Im planing to lower my Z, are shocks needed or are springs enough? Im just wondering if anyone has any problems with there spring setup.
Thanks.

 

How much drop do you want? If its your DD, I recommend the Hotchkis TVS kit (springs + sway bars). Your stock shocks should be fine. If you have extra cash, I would look into Tokico D-Spec shocks or some Koni yellows.

Also, if you care about tire wear, consider SPC rear camber arms.

 

I have the D-specs on my car now, I really like them, they're on sale too
http://www.slickcar.com/productdetai...ProductID=5273

 

Im looking for a 1 1/2 inch drop. How much you selling your d-spec set for?

 

Do not drop 1.5" with shocks, oem or aftermarket, only one company offers shocks what have shortened bodies and piston rod lengths and that shock isn't ment for any aftermarket lowering spring (talking about Truechoice Phase IV shocks).

Best bet is to go with a 1.2" max drop when we are talking about using oem type shocks. Tokico's shock and spring kit with a 1"/1.5" drop should be fine since the rear D-spec shock has a slightly shorter rear piston shaft length.

 

Thanks thats the answer I was looking for. I'll take your advice and go with the spring drop using my oem shock setup for 1.2 drop.

 

Do keep in mind that while most aftermarket springs were R&D 2003 shocks in mind vs 04.5+ shocks, getting better shocks isn't a bad idea for reason's that don't have anything to do with your spring choice.

In case this helps you, here's a list.

Oem spring rates

350Z 2003/2004
Front:314 Rear:342

350Z 2004.5 to 2008
Front:314 Rear:427


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

Eibach 350Z sportline progressive springs 1.2"/1.2"
F: 239/400 R: 257/435
Very wide spreads between the softer initial rates and firmer peak rates.

RSR 350Z linear springs .6”/.6”
Spring rates in LBS 345/417

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

Tein S-tech 350Z springs .7“.6“ (fronts are slightly progressive, rears are linear)
Spring rates in LBS 386/402 (estimated front intial rate is 327lbs)

Tein H-tech 350z linear springs .3”/.2”
Spring rates in LBS 358/375

Progress Technology progressive springs 1.0”/1.0”
Spring rates in LBS 425/385 (final rates only, softer intial front progressive rate unknown)

Tokico D-spec shock & spring package
350Z - DSK512 - 375f/375r - Linear Springs 1"/1.5"

Tanabe GF210 Series 350Z progressive springs 1”/1.2”
Spring rates in LBS 336/375 (only peak rates are published, softer initial progressive rates unknown) Not much stiffer vs oem, IMO Eibach prokit is a better choice because of that springs higher spring rates which should help keep you off the bumpstops more often.

Tanabe NF210 Series 350Z progressive springs 1.2”/1.2” higher
Spring rates in LBS 314/353
Little to no increase in spring rate over oem, little to nothing added to keep you off the bumpstops

Swift 350Z linear springs .8”/.6”
Spring rates in LBS 336/364

Swift 350Z Spec-R progressive springs 1.2”/1”
Spring rates in LBS intial/final Front: 291/392 Rear: 280/448

Nismo T2 350Z Linear springs 1”/1”
Spring rates in LBS 625/700
Way too much spring for oem shocks or Tokico D-specs, Tokico HP, KYB GR2 or Bilstein (unless revalved). Koni sports are debateable.

Vogtland 350z progressive springs 1”/1”
Spring rates in LBS initial/final front 257/354 initial/final rear 285/422

DR21 super sport 15mm drop
Spring rates in lbs initial/final front 246/398 initial/final rear 252/409
Very wide spreads between the softer initial rates and firmer peak rates.

Kg/mm DRacing progressive springs 1.2”/1.2”
Spring rates in LBS initial/final front 252/454 initial/final rear 252/482 rear
Very wide spreads between the softer initial rates and firmer peak rates.

Whiteline 350Z linear springs (control)
Front: Part # 73219,
Spring rate 365 LBS Drop: .8"-1"
Rear: Part # 73220
Spring rate 445LBS Drop: 1"-1.2"
(sold as 2 front springs and 2 rear springs)
www.whiteline.com.au/store/

Espelir 350Z progressive springs 10mm drop F&R
386/515 (softer initial progressive rates are unknown)

H&R sport progressive springs 350Z 1.3”/1” drop
Spring rates in LBS 370/400 (peak rates only, softer initial rates are unknown)

 

Oem shocks [across all brands] usually have a 7" max total stroke and oem designs for a +- 3" total stroke to insure reliability.
When you lower 1" you change the shock stroke to 5" thus the shock must be 6/5 = 20% stiffer over a smaller range.

THe rebound control needs to be 30-40% stiffer and the compression 20% stiffer. Weird for a non adjustable but possible with adjustables.

 

IM considering 1.2 all around,someone was saying 1.2R 1.0 F which is better?

 

800 bucks for the set. What are people's thoughts on these vs the Koni yellows for about the same price?

 

I think most people would say the KONI Sports are a better shock.

I'm not so sure. However, there are two things to consider here.

You can get the Spec D with springs for $625 a set and they include the springs. That is what you have to compare to the KONI $800 + 179 or so for springs. So the real difference is about $350. Then it is worth talking about the Spec D option. I still haven't made up my mind so that's why I do not have shocks and springs yet.

The other thing to consider is how they are going to work with your sways and what mfg to buy there as well. Plus, wheel size, offset, camber plates etc...