I know it's not preferable, but how many people do just as the topic states. Obviously the stock struts are non-adjustable and thus you will lose suspension travel if you lower the Z (and blow them out sooner I'm assuming), however is it possible to lower the Z at all without switching out struts?

I checked the FAQs and the question came up, but was never answered.

I'm going to assume you could lower the Z .5-.6" without switching out struts, but how many people take this route? Do any? What springs would be recommended for this route? RSR Down? Tein S-Tech? I'm guessing the Tein H-Tech (.3" drop) would definitely work...

For reference, I daily drive the Z and this would be purely asthetic, not for track purposes.

 

I have not lowered the Z, But I have lowered other vehicles with springs over stock shocks/struts without any issues. I had a set wear out at about 150K, But that is normal. The biggest enemy of a spring lowered car is getting the camber/toe corrected.

 

Correct. I am aware of the alignment issues caused. I had Eibach Sportlines on my last vehicle and they dropped it LOW. Definitely had alignment issues without camber kits. It was so low the struts blew out within a month or two and I ended up going to Konis.

At t his point, I don't really want to go that route though of buying springs AND struts. I don't plan on dropping 2" like I did on my last car though, thus my post.

I really only want a .5" drop on the Z. I'm sticking with 18" wheels and just want to get rid of some gap.

If it is possible to drop .5-6" and my inkling is that its fine for the struts and I think the alignment can be corrected with only .5" drop, I will purchase some springs and lower the car ASAP. Otherwise, I'll just wait and get some Tein Basics in spring.

Anyone else?

 

A half Inch drop shouldnt give you problems, I say go for it.

 

I think the Teins S-Tech's and the Hotchkis are popular for a mild drop although we have many options available to us.

Definitely do your research, when you get past a certain drop, you will then need to start looking into camber arms to get your alignment back in spec.

 

Yup. I want to avoid all that hassle, as noted.

I'm looking for .6" Max Drop and a spring with little sagging.
(I don't need a .6" drop spring that sags to a 1" drop)

How do the S-Tech's compare to the Hotchkis? Can anyone speak from experience? Spring rates, etc.

As far as stock struts go, I'm guessing a spring with a higher spring rate would be better for elongating stock strut life? Is it safe to sasy that the less the strut compresses, the longer the life?

 

I was also looking into the RSR. Can anyone compare the Down (200$) v. the Ti2000 ($280).

Drop and spring rates are the same... is the only difference the weight and strength?

 

My understanding is the only difference between the regular and titanium RSRs is the weight.

I recently drove a Z with this set of springs and stock ('05) struts. These were on an '03 Track. The ride was very tight and not bouncy. I liked it enough that I'm changing my current set up (B+G springs and stock '03 shocks) to some RSRs and adjustable shocks.

 

Thanks for the great info. I was leaning towards RSR before your review and now I'm definitely looking forward to them...

 

if you're looking for a .5 inch drop, you could look into RS*R downsprings or ti2000 spings for lowering...on paper, they have spring rates similar to 04.5+ springs, and lower by .6-.8 of an inch.

I have a set of ti2000 sitting in my basement that i'm dying to slap on (can't distrub my z's beauty sleep haha).

and from what i've heard so far the only difference is weight, and MAYBE the ti2000 are less prone to sagging.

 

Cool. Another vote for RSR.

 

I just ordered Tanabe GF 210 springs, 350evo front camber arms, Stillen rear camber/toe arms kit ... and I think I want Hotchkis Sways since they are about 1/2 the weight of the 350evo sways plus they are in stock Anyway, I am hoping my stock struts will be fine atleast for a little while.

 

Don't the tanabes drop 1.2" ?

This is strictly a guess, but I'm thinking those stock struts are going to take some abuse/blow up within 10-15k based on my experience with other cars and > 1" drop...

It's not like you can't drive the car on shotty struts, but it isn't good. What struts are you planning on getting eventually?

 

not sure, maybe Koni yellows in a month or 2

they are 1.0 front and 1.2 rear, spring rates 6.0kg front and 6.7kg rear

edit: anyone know the conversion in pounds for spring rates, like compared to stock? says 20-30% stiffer

 

I am curious.. when I get shocks/struts.. should I also get a bushing/bearing set? I know some of those are changed out with the parts I already ordered. Like 350evo has a bearings kit for $1500 (ouch?) and Nismo has those bushings now too?

 

I would not run Koni's with the springs you will be getting, since we have a report from on owner with the combo of a fair amount of bounce. In which case go with Tokico D-specs.

Tanabe GF210 Series 350Z
336/375 (1Kg = 56lbs)


G35 sedan 6mt
Koni coilover front 448lbs
Koni shock rear 342lbs
Hotchkis front bar set to med
350EVO rear bar set to med
Crawford plen
Custom TD injen
HF cats
K&N panel
Rogue short shifter
Enkei RPM2
MX 245/40-18 x 4

 

Hmm, really? I don't know much about those shocks, but hey $200 cheaper doesn't sound like a bad deal...

 

I found the thread, here's the quote.

 

any updates? I'm also planning on a mild drop( 0.6 to 0.7) drop. I'm planning on going with S-Tech Tein's. Hopefully the camber can be adjusted back to factor specs.

 

I am hearing that with Tein's is that you might be able to stay within factory specs. I don't know if that means within the range of -2.08 to -1.08 or if that means the actual nominal setting of -1.58 ? Anyway, I think with Tein's too the stock shocks/struts won't be in too much trouble.