Hello all - New member. I own a 2006 convertible. I love the ride, but with 53K figure its time for new shocks. I'd like handling but not too stiff to ruin the ride. I was thinking about Koni's but I don't have any experience, except back in College with my 1971 510, which had them. Any suggestions on what brand and series type and where to buy?

 

Bilstein B6 (stock height springs)

Bilstein B8 (if lowering >20mm)

Or Bilstein B12 ProKit which comes with Eibach ProKit springs) - offers ~20mm drop with matched shocks (neither B6 or B8)

Have used Bilstein for over 40 years (at least 10 cars). Still the best in terms of performance and ride quality. Stay away from KYB (IMO). Last Z had Bilstein ProKit then swapped shocks to Koni Yellows (gave away the Bilsteins). Bilstein ride was superior but the Konis handled great too).

 

Listen to Mic's Wisdom.

I would avoid the Konis if you still care about ride comfort or use a cd player. Even on their softest setting, Koni Yellows are very harsh/jarring (I know from experience). The B6s and the B12 ProKit probably offer the best balance between superior handling (over stock) and ride comfort. If you wish to keep factory ride height/coil springs, just go for the B6s. I'm running them and love them. The B6s are not as soft as the OEM shocks, but I also paired mine up with stock Nismo Coil Springs (not the S-Tune) off an 08 350Z. Even then, the setup is still more comfortable than when I had the Koni Yellows on the stock coils.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

B6 all day

 

Thanks all for the shock information. Very helpful. I would like to use the B6's, but would like to buy them complete ready to drop in. Is that possible? or would I need to buy coils and have a shop set them up to compress the springs. Where is a good place to buy the B6's?

 

The B6s don't come with coils, but the good news is that you only need to a spring compressor for the front shocks. The rear suspension is not coil over strut, you can swap in the rear strut with basic hand tools. The fronts will require a spring compressor which you can rent from an autoparts store, or simply take the Z to a pro.

Plenty of places sell Bilstein products, they are extremely popular. Just pick a reputable online retailer with a good return/support policy in case something happens in transit (product damage, lost, etc.).
Performance Parts Websites for Zs that I frequently check below...
conceptzperformance.com
z1motorsports.com (LINK)
zspeed.com
specialtyz.com

Heck, you may even find them on Amazon!
Cheers!
-Icer