magellster

Let me start by saying I have read through the majority of the suspension posts both on this website and many others found through Google. I am also aware there are several other threads similar to the one I am about to make. However, those threads are a bit dated and I wanted some updated opinions/ recommendations from all of you. Opinions change like the seasons so I want to hear what the latest is.

Its about the time for me to replace my current stock suspension and I want to purchase something aftermarket. My car is a 2006 350z base trim running Pirelli P Zero's (245/40 at 19''). I use it as a daily driver, I don't track the car nor do I plan to anytime soon. I had my mind made up on getting the NISMO S-Tune package minus the sway bars (I already have them) until I saw the price tag. My budget is around $1,500 give or take, I will be doing the install myself. What would you recommend me getting?

Keep in mind my tires are max size where as if I went any thicker/ wider I would run into rubbing issues (or so I'm told). Lowering the car any significant amount would more than likely cause problems- if I hit a nasty pot-hole or speed bump going too quickly.

I've done some research and have heard some great things about different suspension set ups but I want to know would you would personally recommend given my current setup. I don't particularly want coilovers unless they are tame enough to DD. I'd like to improve my handling without sacrificing daily drive-ability. Let me know what your suggestions would be and why.

Thanks

turboed350z

There koni, tokico, eibach. And plenty others that will do the job.

However if youre dead set on the nismo, you can find them used from members here for less than your budget price.

magellster

Thanks, I considered buying used but I felt like it would be difficult to tell what sort of condition they would be in and I don't want to have problems with the parts. Something about buying new gives me more confidence in performance of the parts so if something happens I can complain to the manufacturer directly. Are there any drawbacks/ things to look out for when buying suspension used?

I also realize many different brands will "do the job." I am looking for specific recommendations based off of personal experience or direct knowledge of a particular part vs a competitors.

turboed350z

Well i wouldnt buy shocks used as you cant tell hoe many milrs are on them or hoe many are left on them. Springs however, i see no problem with.

Personally, i went with eibach. Be warned that when you lower the suspension, the ride will stiffen. With that said, a good set of shocks and spring with a reputable company are almost identical for street driving. Its more down to personal preference and brand loyalty.

magellster

Gotcha, I am looking for new shocks too. That's what I was most concerned about buying used. So you're saying unless I really push the car I won't be able to tell much difference between brands so just pick something reputable and in my price range? Do you think a set of $1500 shocks and springs will be any different than a $600 set when daily driven- performance wise?

turboed350z

Yes. Coming first hand from kw and cheap megan coil, there is a HUGE difference in ride quality.

I would stick with quality shocks, spring is kinda iffy, but for me, i would just buy a kit together rather than piece it. 1500 is more than enough for a good set of shocks and springs

MicVelo

Saving myself some keystrokes...

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/611627-what-do-to-next-to-my-z-3.html#post10778149

To add to that though, yes, there IS a big difference between, say, a set of KYB & cheap springs and a Bilstein B12 ProKit setup. It's all about the engineering and testing that goes into the box.

FTR, I ran both the Bilstein and current Koni Yellow setups (+Hotchkis bars and SPC alignment). Bilstein has better ride quality, Koni gives me shock adjustability.

With everything incl bars, alignment hardware, alignment, well under $1600

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

I have tein basis and honestly for the price you cant really beat them... Once you adjust them to your liking you dont have to move them again.

Definitely an improvement over my stock suspension with 75k miles on it... And you can adjust them to stock height or more in case you wanna run 22's and be big pimpen.

turboed350z

If you aint running twenty-fo you need to hit da door

magellster

I am fairly certain my suspension has not ever been fully replaced and my Z has 141,000 miles.... :O

Looking forward to the change.

magellster

Thanks for the input everyone, this is exactly what I was looking for in order to help me decide on what to get. I'll let you know what I end up getting. It will be another month or so before I order them, so don't hold your breath.

GreyZ

iTrader: (2)

You should 100% change your bushings in this aswell. It will make quite a difference.

turboed350z

Good point

Most overlook the bushings, but if i recall, our orm bushing sucks. And many switch over to whiteline

magellster

I plan on replacing literally everything. Clean slate, if you will.

GreyZ

iTrader: (2)

Whiteline everywhere. and SPL in the compression rod location. i had the whiteline there originally and finally put the spl in the compression rod spot and love it.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

What are your wheel specs , that not much tire , many of us are running a lot more tire without issue

RichV

I love my Tokico HP blue shocks and either Tanabe GF210 springs or Eibach pro kit for about a 1" drop. You can buy that combo for about $600 or $700 new.

If you wanted something better I would step up to Bilstein. Great shocks and they have a very good ride for daily driving. That with a good set of springs is going to be $1000 to $1200.

Good luck

Tochigi_236

Terrasmak is selling a set of 08' Nismo springs/shocks.
https://my350z.com/forum/socal-marke...d-springs.html $200 obo, probably more to ship it.

magellster

225/40 at 19 inch for the fronts, I forgot what the rear tires are.

magellster

Thanks! I messaged him.