Sorry for the repost, but I believe that this is a better section for my question. The old one can be deleted.

Hey all,

I have a few questions for you all. I just got a new wheel setup on my 03 Z. Picked up some 20" TSW Thruxtons, in the following sizes:

Front: 20x8.5, offset 20
Rear: 20x10, offset 35

I have the Falken FK452 tires, in the following sizes:

Front: 245/35/20
Rear: 275/35/20

After installing the wheels (and I knew this going into it) my Z sits a little higher. The wheels fill the wheel wells pretty good, but it is definitely going to need to be lowered. In my car's case with the big wheels, I think that too much of a drop wouldn't work, so I am looking for advice on some lowering springs that will work with this setup. I was also wondering about this "camber kit" I keep hearing about. I know that I will need an alignment when the drop is done, but will I need an aftermarket kit for adjustment or can it be done stock? Thanks in advance guys! A pic of my car is below...

 

You should be okay to lower at least 1.5", but it's hard to tell in your pic. Do you have any other pictures that shows your offset a little better? You definitely look to be close to 4x4 status though.

I'm on Tein Basics, so you might not have as much room to lower due to offsets (I don't know my wheel's offsets as IForged apparently doesn't release them) and because your shocks (presumably) will be softer than mine, and because my tires are a bit more stretched. I could physically go lower than what I am at right now but would rather be able to get over SOME speedbumps and also get up my driveway. I'd say if you only want springs, go on the semi conservative side because the offset on those wheels, from your picture, appear to be pretty aggressive. Here is my car with 20x9.5 and 20x11 with the same size tires (245/275 - fronts are actually Falken 452's which I hate).

Unless you post more pics that would make me change my mind, I think you should be looking for springs with a 1.2"-1.5" or so drop.

 

consider coilovers. These will be the perfect solution because you will be able to dial in whichever height desired to close your gap.

 

Burner you may go with Hotchkis springs, moderate drop and oem riding. Your car looks like need no big drop. With them I think you wont need any camber issue due to you wont be lowering lower than 1" usually the measure that require camber kits.

 

how big is that rear lip?

 

I dunno, I think 5".

I'd suggest coilovers if you can afford it. It will offer you adjustability, not just for now but down the road if you decide to change up your Z.

 

Here are a few more pics I already have. I can go take a few more if need be.









Coilovers are a bit more than I want to spend at this point, and in all honesty I will probably only keep the Z for another year to year and half and *hopefully* pick up a new 370z.

The offset is pretty agressive, which is why I was asking. My buddy has the same rims on his G35 with a 1" drop and no problems. I thought about 30 series tires, but I don't want to take the chance of screwing up the new wheels.

The rear lip on these wheels is 5" and the front is 3" If someone can post a few links to some springs, that would be awesome. Thanks for the input guys!

 

Check the Vendor classified, these are all from the first page of results.

• Eibach Pro-kit and Sportline at OAKOS!
• Tein S-Tech springs in stock 350z.
• Lowering Spring Overstock Sale!
• Lowering Springs Sale from Showstoppers USA!
• Tanabe GF210 & NF210 Springs Fully Stocked!!!
• Tein S-Tech Sale - Best Pricing Out on Tein Period.

 

Thanks for the info. I am leaning towards the S-Techs, but it seems like they won't be much of a drop. Do you think it is safe to go 1" front and back?

 

Yes, 1" should be fine without rolling/cutting.

The pictures of mine, my fenders are modified to make these fit. The only time, with my current height, that there is any issues whatsoever is extremely hard cornering during steep downhill grades. I think you'll be fine with a 1" drop, hopefully it is ENOUGH of a drop for you.

 

I think 1" should be good. I am just looking to get it back to stock height or a little shorter. I was just worried about the offset and the tires hitting the fenders with too much of a drop. I am planning on rolling my fenders (a friend has the tool and will do it free) so that won't be an issue if it comes up. Thanks again for your help, now I have to decide which springs to get!

 

Good luck! I can't help with which springs as I don't have any experience there. Be sure to post pictures when completed!

 

Hotchkis would work very well, and a nice ride on the 03 as well

S Tech's would also work well

I would not recommend using the tanabe on the 03 - too much rate and too much drop for the 03 struts IMHO

 

Keep on Hotchkis. No fender rolling need and probably no camber issues. You car is lower enough for the moderate Hotchkis drop. This way you keep oem movements in the car.

 

Thanks guys. Picked up a set of S-Techs and am going to install them tomorrow. I will post up pics when its done!

 

i would have gotton eibachs or anything but tein. i put s-techs on my SRT-4 and it felt like a was driving a shopping cart

 

I did notice a stiffer ride, but the handling is much better. I don't mind the ride quality (honestly, its not much different than factory just cruising around town).

 

picture?