I finally got around to installing my new suspension and the end result is more than I expected.
If you think your stock Z handles well, you will just love what this combo does for the car.
Balance and steering are greatly improved and its just so much fun to drive now compared to stock

On the Install
With double checking everything before and after each stage, the car was done in about 8 hours. Not rushing or breaking anything was a priority.
This time could easily be cut in half second time around.
If you get satisfaction from working on your own car and want improved knowledge on how the Z's suspension works, a self install is a must.
Not too keen on doing it yourself ? Take it to someone who you think is competent.

Originally I was undecided on the full S-Tune setup or the Tein system with Nismo sways.
S-Tune is a dedicated set up for the car but is non adjustable, Tein on the other hand has height and damper adjustments.
Not really fussed about lowering the car as its low enough from factory so that left damper adjustment as the key factor. EDFC is what swayed me.

Once everything was installed, a short drive around the block confirmed everything was tight and no strange noises could be heard.
Initially I was very cautious and had the setting on full soft so as to get a good feel of how the car behaves. Quickly realized the limits were now much higher and a smile grew bigger at each turn.

Coilovers / Sways
It’s funny what you don’t notice when its not there. By that I mean I didn’t realise the "bounce” had disappeared until a few hours of driving. But yes it has gone.
An unexpected bonus - No longer does the rear squat and move sideways when changing hard from 1st to 2nd gear.
Power is transferred to the ground and it feels quicker to drive. This would most likely be attributed to the firmer springs.
Thanks to the Nismo sways body roll is greatly reduced, steering response is sharper and understeer is gone. You can exit a long sweeper with total accuracy and not have to correct steering mid way through the corner.......just point and shoot !
Well worth the money.
On the down side, the RE040’s aren’t the best tires for the Z and this is now highlighted by the increased handling capabilities you get when upgrading suspension. I find myself reaching their limit a lot sooner.


On the EDFC
The difference between full soft (16) and full stiff (00) is amazing. Cornering speeds increase dramatically as the ride gets stiffer.
On full stiff the rear will move around a little when going at some pace through a bumpy corner, setting the rear shocks a few clicks softer helps this out a lot.
You wouldn’t really drive around on the stiffest setting all day in my opinion.
Railway crossings are the best way of showing passengers the difference between soft and firm settings with the EDFC. It’s just so convenient being able to push a button and change settings.


On full soft (16) – Handles better than stock with a comfortable ride
On mid way (08) - Car stiffens up and steering gets sharper and faster
On full stiff (00) - Super stiff ride with instant response cutting corners at scary speeds


Overall I am extremely happy with the gains and flexibility of the Tein / Nismo combination.

 

Fantastic, You've got me excited!

**** gotta go...

 

thanks for the review!!! It is great to see that our Zeds still have a lot of improvement over the supurb standard handling.

cheers,

richie

 

great Review Thanks but i just wonder how low is your car now?

 

How much did this setup cost btw?

 

http://www.performancenissanparts.co...470aba9a8bb624
Bottom of the page...

 

The kit comes with Japanese instructions, I downloaded the english version from here .
There is a guide to the recommended ride height for this set up which I stuck to as I have a really steep driveway.
If your not happy with the height simply move the spring seat up and raise the car.
So you can have stock ride height if you like or super low .

 

And what was the recommended height? How much lower than stock?

 

Flasher - what was the total cost incl. freight, duty, etc? A$.

Regards,

FROZTY

 

Sounds like a nice setup. I'm going to have to do suspension soon. Seems everyone agrees that any of the major aftermarket offerings are better than stock.

 

I still think though the stock suspension is pretty dam good. Its probablly one of the best stock systems ive dealt with before, if we dont include Italien supercars.

 

Tein was a local purchase . A$ 3000 for coilovers
A$ 680 for EDFC
Nismo sways were from Jason@performance US$369. Not sure off the top of my head about tax/duty as I got some other bits as well.

 

As I forget exactly what the stock measurements were, so I just took some for everyone to compare.

The front chin spoiler is 12.5cm from the ground.

Front guard to the ground is 655mm
Front guard to top of rim is 92mm

Rear guard to ground is 680mm
Rear guard to top of rim is 105mm

 

Cool, thanks for the info!

Good quote:

"Super stiff ride with instant response cutting corners at scary speeds"
Flasher

 

If you change the spring seat position you will alter the pre-load on the spring.

I believe that the teins have the bottom collar adjustable which will allow you change the height of the car without affecting the pre-load of the spring.