Need new shocks to go with lowering springs
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Need new shocks to go with lowering springs
I have a 04 350z with Tein green lowering springs. I nees to replace the stock front and rear shocks. Is there a shock that has more travel or are stock ok. Car does a few track a year.
#2
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
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Best Performance class shocks (non-coilover)
Bilstein B8 (for lowered applications, else B6) - for best all 'round performance, comfort, street or track. $1000 range
Koni Sport "Yellows" - Right up there with Bilstein but relatively uncomfortable even at softest setting BUT added plus is adjustability for track and street tuning to springs/wheel & tire setup. $1000 range
Tokico DSpec - Great shock with adjustability but spotty availability, if at all. ~$700 range
Tokico HP "Blue" - Decent street performance shock $500 range.
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DesertSleeper (12-04-2015)
#4
New Member
UPDATE: Looks like CZP has them in stock now.
https://my350z.com/forum/suspension/...shock-set.html
Last edited by CJs_Z33; 12-07-2015 at 09:05 AM.
#5
New Member
Hi Mike,
I installed Tein S-Tech Springs springs and went with Bilstein B8 shocks. I really like this setup. The Tein S-Tech Springs are a little light (“springy”), but the Bilstei8n B8 shocks make up for this. This combination (Tein S-Tech springs and Bilstein B8 shocks) provides a very comfortable ride (much better than stock) with superior handling. That description sounds like a paradox, but it’s true.
I think a better solution for springs and shocks might be combining Swift springs with Bilstein B8 shocks.
I installed Tein S-Tech Springs springs and went with Bilstein B8 shocks. I really like this setup. The Tein S-Tech Springs are a little light (“springy”), but the Bilstei8n B8 shocks make up for this. This combination (Tein S-Tech springs and Bilstein B8 shocks) provides a very comfortable ride (much better than stock) with superior handling. That description sounds like a paradox, but it’s true.
I think a better solution for springs and shocks might be combining Swift springs with Bilstein B8 shocks.
#6
New Member
iTrader: (10)
Hi Mike,
I installed Tein S-Tech Springs springs and went with Bilstein B8 shocks. I really like this setup. The Tein S-Tech Springs are a little light (“springy”), but the Bilstei8n B8 shocks make up for this. This combination (Tein S-Tech springs and Bilstein B8 shocks) provides a very comfortable ride (much better than stock) with superior handling. That description sounds like a paradox, but it’s true.
I think a better solution for springs and shocks might be combining Swift springs with Bilstein B8 shocks.
I installed Tein S-Tech Springs springs and went with Bilstein B8 shocks. I really like this setup. The Tein S-Tech Springs are a little light (“springy”), but the Bilstei8n B8 shocks make up for this. This combination (Tein S-Tech springs and Bilstein B8 shocks) provides a very comfortable ride (much better than stock) with superior handling. That description sounds like a paradox, but it’s true.
I think a better solution for springs and shocks might be combining Swift springs with Bilstein B8 shocks.
Shock wise, D-spec hands down, outstanding shock that for this car has one of the best ride and drive workouts I've experienced. The Koni's are a better performance shock, but with a fair amount of low speed compression dampning, as mentioned they are not as comfortable. And remember, Koni's adjust rebound only.
Bilstein makes a excellent shock, but here Tokico nailed their R&D.
Tein S-tech 350Z springs .7“.6“ (fronts are slightly progressive, rears are linear)Spring rates in LBS 386/402 (estimated front intial rate is 327lbs)
Swift 350Z linear springs .8”/.6”
Spring rates in LBS 336/364
Last edited by Gsedan35; 12-14-2015 at 10:16 PM.
#8
New Member
I give the swifts props for being a linear spring in a conversation where the op mentions a few track days a year. However, I'm not a fan of removing ride height with little to no increase in spring stiffness. The S-techs add stiffness vs oem, especiall in the front, IMO it's the best performance spring you can buy for the car.
Shock wise, D-spec hands down, outstanding shock that for this car has one of the best ride and drive workouts I've experienced. The Koni's are a better performance shock, but with a fair amount of low speed compression dampning, as mentioned they are not as comfortable. And remember, Koni's adjust rebound only.
Bilstein makes a excellent shock, but here Tokico nailed their R&D.
Tein S-tech 350Z springs .7“.6“ (fronts are slightly progressive, rears are linear)Spring rates in LBS 386/402 (estimated front intial rate is 327lbs)
Swift 350Z linear springs .8”/.6”
Spring rates in LBS 336/364
Shock wise, D-spec hands down, outstanding shock that for this car has one of the best ride and drive workouts I've experienced. The Koni's are a better performance shock, but with a fair amount of low speed compression dampning, as mentioned they are not as comfortable. And remember, Koni's adjust rebound only.
Bilstein makes a excellent shock, but here Tokico nailed their R&D.
Tein S-tech 350Z springs .7“.6“ (fronts are slightly progressive, rears are linear)Spring rates in LBS 386/402 (estimated front intial rate is 327lbs)
Swift 350Z linear springs .8”/.6”
Spring rates in LBS 336/364
Can you elaborate a little more on why you should go with stiffer springs when lowering your car? I understand theres less wheel travel but the drop is minimal. Its not like we are tucking wheels. I have yet to see someone bottom out on lowering springs.
Last edited by CJs_Z33; 12-17-2015 at 10:12 AM.
#9
New Member
^^ Gsedan35 is not responding to your query, so I’ll take a run at the question.
There is no need to go with “stiffer” springs when lowering your car; the reason is exactly what you describe; you won’t “bottom out.”
There is no need to go with “stiffer” springs when lowering your car; the reason is exactly what you describe; you won’t “bottom out.”
Last edited by Spike100; 12-17-2015 at 06:45 PM.
#10
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
If you made a set of stock height springs with the same materials (spring rate) as the lowering springs, they'd be REALLY stiff. Sounds pretty obvious, yes? And actually it is. There's no real magic in building a set of coil springs for a car. Just have to know what rate is needed.
Last edited by MicVelo; 12-17-2015 at 08:03 PM. Reason: speling errur
#11
New Member
Keep in mind that your lower springs are and have to be stiffer because they're shorter and therefore, have to have a higher spring rate to hold up the car like the originals did. Numbers (compression and rebound rates) may be the same but the physical springs have to be thicker to take up the slack of being shorter.
If you made a set of stock height springs with the same materials (spring rate) as the lowering springs, they'd be REALLY stiff. Sounds pretty obvious, yes? And actually it is. There's no real magic in building a set of coil springs for a car. Just have to know what rate is needed.
If you made a set of stock height springs with the same materials (spring rate) as the lowering springs, they'd be REALLY stiff. Sounds pretty obvious, yes? And actually it is. There's no real magic in building a set of coil springs for a car. Just have to know what rate is needed.
#13
Super Moderator
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Let's say we have 3 inches of up travel in stock form. You lower the car 1 inch, that is 1/3 of your available travel. You don't have to raise your spring rate by 33% , but bumping up the rate a bit would be nice.
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CJs_Z33 (12-20-2015)
#14
New Member
Vehicles actually bottom out all the time. My Grand Cherokee and Sienna show bump stop engagement every time I look. My Z is a lot less prone, but my spring rates are very high.
Let's say we have 3 inches of up travel in stock form. You lower the car 1 inch, that is 1/3 of your available travel. You don't have to raise your spring rate by 33% , but bumping up the rate a bit would be nice.
Let's say we have 3 inches of up travel in stock form. You lower the car 1 inch, that is 1/3 of your available travel. You don't have to raise your spring rate by 33% , but bumping up the rate a bit would be nice.
Last edited by CJs_Z33; 12-20-2015 at 12:52 PM.
#15
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
If you are indeed engaging the bump stops, you definitely need new shocks. Springs not so much. Yes, they fatigue, but shocks wear out faster.
#16
New Member
Depends on your shocks. That's what they're there for, to control the springs. Dead shocks, doesn't take a lot to compress the springs.
If you are indeed engaging the bump stops, you definitely need new shocks. Springs not so much. Yes, they fatigue, but shocks wear out faster.
If you are indeed engaging the bump stops, you definitely need new shocks. Springs not so much. Yes, they fatigue, but shocks wear out faster.
My argument is you dont have to run stiffer springs if the drop is minor. Im lowered 1.5" all around and have yet to buttom out. Another thing is don't go fast on the bumps running stock rated lowering springs or like Len said just run stiffer springs. Obviously with both setups run appropriate shocks/struts for your set up to help with ride quality.
Last edited by CJs_Z33; 12-21-2015 at 06:26 PM.
#17
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We are talking about at stock form assuming everything is good shocks, tires, etc. How fast do you have to go and how big of a bump does it have to be for a stock z to button out. I didn't know theres that much suspension up travel at stock form, cause I'm a normal person, and slow down at bumps haha. But I understand sometimes people don't see it coming.
My argument is you dont have to run stiffer springs if the drop is minor. Im lowered 1.5" all around and have yet to buttom out. Another thing is don't go fast on the bumps running stock rated lowering springs or like Len said just run stiffer springs. Obviously with both setups run appropriate shocks/struts for your set up to help with ride quality.
My argument is you dont have to run stiffer springs if the drop is minor. Im lowered 1.5" all around and have yet to buttom out. Another thing is don't go fast on the bumps running stock rated lowering springs or like Len said just run stiffer springs. Obviously with both setups run appropriate shocks/struts for your set up to help with ride quality.
The Van and Jeep are easy to tell, lots of travel and you can just feel the travel stop. I wish both of them had a hair more compression dampening. I need to call Bilstien, they just updated the shocks for my Jeep, I know this cause my dads Grand Cherokee is the test vehicle.
Lamb heading north just shy of the 215 is a great suspension tester.
#18
New Member
The Z has soft stops , I bet you hit and just dont know.
The Van and Jeep are easy to tell, lots of travel and you can just feel the travel stop. I wish both of them had a hair more compression dampening. I need to call Bilstien, they just updated the shocks for my Jeep, I know this cause my dads Grand Cherokee is the test vehicle.
Lamb heading north just shy of the 215 is a great suspension tester.
The Van and Jeep are easy to tell, lots of travel and you can just feel the travel stop. I wish both of them had a hair more compression dampening. I need to call Bilstien, they just updated the shocks for my Jeep, I know this cause my dads Grand Cherokee is the test vehicle.
Lamb heading north just shy of the 215 is a great suspension tester.
Last edited by CJs_Z33; 12-22-2015 at 12:03 AM.
#19
New Member
iTrader: (10)
And as a reminder I have run the following setups and most of them were run on a shock dyno.
Ohlins coilover
as delivered springs
Bilstein Pss9 coilover (best comfort system)
as delivered springs
Bilstein Pss9 revalved (my biggest modification mistake of all time, see my sig)
500/450
500/427
Truechoice phase 4 (satin on the highway, but man did it deliver handling)
500/427
650/427
Koni sport (Tein tapered front springs custom lower mounts)
448/427
448/342
oem 2003 350z (bounce and freeway porposing and all)
Koni sport
Tein Htech
Tokico D-spec springs
Monroe oem spec (actually these were not bad up to 8/10's)
Tein S-tech
Megan coilovers
^Ok I was given them for free to test. They were so ruthlessly bad I wanted to park, tear them from the car and toss them in a dumpster. Then I wised up, ordered softer front springs and retested. I sold them to cover the cost of the new springs and shipping. And yes if the softer springs didn't work I would have tossed them.
Plus a few I'm sure I'm forgetting.
Last edited by Gsedan35; 12-21-2015 at 10:51 PM. Reason: typos
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terrasmak (12-22-2015)
#20
New Member
Tein claims using superior materials (i.e., steel) that provide a superior product. Their claim is backed by the fact that a renegade company produced counterfeit “Tein Springs” that broke under moderate stress. It was painful for Tein, and the company issued an Internet campaign showing buyers how to recognize the fake Tein product(s).
My experience with authentic Tein Springs is that they are superior. ----Spike
My experience with authentic Tein Springs is that they are superior. ----Spike