Hi guys! I'm new to the forum (and new to owning a Z.)

I recently bought an '03 Base model (no worries, an LSD will be in there soon XD ) and got some Tein S-Techs for it. I have heard the general rule is that if the spring rates are around 10% difference from stock than you'll be fine, but if its more than that, then the shocks will wear out very quickly.

I looked at stock (or what I could find) spring rates and S-Techs. The rears on the Teins seem more tame, but quite close to stock, but the fronts are about 20% harder than the stockers.

Should I install the springs worry free, or just wait and get some decent shocks as well?

PS: I think the shocks may be the original ones, with about 86k miles on them.

-Ender

 

I would upgrade your shocks since you have 86k miles on them... I actually just purchased some 07 oem shocks from a forum member for my 03... and I'm riding fine on the s-techs... you have to remember that the shocks and springs were revised from 04.5 and up... so the rates are different. if you want some shocks close to stock, some people have mention the KYBs or Tokico blues as similar to stock... if you want to step out of the OEM parts.

 

86k on stock shocks, their wasted. Average life is around 60k , mine were beyond trash at that time.

 

Yeah with 86K on those shock you should be changing those anyway. Thats impressive that they lasted that long. I'm at 45k and I know they ain't gonna last too much longer with these busted streets here.

 

So for the occasional auto xer or track car, would you guys go with KYB GR2's or Tokico HP Blues? I think they're cheap enough to justify my peace of mind.

 

They are both pretty much the same but there might be bias on here towards the Tokico Blues.

 

Your oem spring rates are 314/342. Only 04.5+ car's that have the revised suspension have the higher rear rates (427).

Vs Tein 350Z S-techs your 23%/18% stiffer then oem.

The springs were developed for your oem shocks, however because of their age, IMO I would wait and get shocks too. Though honestly, knowing how your oem shocks are first hand, I would kick them to the curb no matter what spring choice is made.

 

I've been on OEM shocks w/S-techs for some time now. No problems. However, mine is not a daily driver and is still under 40k. Not sure if this helps...

 

+1 on the upgrade for the shocks. No one likes an *** pounding while driving.

 

I have an 03 touring and put s-techs in with the stock shocks about three months ago. I am very happy with the upgrade; handling is noticeably improved, and it definitely looks better even with the minor drop.

The biggest difference I noticed is that oversteer increased quite a bit, I suspect due to the low stock spring rate in the rear. I actually like the increased oversteer. Very predictable and the VDC saves your *** every time if you push it too hard.

I changed the springs with about 50k on the stock shocks, and decided to stick with the stockers at the time. If I were to do it again I would have changed the stockers for tokico blues. Changing the springs is a pain... and you need an alignment... not worth taking it apart again. Especially with the mileage you have on them. Aside from the wear, I did some reading, and the stock 03 shocks are terrible, the valving was revised since then to reduce the compression damping and increase rebound. Changing the shocks should more than make up for the increased spring rates in terms of comfort, while giving you better handling.