A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I actually like the harsh sports car ride of my new Z Roadster, but I've started to develop back pain. Is there a way to soften the suspension?
Jim in Long Beach, CA
A:
It's all part of the joy of having a sports car. If you think the 350z is rough then you would really hate a first gen Z, especially one with an upgraded suspension like most have.
1977 280z: Intake, exhaust, high flow cat, header, euro damper, cam, MSD, adj. FPR, 3.7 lsd, F+R sway+strut bars, 2580lbs
1984 300zx: intake, exhuast, high flow cat, headers, JWT ECU, F+R sway bars, F strut bar
06 WRX TR
A:
Thanks for the input ezee. I've been considering the same thing. I heard that the '04's have slightly different spring rates anyway. Did you replace all 4 springs and shocks? Would you please tell us a little more about your experience, i.e. costs for parts and installation, or time req'd. for DIY'ers. Thanks!
A:
I've installed the new yellow Koni SA (single adjustable) shocks especially created for the 350z.
They are just what you're looking for, about $730 + shipping + installation.
I bought mine at http://www.350evo.com/:
https://www.350evo.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=103&osCsid=69a0662807df426baaf13ca2f68c565f
Also see this thread: http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68250
LeMans Sunset 2003 Enthusiast
A:
The suspension doesn't need softening. It needs properly valved shocks. The Koni's Jim mentioned above should take care of the bounce. I bought my shocks from BJ at www.350evo.com too. I think he has two sets left.
Mark
'71 240Z White 904
VIN HLS3022975
'78 280Z Wine Red Metallic 611
VIN HLS30468702
IZCC #13834 CZC #5664
'03 350Z PPW Track
VIN JN1AZ######109339
Koni SA Sport shocks
350EVO sways
A:
Back pain from the stiff suspension of the Z?now that is funny.
A:
I had an 03 but traded it in for an 04. The suspension onthe 04 is softer which is great for everyday driving but it has a little more sway when doing tight turns. I'd like to make it stiffer but still keep the smoothness during everyday driving. Will the Koni's do that?
A:
Adjustable Koni's will help but many people on My350Z.com have been very happy with a bigger swaybar, like Nismo makes. Also, understeer seems to be reduced.
A:
I don’t track my `03 Enthusiast Z, so ultimate performance is not a goal for me, I want a car that’s fun and daily drivability. The Tein springs (at all 4 wheels) and Hotchkis sway bars were installed at the same time by a Nissan dealer, took them about 4 hours. Including shipping, springs cost about $200, bars another $300, you can do better if you shop around.
I was concerned that the springs alone would increase understeer hence the sway bars which are set full soft front and rear. Turn-in response is quicker and more precise, understeer is reduced, balance and grip are excellent. I measured ride height before and after, the drop is almost unmeasurable, less than 1/4 inch.
The ride feels much the same, still very firm except the harshness is gone, body roll feels the same (almost none), braking remains unchanged (excellent).
It’s clear that the Z’s "ripple-control" shocks are the cause of the bouncing, much of it is gone but there’s some left, maybe they should be called "controlled-ripple" shocks for all the good they do.
My biggest concern with this car is tire wear. I haven’t experienced uneven tire wear (feathering), but I’ve worn out 2 sets of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S rear tires in less than 15k miles, maybe it’s the roads around here. Wheel alignment has been done twice, everything within spec. I hope the softer springs will help reduce tire wear. I ordered the yellow Koni Sport adjustable shocks (front and rear, $680 shipped) hoping they’ll eliminate the rest of the bouncing and allow me to soften up the ride a tad more, initially they’ll be set full soft which also may help reduce tire wear.
I probably gave up some at-the-limit performance for a huge dose of daily drivability. The car is much more enjoyable to drive now, for me the ride is superior to the stock ride. I think the Koni shocks will be the icing on Z cake.
2003 Enthusiast 350Z
Hotchkis sway bars
Tein H.Tech springs
Clear bra
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
Post Edited (May 6, 8:16am)