its better for turning

 

I do not have the information on what the Nissan engineers changed over the years. There were some discussions on this topic over the last couple years on this forum, do a search.

For suspension tuning, it's more an art, with a combination of, springs shocks, brushings, sway bars, etc. Unfortunately for you, most (if not all) of the after market suspension are geared for better handling, they are likely to make the ride stiffer, not softer.

 

I actually think the ride is too soft/bouncy whenever I drive over a bridge i feel like I'm bouncing around inside the car....okay thats an exaggeration but you get my point. compared to my 90' 300zx this new car feels like a Lexus LS430

 

 

I think it's tad soft for my taste. 'Sports' cars should have stiff suspensions. If you think Z is stiff, drive a Evo or Sti.

I think at least the spring rates were same from 03-05 and it was stiffened for 06 due to weight gain. It's been a while since I drove a 03, but 06 definitely feels firmer.

 

If you have the stock bridgestone tires they have a very stiff sidewall and just are rough to ride on period. Get some Michellins Pilot A/S. You will get a softer ride with no loss is response. I plan on installing the Tokiko D-Spec shocks as well with the Michellins and heavier sway bars. The ride and handling should improve a bunch.

 

im coming from a 2002 lowered WRX, dont talk to me about rough ride! haha just playing

 

I think it all depends on what your previous car was. I felt that my Z was a little stiff but I liked it. i wanted the stiff sports car feel. My dad on the other hand has always driven big comfort cruisers, Toyota Avalon, Grand Marquis, etc, He went for one ride with me and said it was the most bone jarring ride he had ever had in an automobile. haha I did drive an 04 SRT Viper a few month back and I feel that ride was a little less harsh than my Z was. BEN

 

Whats wrong with the Accord, I have a 97 SE dropped with rims and I'll still keep up with the Z's and G's.... HAHAHA

 

And then you woke up with sticky boxer shorts and found out you were late for class!!!

hahah

just messing with you. BEN

 

The g's aren't that much better with stiffness, I feel everything on the road, even the small cracks. Swerve around them, your car will look real cool doing it and everyone else will hate you for thinking your showing off ur suspensions.

 

Yes.

 

+1

 

The 1st mod every Z owner should do is replace the stock tires. The stock Bridgestones suck. I hate Bridgestones in general, every one I've ever had has sucked. If you replace them you'll find a more compliant ride with better handling and best of all 500% quieter. I was getting a really loud reverberating noise throughout the cabin. Everyone who rode with me thought there was something wrong with my brakes or my front end, and I kept telling them it was the crappy tires... finally when I was at the dealership for an oil change I got the tech to check it out and sure enough the tires were the source of the noise. No feathering though... just normal everyday tire wear. Harsh, loud, poor performing, and expensive. Replace them ASAP.

 

My KDW-2's are louder than the RE040's... but they are a much better tire IMO and have a much better treadlife. Plus, they were about $70/tire cheaper than the stock RE040's.

 

If you just want a 04.5 or better ride you could go to a junk yard and pull out the springs and the ripple shocks that came with those later years for cheap.
Perhaps someone that has upgraded would be willing to sell you their stock set up for a deal.

However, to get an even better ride buy some aftermarket shocks, springs, and tires.

It depends on what you want. Lowered or not, size of tires and a lot of things.

I have a couple of ideas for myself. I just am trying to pull the dough together to finialize everything. I might wait 6-7 more months until my 3/36 is over just to be safe however.