I finally installed my Hotchkis TVS Stage I Kit, although it took forever to get them delivered. The ride of the car has become significantly harder but the handling characteristics are amazing. As for the drop in the ride height, this kit gives the car a very nice look. On/ Off ramps are now a joy to play on. Certainly glad I did it.

 

i have the hotchkis sways and the handling improved greatly. the only problem is the squeaking now.

 

I loved mine. I wouldn't say it was harder. The ratings are the same as stock. Just the same ride with alot less bodyroll than before. IMHO.

I have now moved on to Eibach prokit springs. Looks better and feels better. Alot stiffer. But that's what I like. Just need to get some better shocks eventually.

 

Yeah i know what you mean aboutthe squeeking...I some times get a funny vibration if I take sharp turns kind of slow...Wasnt sure of what it was at first but now I know its the sways moving.

 

Hotchkis springs aren't the same as stock. And be mindfull that while the prokit's are technically stiffer in comparison what you may be experiencing is them rolling into the bump stops and "feeling" stiffer because the spring rate spikes when your on the stops. They are also progressive and you have to get past the softer initial rates in order to experience the higher final rates.

oem 03/04
314/342

oem 04.5-07 and all roadster production
314/427

Hotchkis 350Z Linear springs .6”/.8”
Spring rates in lbs 340/330

Eibach 350Z progressive springs 1”/1”
Spring rates in LBS initial/final front 296/384 initial/final rear 316/421

 

I can't recall anyone installing Hotchkis springs and commenting that they made the ride significantly harder. I'm wondering if your commenting on what happen's with stiff sway bar settings when the suspenison reacts to a bump that happen's at one wheel only, it does impact ride quality in that respect.

 

I only have the Hotchkis springs but am seriously considering the sways now. The ride quality of the springs themselves is only a hair more harsh than stock. My wife couldn't tell the difference.

How are the sways? What settings are you using?

 

Can't tell someone what sway settings to use since how they are set is ment to fine tune the car's at the limit behavior to your settup and your liking. I would not use settings that strengthen the rear bar more then the front. I would start with med/med and go from their.

 

I've been seriously considering the sways as well... how much did it cost you guys to get these installed?

 

I'm not asking what setting I should use, I'm asking what settings people have decided to use themselves. Not looking for recommendations, just impressions of the various settings.

The installation doc says to go medium-medium at first and I was wondering if anyone changed this up and how it felt, why they did it, etc.. Just curious.