Any earlier thread by NzZ mentioned a "softened" suspension for 2004 models versus 2003's. Was there a suspension re-tune for 2004? Any difference in 2003 and 2004 suspensions?

It was mentioned that 2003s had better handling. Any feedback on this?

Cheers!

 

I am not sure but I think I might have the updated suspension system on my 04' Roadster.

I have all the updates of an 04' that one of the car magazine mentioned including the knee pads.
(I think it was Motortrend, Car & Drive or Automobil, but I am not sure)

I don't know this for a fact but when I went for a drive on my both 350Z just before I turned in my coupe and I noticed that the Coupe was lot more bouncer than the Roadster

It was as if Coupe was lowered even though its not

I don't know if its because Roadster is heavier than coupe but the ride is DAY & NIGHT.

The Roadster rides much better and was definitely smoother.

I really did not notice this until I went for a drive on both my cars back to back.

It was kinda nice to have both Coupe & Roadster even though it was only for a short time.

I just thought I'll share this.

coupe was built on 04/03

roadster was built on 01/04

Does anyone know?

 

test drove an 03 before i bought my 04 this was before i even knew about the changes and the 03 deff was bouncier.

 

Hm. I test drove a '03 coupe but bought a '04 roadster. I honestly didn't notice any difference between the two. Of course I was VERY excited when I first drove the '03, so it's entirely possible that I just didn't pay enough attention to the suspension.

To be honest I'm seriously considering upgrading my suspension to give my roadster a smoother ride; I think it's still (just a tad) too bouncy for a daily driver.

 

Sounds like a deal. I just don't know WHEN I'll be able to afford it. When I do it, I want to do it right (= Tien Flex maybe) but that can get really expensive.

We'll see what happens.

 

I called a nissan dealer and talked to the parts manager to ask about struts and shocks and he needed to know when car was built because their are four different part numbers. I asked him what the difference was but he did'nt know but he did ask if the car was built before or after 10/03. So I would assume that means after 10/03 your car has the softer suspension.

 

This has always confused me a bit.

Also, some magazines insist that the Track model has a slightly firmer/harsher suspension (last month's Motor Trend, for example) but other sources report that all 350Z suspensions are identical.

What's the skinny?

 

The Z's suspension was softened mid-year for 2004. All Z's from a given build date have the same suspension. So all 2003 Zs ride a little more firmly, and the 2004s with the updated suspensions (I'm not sure of the build date) are a little softer. The difference is not night and day by any means, unless you are talking about the bouncing...the new suspension has very little (or no) bouncing..whereas the 03 definitely porpoised on cement slab freeways. I've driven both, and so have many others...the 2003 feels a little firmer and a little more buttoned down. But, as I said...the difference is not tremendous.

Hope this helps.

NzZ

 

I drove both car's one after the other and the 04' has lot smoother suspension. It has very little bounce. I had both 03' and 04' at the same time for about 3 weeks.

Unless you drive both cars back to back you won't notice it right away but when you drive 03' for about 20 min and drive 04' right after that, you will notice it right away.

Trust me the ride is DAY & NIGHT. I experianced it first hand.

 

Hmm, I drove 2 coupes with the different suspensions back to back..and outside of the bounce the difference was minimal - it was there, but didn't seem much of an improvement.

Maybe the roadster is tuned to be smoother? Or perhaps the added weight smoothens things out? I can't offer a really good explanation.

NzZ

 

If I'm not mistaken, the 2003s, 2004s, and 2004.5s all have different suspensions. And I believe the Roadsters have the 2004.5 suspension.

 

The Tracks feel firmer/harsher due to the 18" wheels (and lower profile tires). Suspension's the same for all models.

 

I drove both a 2003 coupe and a 2004 roadster(mine). The 2004 roadster was definitely less bouncy. The roadster is heavier and I decided on the 17" wheels because they have a little more sidewall and therefore a little more cushion. The roadster is definitely a smoother ride which was what I was looking for to be a liitle more comfortable for some long haul driving.