Ryan-350Z

Hey guys. Really need your input.



So I have a 2004 350Z Roadster (6 speed) 2nd owner

Car has 71k original miles on it.

Engine and Transmission are healthy.

1st owner kept it in the garage for like 6 years. So it sat dormant for a good minute

I’ve had it for bout a year and a half and I have done all the basic bolt ons. (Intake,Plenum Spacer, Res Test-pipes, Y-pipe, Catback)



But onto my issue…

So even with low mikes it’s still almost 20 years old!

This means the good ole Nissan bushings are on the way out.

However the only ones that have failed completely were the front lower control arm bushings. I have since replaced them.

But I have to consider the fact that more need replacing as well.


The Issue:
My Z just feels kind of sloppy and soft. I guess you could say.
To give an example when I first got it I could chirp 3rd that’s how nice and crisp it was Now I can’t even chirp 2nd. When I shift





So what I’m asking is what is the most IMPORTANT things to replace to get back that crispness without having to change everything.

NOTE: I do not want solid bushings anywhere. Im trying to keep it comfortable.

Here is my plan so far:

I just bought KYB struts to replace factory ones.

I just bought Rear Subframe Bushing Collars

I just bought a Rear Diff Brace

Lastly, just bought a POLY trans mount.

(I was considering changing motor mounts but other than OEM… every one on the market will cause vibration)



So I’m hoping these little updates will be enough to bring it back to life. Without having to tear down the chassis and every bushing and mount.



If anyone has any input to share I would greatly appreciate it. It almost feels like the car is fighting me opposed to feeling good and crisp.



SIDE NOTE: Also my diff bushing is not bad yet. But still original.

Thank you, I really appreciate your help guys.

Hope to be able to enjoy my car again soon.



-Ryan-

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

I'll start by suggesting you change ALL fluids in this ZR with fresh lubricants and coolant. Even with low miles, fluids degrade and begin to breakdown. It may even free up some mechanical operation as well. I prefer Redline MT85 for the tranny and Valvoline synthetic 75W-140 for the differential, along with a full four-wheel flush of all brake fluid lines (and clutch) with something like Motul RBF600 or ATE Type 200 Gold DOT 4.

Also, if the tires are still the original Bridgestones, please consider replacing them. The RE040s were never great tires to start with and are well past their expiration date. There's plenty of modern technology to take advantage of at this stage of the game.

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

Also 2 things:
1. That poly trans mount will give you vibrations you said you don't want.
2. Solid bushings do not always mean a stiff ride.

MicVelo

Return the KYBs.

Buy Bilstein

Ryan-350Z

Thanks for your input. All fluids have been changed except clutch fluid, tranny, and diff. I have heard going with a quality tranny fluid yields some impressive results. But hadn’t even considered diff or clutch. So thank you I will be doing this.

Also yes, I currently have firehawk indy 500 tires on the car with Aodhan wheels. Took a chance with these tires and they have been great for dry summer weather but aren’t worth a damn for wet/snow conditions.

FRONT 19x9.5 255/35/19
REAR 19x11 295/35/19

Ryan-350Z

Hey. Thanks for input. Yes I have heard that poly will still give vibrations. But I also bought a set of GK TECH
trans mount inserts. So if the poly is too harsh. I will use a new OEM trans mount with those inserts.

Ryan-350Z

Trust Me Sir…. Bilstein was my first choice. I had them on my 300zx and my S2K and they were AMAZING. but they are about $800 for my Z. At that point I might as well save a little more and get some nice coilovers.

But I’m going for comfort so I wanted to keep stock spring rates. And I heard KYB is a good replacement over OEM so I’m giving them a shot.

MicVelo

You heard wrong. Worst shocks ever made. Great marketing but the shocks are junk. Don't ask me how I know, I've already had a bad enough week. But your choice. And, "a lttle more for 'nice' coilovers?", I'd say to get a good set, at least 1.5x-2x more. There's tons of cheap coilovers out there and like KYB, YGWYPF.

Ryan-350Z

Jeez. You’re making me regret my purchase sir. Lol
well maybe I’ll def wait to put them on.

and yes of course a good set of coilovers would like 2-3 grand. I think the KW clubsports are like $3k
But I was referring to like a set of BC’s I believe the BR type are around $1200

Anyway. Other than KYB or Bilstein do you have any other recommendations? Maybe Koni’s?

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

I'm a fan of Koni 8241 sport shocks. Had them on my '03 track model for 18 years and love 'em..

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

KYBs are perfectly fine for stock setup with stock or even mild drop springs with similar to OEM spring rates. KYB is an OEM supplier of suspension components to many manufacturers:Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Chrysler, GM, Lexus, and many more. My Evo X GSR came with KYBs from the factory while the MR comes with Bilsteins. MicV is a wealth of knowledge and experience but can be off his meds at times or due to some loss of neuroplasticity which we all suffer from with time, forgets that one negative experience does not equate to all examples. Bilsteins are better for performance but KYB is great for daily comfort.

Ryan-350Z

Thank you for your input man. I actually was looking at those exact ones cuz they only like $100 more for the set than the KYB’s.

And holy sh** 18 years?! That’s quality.

Ryan-350Z

Haha thank you for your input. I mean that’s what I figured. I really am just trying to refresh the OEM set up. But I figured most replacement OEM struts aren’t as good as the Nissan ones. So why not go one step up and get something a little better.

Sure if I was getting lowering springs too… I would probably go with something more high quality. But I’m literally just reusing the OEM springs.

Plus I do not want to change the height.

Ryan-350Z

So other than the struts… lol

anyone have any recommendations?

do you think the subframe collars and diff brace will give me back some rigidity?

any other updates I should be making?

thank you again for all your input guys.

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

I'd go ahead and replace the diff bushings. OEM will go out eventually. Recommend Whiteline. That will give you your 3rd gear chirp again.

MicVelo

That's all fine guys. Like I said, YGWYPF. If you aren't comparing KYBs to anyrhing but stock, their lack of real jounce control and denigration of ride comfort may not be noticed.

i also have contemporary experience with them. We replaced a set of "Excel G" models on a customer car for stocks and customer was very happy getting rid of the KYBs.

As far as "off my meds", yup. After the week I had losing a condo in Lahaina and an unrelated death, ehhhh.

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

Sorry for your loss.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

OMG, so sorry to hear this Mic! We lost a deal to move into a new home here in Denver, but that's nothing to compare to the terrible fires that swept through Maui. Even worse was the death of a friend- my condolences.

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

Condolences.

MicVelo

Thanks guys, appreciate it. But this was not to garner any sympathy (as everyone already pities being me, LAFF), just to explain why I was being so ascerebic about the shocks that I can't stand. HAHA! I'll post a thread in the lounge at some point. The key point is all of us (family and friends on Maui) are all fine. We've all suffered some losses but hey, structures will be rebuilt. Not so the lives of those who lost people and livelihoods.

Now, back to the thread!!