Gsedan35, Z1 and coilover gurus, I need some help...
Gsedan35, Z1 and coilover gurus, I need some help...
I have been reading tons of coilover posts, especially those by Gsedan35 and Z1.
With comments from all of those posts, I have narrowed down my requirements to the following:
1. My Z is my daily driver, so it has to be somewhat streetable and pass the 'wife' test
2. I want to get out and do some track days (hpde, road course but no 1/4 mile tracks)
3. I want the rear shocks to be inverted so the adjustments are NOT at the top. (my other car had coilovers and I had to drill through the tub and use a long t-handle allen wrench to make adjustments, it was do-able but a PITA)
4. I want linear springs and in a bias as Gsedan and Z1 have mentioned (front mid-500's and rear around 500) or at least in that neighborhood
5. Single or double adjustable, I'm still undecided on this one, though I am sure as I do more track days I would appreciate/desire independent compression and rebound adjustability
6. I want to lower the car about an 1" and I also want to corner weight.
7. I do NOT want true coilovers!! After looking at my car from underneath, reading various posts and talking to a current racer in the Koni challenge series, there is no way I want to run that kind of coilover in the rear.
In order to put a percentage on my driving requirements they are;
70% commuting | 20% winding road corner thrashing | 10% track days
- - - my track day % will probably increase
Price point, I am willing to spend up to 2k. Now if the ideal set is somewhat over 2k, I will stretch, though I am not sure I will stretch to 3k
I have a set of hotchkis sways (still to be installed) that I will use in conjunction with whatever coilovers I decide upon.
All of my reading has netted me that Truechoice Koni's fit the above requirements but I have to assume there are other options.
Ok, time to step back and start reading your replies...
p.s. I hope this thread will help others with similar requirements as me...
With comments from all of those posts, I have narrowed down my requirements to the following:
1. My Z is my daily driver, so it has to be somewhat streetable and pass the 'wife' test
2. I want to get out and do some track days (hpde, road course but no 1/4 mile tracks)
3. I want the rear shocks to be inverted so the adjustments are NOT at the top. (my other car had coilovers and I had to drill through the tub and use a long t-handle allen wrench to make adjustments, it was do-able but a PITA)
4. I want linear springs and in a bias as Gsedan and Z1 have mentioned (front mid-500's and rear around 500) or at least in that neighborhood
5. Single or double adjustable, I'm still undecided on this one, though I am sure as I do more track days I would appreciate/desire independent compression and rebound adjustability
6. I want to lower the car about an 1" and I also want to corner weight.
7. I do NOT want true coilovers!! After looking at my car from underneath, reading various posts and talking to a current racer in the Koni challenge series, there is no way I want to run that kind of coilover in the rear.
In order to put a percentage on my driving requirements they are;
70% commuting | 20% winding road corner thrashing | 10% track days
- - - my track day % will probably increase
Price point, I am willing to spend up to 2k. Now if the ideal set is somewhat over 2k, I will stretch, though I am not sure I will stretch to 3k
I have a set of hotchkis sways (still to be installed) that I will use in conjunction with whatever coilovers I decide upon.
All of my reading has netted me that Truechoice Koni's fit the above requirements but I have to assume there are other options.
Ok, time to step back and start reading your replies...
p.s. I hope this thread will help others with similar requirements as me...
I guess the only reason I hadn't yet decided upon the HKS is that the spring rates were even front and rear. Ideally I wanted something with a firmer spring rate in the front.
The HKS'es are on my short list if I can't find something that meets all of my requirements though...
Keep the comments coming!!
The HKS'es are on my short list if I can't find something that meets all of my requirements though...
Keep the comments coming!!
Last edited by Bahnzii; Aug 27, 2007 at 11:36 AM.
Given your needs you it is truly an impossible request to fulfill - the choices will do some, though not all, of what you need, and not at the price point you want to be at.
HKS RS would be a good choice..we have a set left. Not 2 way height adjustable though, so you can't go nuts with cornerweighting (Z's are not hard cars to get close to perfect on anyway unless you've got a turbo/sc kit in the car). I run these on my car, have had em on since 2005, and absolutely love them. If I had your same requirments, I'd go for them.
Cusco Zero 2 would be a good choice, except rear dampening adjustment is at the top. I never touched the rear dampening in my car, and now even with the HKS's I run, I still never touch it (and they are bottom adjustable). Also in stock.
Bilstein PSS9 would be my go-to recommendation given the amt of street use and your need to have it exhibit good street manners, but you said you want a linear rear. Why, given your limited track use, I can't really guess, but, they are absolutely guaranteed to pass the wife test, and perform more than admirably given your uses. Also in stock. If I had to run something else other than the HKS, this is what I'd pick personally. Tons of dampening adjustment, better road manners than even my HKS, and serviced in the US should the need arise.
Zeal Function Xs (6 week wait) or Ohlins (in stock) would be closer to an "ideal" for you (in non true coilover rear fashion) but now you're way over budget.
HKS RS would be a good choice..we have a set left. Not 2 way height adjustable though, so you can't go nuts with cornerweighting (Z's are not hard cars to get close to perfect on anyway unless you've got a turbo/sc kit in the car). I run these on my car, have had em on since 2005, and absolutely love them. If I had your same requirments, I'd go for them.
Cusco Zero 2 would be a good choice, except rear dampening adjustment is at the top. I never touched the rear dampening in my car, and now even with the HKS's I run, I still never touch it (and they are bottom adjustable). Also in stock.
Bilstein PSS9 would be my go-to recommendation given the amt of street use and your need to have it exhibit good street manners, but you said you want a linear rear. Why, given your limited track use, I can't really guess, but, they are absolutely guaranteed to pass the wife test, and perform more than admirably given your uses. Also in stock. If I had to run something else other than the HKS, this is what I'd pick personally. Tons of dampening adjustment, better road manners than even my HKS, and serviced in the US should the need arise.
Zeal Function Xs (6 week wait) or Ohlins (in stock) would be closer to an "ideal" for you (in non true coilover rear fashion) but now you're way over budget.
Last edited by Z1 Performance; Aug 27, 2007 at 02:35 PM.
Originally Posted by Z1 Performance
Given your needs you it is truly an impossible request to fulfill - the choices will do some, though not all, of what you need, and not at the price point you want to be at.
HKS RS would be a good choice..we have a set left. Not 2 way height adjustable though, so you can't go nuts with cornerweighting (Z's are not hard cars to get close to perfect on anyway unless you've got a turbo/sc kit in the car). I run these on my car, have had em on since 2005, and absolutely love them. If I had your same requirments, I'd go for them.
Cusco Zero 2 would be a good choice, except rear dampening adjustment is at the top. I never touched the rear dampening in my car, and now even with the HKS's I run, I still never touch it (and they are bottom adjustable). Also in stock.
Bilstein PSS9 would be my go-to recommendation given the amt of street use and your need to have it exhibit good street manners, but you said you want a linear rear. Why, given your limited track use, I can't really guess, but, they are absolutely guaranteed to pass the wife test, and perform more than admirably given your uses. Also in stock. If I had to run something else other than the HKS, this is what I'd pick personally. Tons of dampening adjustment, better road manners than even my HKS, and serviced in the US should the need arise.
Zeal Function Xs (6 week wait) or Ohlins (in stock) would be closer to an "ideal" for you (in non true coilover rear fashion) but now you're way over budget.
HKS RS would be a good choice..we have a set left. Not 2 way height adjustable though, so you can't go nuts with cornerweighting (Z's are not hard cars to get close to perfect on anyway unless you've got a turbo/sc kit in the car). I run these on my car, have had em on since 2005, and absolutely love them. If I had your same requirments, I'd go for them.
Cusco Zero 2 would be a good choice, except rear dampening adjustment is at the top. I never touched the rear dampening in my car, and now even with the HKS's I run, I still never touch it (and they are bottom adjustable). Also in stock.
Bilstein PSS9 would be my go-to recommendation given the amt of street use and your need to have it exhibit good street manners, but you said you want a linear rear. Why, given your limited track use, I can't really guess, but, they are absolutely guaranteed to pass the wife test, and perform more than admirably given your uses. Also in stock. If I had to run something else other than the HKS, this is what I'd pick personally. Tons of dampening adjustment, better road manners than even my HKS, and serviced in the US should the need arise.
Zeal Function Xs (6 week wait) or Ohlins (in stock) would be closer to an "ideal" for you (in non true coilover rear fashion) but now you're way over budget.
How far over budget would the Zeal's or Ohlins put me? I don't have a hard stop at 2k. I would just want to justify the extra expenditure
What about Truechoice Koni's? Any comments on those??
Thanks as always for your advice!!
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Originally Posted by Bahnzii
How far over budget would the Zeal's or Ohlins put me? I don't have a hard stop at 2k. I would just want to justify the extra expenditure
about 100% overbudget. heh.
Originally Posted by Z1 Performance
Never used the Koni's, so cant comment on them at all, sorry
Without going into discounts, Zeal would be around $3k, Ohlins just a bit less (around $2800)
Without going into discounts, Zeal would be around $3k, Ohlins just a bit less (around $2800)
So those are not yet out of my price range. Just glad I get e-statements so my wife can't see how expensive my hobbies are
Originally Posted by Bahnzii
The Ohlins with a little discount seem to be right around the price range of the Truechoice Koni's (they are shortened dbl adjustable iirc).
So those are not yet out of my price range. Just glad I get e-statements so my wife can't see how expensive my hobbies are
So those are not yet out of my price range. Just glad I get e-statements so my wife can't see how expensive my hobbies are
Originally Posted by XuperXero
I suggest spring and shocks combo instead of coilovers. They're more streetable and hold up fine at track/auto-x.
Originally Posted by Bahnzii
The Ohlins with a little discount seem to be right around the price range of the Truechoice Koni's (they are shortened dbl adjustable iirc).
So those are not yet out of my price range. Just glad I get e-statements so my wife can't see how expensive my hobbies are
So those are not yet out of my price range. Just glad I get e-statements so my wife can't see how expensive my hobbies are
Last edited by Gsedan35; Aug 29, 2007 at 09:28 AM.
Originally Posted by Z1 Performance
Given your needs you it is truly an impossible request to fulfill - the choices will do some, though not all, of what you need, and not at the price point you want to be at.
HKS RS would be a good choice..we have a set left. Not 2 way height adjustable though, so you can't go nuts with cornerweighting (Z's are not hard cars to get close to perfect on anyway unless you've got a turbo/sc kit in the car). I run these on my car, have had em on since 2005, and absolutely love them. If I had your same requirments, I'd go for them.
Cusco Zero 2 would be a good choice, except rear dampening adjustment is at the top. I never touched the rear dampening in my car, and now even with the HKS's I run, I still never touch it (and they are bottom adjustable). Also in stock.
Bilstein PSS9 would be my go-to recommendation given the amt of street use and your need to have it exhibit good street manners, but you said you want a linear rear. Why, given your limited track use, I can't really guess, but, they are absolutely guaranteed to pass the wife test, and perform more than admirably given your uses. Also in stock. If I had to run something else other than the HKS, this is what I'd pick personally. Tons of dampening adjustment, better road manners than even my HKS, and serviced in the US should the need arise.
Zeal Function Xs (6 week wait) or Ohlins (in stock) would be closer to an "ideal" for you (in non true coilover rear fashion) but now you're way over budget.
HKS RS would be a good choice..we have a set left. Not 2 way height adjustable though, so you can't go nuts with cornerweighting (Z's are not hard cars to get close to perfect on anyway unless you've got a turbo/sc kit in the car). I run these on my car, have had em on since 2005, and absolutely love them. If I had your same requirments, I'd go for them.
Cusco Zero 2 would be a good choice, except rear dampening adjustment is at the top. I never touched the rear dampening in my car, and now even with the HKS's I run, I still never touch it (and they are bottom adjustable). Also in stock.
Bilstein PSS9 would be my go-to recommendation given the amt of street use and your need to have it exhibit good street manners, but you said you want a linear rear. Why, given your limited track use, I can't really guess, but, they are absolutely guaranteed to pass the wife test, and perform more than admirably given your uses. Also in stock. If I had to run something else other than the HKS, this is what I'd pick personally. Tons of dampening adjustment, better road manners than even my HKS, and serviced in the US should the need arise.
Zeal Function Xs (6 week wait) or Ohlins (in stock) would be closer to an "ideal" for you (in non true coilover rear fashion) but now you're way over budget.
Cool...
Thanks Gsedan35, your input is ALWAYS welcome!!
Adam, I will give you a buzz and see what we I can do on budget.
I am less concerned on budget and more on getting it right.
Gsedan35 and Z1 you guys are what make forums like this a great thing.
Honest, unabashed opinions, with some experience and technical specs to help add credence...
I need to go do some research on the LS+ and see what I may have missed in my earlier research. I did think the Cusco Z2 were perfect save for the top adjustments, I may have to just deal with tapping a hole again or get damn good at dropping them to make changes
Thanks Gsedan35, your input is ALWAYS welcome!!
Adam, I will give you a buzz and see what we I can do on budget.
I am less concerned on budget and more on getting it right.
Gsedan35 and Z1 you guys are what make forums like this a great thing.
Honest, unabashed opinions, with some experience and technical specs to help add credence...
I need to go do some research on the LS+ and see what I may have missed in my earlier research. I did think the Cusco Z2 were perfect save for the top adjustments, I may have to just deal with tapping a hole again or get damn good at dropping them to make changes
Originally Posted by Gsedan35
Adam, if something happens and he can't swing the Ohlins, can you get the LS+ (HKS does not import the 350Z version to the U.S., they do import the G35 coupe version last time I checked) It would give him the higher front spring rate he talked about and IMO a higher dampning range then the RS. I could also see the Cusco Zero2, he would add full height adjustablity, though he won't get the ability to adjust the rear dampners without removing them. I agree with you hoever, once my rear shocks were set, I haven't touched them.
On the Zero 2, the hole you would need to make is tiny (small flat blade screwdriver), if you wanted to gain access to the rear dampener adjustment..I just never found it necessary to touch it, and even on my coilovers now, which are bottom adjustable, I still never touch it
If you do end up with the Zero2's I wouldn't worry to much about the lack of easy adjustability on the rears. Since there's only 5 adjustments I'm sure you will find the setting that suits you very quickly. I've owned them now for about 6 months with 1 track day under it's belt. I found that a setting of 2 all around (1 = softest) is best for street. Unless you have really good roads in your area 3 is a bit harsh. On my track day I did 3 all around and it worked very nicely. I might try 4 all around the next time around. 5 would probably only benefit with R-comp tires on I'm guessing.