I have searched for hours and have learned alot about the differant setups, but I'm still a noob. I have a few questions that I just want to make sure I know the answer to.

I want the most drop possible without throwing my camber too far out of whack. I want to be able to adjust back to factory spec, or within 1 to 2 degrees. I also want a spring that will give me the best performance at the track.

With all this, I have a feeling that the z h-tech or the z rsr drop springs might be my best bet. What do you recommend for the most drop staying close to factory spec, and the best perfomance?

 

It really depends on what youre looking for. If youre looking for just lowering springs and do not want to compromise negative cambering, Tein S Techs would be a good choice, higher spring rate over stock specs and drops your car less than an inch which shouldnt effect the camber. If youre looking for something softer the Tein H Techs would be the way to go, shouldnt feel too much different from stock and the stance will be the same as the S Techs. If youre looking for adjustablity, going with the Tein Basic Damper kit will be a good choice, the Basics offer ride height adjustability. If youre looking for something that you want to use at the track and for daily driving you can go with the Tein Flex setup which is ride height adjustable and the dampers are 16 way adjustable and you can add the added option of getting the EDFC. The Tein Flex setup has high spring rates so the drivability is a bit harsh but everyone has their own preference, some people will find it very harsh and other people will find it okay to drive on a daily basis. I have alot more info on suspension parts at the office, PM me if youre really interested in purchasing a suspension setup or contact me and Ill be more than happy to help you to guide you to the right direction. For the time being check out www.mynismo.com and check out the suspension sections in the 350Z and G35 categories, it has information that you may be able to use.

 

For right now, I just want springs. I would like to keep them as close to spec as possible, so I don't have to buy a camber kit right away. I would also like a stiff spring for track or auto cross days, as well as a spring that will lower the car about 1". I'm going to be running 19" 9.5 and 10.5 Volk SF Challenge wheels.

 

I think the S Techs are what youre looking for, it drops the car .7 in the front and .6 in the rear so it doesnt sacrifice negative camber and the spring rate is definitely stiffer than stock but not to the point where it will compromise drivability. If youre looking for an 1 inch drop with higher spring rates than the S Techs, you might want to look into the Nismo Touring 2 Race springs. These springs are an exact 1 inch drop per corner and has a higher spring rate than the S Techs and are SCCA approved.

 

According to all of the posts I have seen, the S tech rear springs are softer than stock, thus increasing under steer.


Stock: 314/342



RSR 350Z springs (just a wee bit progressive F&R, maybe one coil is progressive)
345/417 F+10% R+22%
Transfers +12% roll stiffness to rear

RSR G35 coupe springs (progressive front and rear)
315/315 F+0 R-8%
Transfers +8% roll stiffness to front

Hotchkis 350Z springs (linear springs)
340/330 F+8% R-3%
Transfers +12% roll stiffness to front

Tein S-tech 350z (fronts are progressive, rears are linear)
386/402 F+23% R+16%
Transfers +7% roll stiffness to front

Tein H-tech 350z (fronts are progressive, rears are linear)
358/375 F+14% R+11%
Transfers +3% roll stiffness to front

Tein H-tech G35 coupe & sedan(fronts are progressive, rears are linear)
324/260 F+ 5% R-22%
Transfers +27% roll stiffness to front

Tein S-tech G35 coupe & sedan (fronts are progressive, rears are linear)
358/274 R+14% R-18%
Transfers +32% roll stiffness to front

 

You are better off with a all linear spring vs Tein's front progressive spring design. This means the RSR springs you mentioned. Hotchkis also makes a all linear spring, but they played with the spring rates to better match what they say as lacking in the oem 2003 Z shocks. And on the Nismo T2 springs, NO one should EVER mention them in the absense of telling you you MUST run them with upgraded shocks. I would not run them with anyting other then revalved Koni's. They are springs ment for a very narrow spectrum of Z or G owners.

The RSR springs do offer up a increase in spring rates, actually transfering a bit of roll stiffness to the rear, this will help remove some of your oem understeer or push.

RSR 350Z springs
Spring rates in LBS 345/417
Stiffness over oem F+10% R+22%
Transfers +12% roll stiffness to rear

Since your coupe shocks are softer then oem 350Z shocks, I still recommend that you upgrage your shocks as part of the whole plan.

 

How would the 350z shocks with rsr springs work? Will it give me the performance, drop, and keep me close to factory specs?

 

Better then the oem coupe shocks, IMO. But not as good as Tokico D-specs would work. Their is a differance between 2003 and revised 2004 Z shocks. The revised 2004 shocks give up some performance for greater ride comfort, but will still outperform oem G coupe shocks.

The oem 2003 350Z shocks are know for making the car bounce and porpose, something the RSR springs don't really change based on owner reviews.

The drop will be around 1.2" for the G coupe, you will be close to factory specs, though I would at least invest the $240 cost of SPC camber arms/elongated toe cam bolts for the rear.