with a Nismo unit which is harder but not to stiff. 2) go with a Energy suspension/whiteline bushing which is much stiffer or 3) to go all out with either a Tein/Jic/Spl or any other number of companies that makes a comlete replacement for the tension rod I would recommend the last of these options b/c upgraded units use spherical bushings and much thicker metal rods. You will also be able to adjust these rods where as the Bushings you cannot. Now there could be another problem but 99% it is the Tension rod...Stubby

 

is there anyone that can clean/refurbish the exhaust/tip so it looks nice again? If so, how much does that kinda stuff generally cost?

Also, since I raised the car up (still lowered) from what he had it at, it seems like the handling has taken a heavy hit. Is this normal?

Thank you in advance! I know I may come off as.. stupid.. but I'm honestly trying to learn about my car and not go about being a jackass.

Well as far as your dent on the exhaust tip the best you'll do is have an exhaust shop use the same machine they use to expand pipes from 1" to 1.25", not really alot to play with, though even that would'nt be worth time or effort in my opinion, :12dunno just get another muffler, as far as the handling after raising the car it comes down to logistics, the higher center of gravity your vehicle has the worse it will perform when cornering, ever wonder why formula cars zip through tight curves at 80-100 mph?? the driver sits at level with the tires, so raising your car even an inch will make a difference when cornering and handling. You'll have to do what I plan to do, get adjustable TEIN (or any) suspension so at the track you lower it (if thats your intent) and raise it when on the streets.

 

Replace the tension rod.
My S14 did that. I ordered the rod from Tein, then, a week before I got it, some bitch ran me off the road and totalled my S14.

 

Thanks for the responses, guys. I'm gonna look into replacing the tension rod to alleviate that one problem.

As far as the exhaust goes.. are there additional tips for that? I know they do make replacement exhaust tips, but I wasn't sure if there was anything out there to replace what's on my NurSpec.. and I wasn't sure if it was considered to be overly ricey. :\ I just want my muffler cleaned up and looking nice again, heh.

 

I would (A) go to a machine shop and get them to do an appraisel on fixing the tip, or (B) see if someone could get an exact copy of the tip and weld it on cleanly...

go with option A first. good luck dude