My Hotchkis are going to get installed this Saturday, but I'd like to gather some impressions of how the Z will feel with them over poor roads, particularly in populated city areas such as New York City. How much different is the quality of the ride? How much harsher does it get? Is the car more susceptible to bottoming-out?

 

After Sharif installed my Hotchkis TVS Stage 1, the quality of the ride was a subtle change, nothing really drastic. The Falken 452's made more of an impact on my overall ride quality than the Hotchkis springs.

The sway bars are what really changed the car. The car itself felt more responsive going into and out of turns.

The drop is also subtle but when going over speed bumps you do have to slow it down considerably or you will bottom out.

 

They are not the right springs to use on an 06 IMHO - they were designed around 03 shocks, and as such, are softer in the rear than even factory springs. Do they work? Sure. Are there better choices? Yes. There are tons of reviews posted about the springs too, and which springs would be better alternatives.

Yes, the car is more prone to bottoming out, as its now lower than it was to start with. You are reducing shock travel by the amount you are lowering it when fitting springs

 

Lmk how it turns out. I'll be installing mines on my 06 in a week or two.

 

Mine rides pretty bad on rough roads now. However It did drive almost if not like stock at first, with the factory 18's. The shocks died months ago and I'm on 19's now, so it's not really fair or accurate for me to say they suck since my shocks are toast.

Plus I lowered the rear a half inch more which doesn't help shock life.

Corners awesome though and sticks like glue, as long as the pavement is semi smooth. The 305's do help though

 

Mine rides like a roller coaster over rough roads...unbearable.

If your going to be driving through chug holes and beat to **** roads I would say, get a good harness and don't eat before you drive.

Smooth as ice over real pavement though, great springs(for the $$)

 

Well, I had them installed yesterday...and my God are these springs amazing. They are super smooth - even over bumps and such. I was absolutely amazed at how there seems to be virtually no difference in harshness...hell, I'd go as far as to say that the car actually feels better than stock (and I'm not talking about how it handles).

Everything feels so silky, especially driving. The first thing I noticed about this suspension is how it makes the car feel like it's gliding, as opposed to driving. It almost has this...dare I say it...BMW-like quality to it, where the ride is just so, err...creamy. The car simply feels more fun to drive, more engaging.

There is a noticeable improvement in handling, body roll is reduced considerably. What else can I really say besides that? I did a few tests with a few of my favorite places, and the end result of this install is totally worth it.

Where as when I had a 5th gen Maxima, installing springs would make the ride quality turn to sh*t no matter what springs you chose -- these Hotchkis improve the Z in nearly every respect. These springs aren't "tolerable" or anything -- calling them that would be a slight against them.

They feel pretty much identical to stock, with noticeably better highway cruising, and notably reduced body roll. The only drawback, of course, is the increased chance of scraping the lip. Regardless, for just over $100, this should be that one mod all Zs should have.

 

Glad you're happy with them but get back to us in 6-12 months and give an update.

Hint: it will be different than what you just said

 

Mind giving us your 6-12 month review?

Edit: Just read your previous post. Looks like you're driving on dead shocks, that definitely has some impact on your review.

 

OOooo the inital break-in period will last only for so long

 

My new Hotchkis kit feels really smooth too. But I also changed wheels and tires from stock to Continental Sport Contact 2. So I don't know what made the biggest impact.

 

Stop breaking my spirits, bastards. ='(

 

Yes my review is not one to go by. New shocks will/should fix it.

 

LOL it's not a big deal. When your shocks go just get adjustable ones.

 

When the OEM shocks go out, get the tunable Koni Yellows.

 

I wonder how long it'd take (not that I want to find out) for them to blow. In my 2001 Maxima I rode around my OEM struts for 20k+ miles with H&Rs, which dropped the car 1.5" all around. In total, the OEM struts had about 50k miles on them, half dropped, half stock.

 

My brother has had his in for over 2 years, still a smooth and comfy ride. They got rid of the "bounce" and work great. I can't believe anyone would call them harsh, it doesn't get any softer than this.

 

+1

Hotchkis = good ride better than tanabe and eibach from my exp.

 

The spring rate of the Hotchkis springs rears are softer/lower than stock springs.

What does this translate to? Anything detrimental in the handling or ride department?

 

Softer rear springs=more tendency for understeer

If your front swaybar isn't set to full stiff, and the rear isn't set to full soft, then it's not a problem. It may be a bit softer, yet the rear Hotchkis spring lowers the car 1/4" more than the front.