I got an 04 enthusiast and from what I've seen there's known issues with the quality of ride in this year. Obviously newer Z's have better ride quality. My main goal is to just improve my ride quality, so would replacing my suspension with say an 07's increase my ride quality? If so how much?

Thanks


I said ride quality a lot


Just an FYI as well. I know this is a sports car and with that being said I don't expect the type of ride like any other sedan. Just looking to improve a little.

 

Yes the 04.5 and up Z have revised springs and shocks in the rear that have a high spring rate. Many who have pre 04.5 Z's who switched to revised springs and shock reported a noticable difference in ride quality. You can get the revised setup on the classifieds for cheap.

 

So basically just try to get a good deal on a newer Z's setup?

 

That would be the cheapest route. Or you get used aftermarket springs but they'll lower your car.

 

Oh, well smooth has its qualities, but stiff has its qualities as well. So search has some options.

 

I upgraded from 04.5 to 06 shocks and noticed a huge improvement. The 06 shocks also say Tokico on them, the 04.5 shocks just say Nissan.

Honestly though, if you just want better ride quality, buy some Bilstein's or Koni's and make sure the Koni's aren't adjusted too stiff. Most of ride quality is in the shocks and nothing else.

 

Sweet thanks for all the input, so going for a good set of springs will do the most difference? I don't care If i lower it a little more, just not too much that I can't drive it daily without bottoming out over bumps

 

Shocks will make the biggest difference.

 

I'm sorry, that was just an illiterate moment for me, I know you said shocks and I don't know why I said springs

 

Bilstein or Koni will cost you $700-$800 more or less. You may be able to get them for less from a site sponsor. Personally I'm a Bilstein *****. About $700 from eBay.

 

what springs do you recommend with either of the shock sets? swaybars?

 

Either shock choice will be happier with springs closer to oem rates, though most all aftermarket choices are setup that way. If you do not have very pinpoint reason's to tune the car's handling with the Koni's rebound adjustablity, go with the Bilstien shocks you'll be rewarded with more precise valving control. I say that having run Koni's that are sitting in my garage.


Spring choice will depend on how much drop amount your after, progressive or linear rates, and is the price you'll pay is justified to you. I recommend limiting swaybar choices to bar set's that are adjustable in the front and rear that again, sell for a price point you feel is justified, to name a few. Hotchkis, Progress, Eibach, 350EVO and H&R.


Oem spring rates 350Z’s 2003/2004
Front:314 Rear:342

Oem springs 350Z 2004.5 to 2007
Front:314 Rear:427

Nismo Z (using +35%, if accurate)
424/576

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

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)

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)

Tanabe NF210 Series 350Z progressive springs 1.2”/1.2” higher
Spring rates in LBS 314/353

Skunk2 350Z progressive springs 1.3”/1”
Spring rate in LBS 238/381 237/395

Swift 350Z linear springs .8”/.6” drop on 350z
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

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

Kg/mm springs 350Z DR21 super sport 15mm drop
Spring rates in lbs initial/final front 246/398 initial/final rear 252/409

Kg/mm DRacing progressive springs 1.2”/1.2”
Spring rates in LBS initial/final front 252/454 initial/final rear 252/482 rear

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)

 

So, if one were to go with the hotchkis stage 1 setup, what would be a good choice for the shocks on a DD?

 

Depends on how much you want to spend. KYB GR-2 or Tokico HP on the cheap side or Bilstein HD or Koni yellow's on the high side.

Personally I AM going with Bilstein HD's when I have the money.

 

where would the tokico d-spec fall in there?

 

I'm *** U MEing that because they are Tokico they are still Tokico HP quality. So at around $500, why not cough up another $300-$400 and buy Koni's if you need an adjustable shock? If you don't need the adjustability of the shock, don't buy one. If you don't race, you probably don't need an adjustable shock.

I've been told that KYB GR-2 are of slightly better quality than the Tokico HP, but as far as I know that is unfounded. So you can also consider the KYB AGX if you want a lower end adjustable shock.

When I personally needed new shocks I went with USED factory shocks because I couldn't afford the Bilstein/Koni options. The USED 2006 model year shocks I put on my car even say Tokico on them! I got them for $200 shipped WITH Hotchkis springs even! When the money is available Bilstein's will be my next purchase for suspension upgrades.

 

I just get alot of up and down/bumpy ride on the interstate around chicago. If I could improve it slightly with just updating the springs (Hotchkis stage one) and keep the stock shocks for now, I may just do that. May also get a used set of 06s if that works also. Thanks for the info.

 

Never heard the GR-2 placed above the HP, though they are in the same market niche. Of course if some curious person were to send me a set of each I'd be happy to run them on a shock dyno for free and ship them back for free (allow at least 3 weeks turnaround, 1 week shipping in, 1 week to dyno, 1 week shipping out).

KYB AGX is not made for our platform. Even it it was, it's value would be questionable.