I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, however, I'd like some feedback given my selection criteria, which is as follows:

Spring type: Linear
Spring rate: As close to stock as possible, slightly stiffer OK.
Ride height reduction: No more that 1.0", 0.6-0.8" desireable.
Dampers: Stock, but Tokicos if necessary. A very likely future upgrade.

Goal: Slightly lower the car to lessen/eliminate fender gap; achieve a more aggressive stance; improve handling while maintaining streetability. This is my daily driver.

Limitations: I don't want to spend an excessive amount of money on these or related upgrades. A $4-600 budget (excluding dampers) seems reasonable for the springs and possible camber adjustment parts.

This has left me with the following choices (from what I've gathered):

RS*R
The most logical choice, but have read that availability is limited. Any truth to this?

Hotchkis
Spring rates incorrect for 04.5+ (mine is 2006). I'm assuming that the Tokicos can be adjusted for this though. Worst case, I could use an 03-04 damper. The lower rear ride height would be nice. Thoughts?

Espelir Active GT
I'd like to hear from anyone that has these installed. Are the spring rates too high? How are they for daily driving? Compatibiliity with factory dampers?

 

I went with the Hotchkis and I have no complaints. It lowered the car, for a more aggressive look, but the ride comfort is still there. Plus, no need for any camber adjustments. You will not need to roll your fenders to put 19's on the car. You can keep your stock shocks, which saves you some $$.



I use my car as a DD too.....for now.

 

wee've used the Hotchkis on many 06's with stock struts - everyone has raved about them

Tein S Tech's are the other one that comes to mind

Never used Espelir, and RSR - well, at this point I've written off ever seeing them again

 

So do the 04.5+s just have a revised spring rate and keep the same shock valving? If so, why wouldn't this bring back the highway porpoising that plaqued the 03s?

 

I don't think anyone knows what the valving of either shock looks like as I doubt anyone has taken them apart.

Fact remains though that if ask those that have installed any of these mild springs on their Z, regardless if it's coupe or convertible, 03 or 04-06, all will have very positive things to say.

 

Good stuff, thanks guys. I read some other posts that stated that the Espelirs were not only in fact progressive, but also not well suited for use with factory dampers. At this point I think I will go with RS*R if I can dig a set up, otherwise I'll go with Hotchkis.