Based upon my 350z Coupes's VIN, I believe it to be what I have often seen referred to as a 2004.5 model. My understanding is that the spring rates/damping used on my car is different than that used in the earliest spring models, and more similar to the 2005 model in this regard.

A few questions:

1. Is the information I related above correct?

2. I am going to replace the origional oem shocks in the near future, if I decide to purchase new OEM shocks, how do I make sure I am getting the ones best suited to my car?

3. If I decide not to go with OEM replacement, can you recommend some good alternatives. I would prefer to have a more responsive feel, and am not so concerned about ride quality. Also, adjustability is not a must, as I dont see myself having the time to play with settings enough to really benefit from it.

Thanks!

 

Your numbers are correct.

There are lots of popular choices: OEM, Bilstein, Koni and NISMO S-Tune. All are different. I found NISMO S-Tune for less than $1,200.

https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...sapointed.html

 

Thanks for your reply, allow me to add that I am seeking only to replace the dampers, I am fine with keeping my existing springs. Also, the $1200 dollars you mentioned, while perhaps a good price, is still above what I would like to spend.

I have been considering oem replacements and tokico HP, just to give you an idea of what I am looking to spend. I have heard mixed reviews on the Tokico so its either new oem dampers, or whatever you recommend.

Thanks!

 

I believe OEM is made by tokico. I would get bilstein but they run expensive. Tokico HP is good for OEM.

 

So you would consider the Tokico HP to be equivalent or superior to oem? When comparing, please note that I would prefer an emphasis on spirited driving, rather than ride comfort.

Thanks!

 

oem Z shocks come in 3 flavor's

03/04 (these are the stiffest)

04.5/05 (less rebound same compression profile, at least in the rear)

06/08 (we don't know how they differ other then seeing that they have shorter piston rod/case lengths)

We have no clue what oem shock Tokico used to make the HP, it's a $50-60 per shock product, that doesn't buy you a load of greatness. How good it is would likely depend on what oem shock your comming of off. Just not a easy question to answer.

For what you want I would either invest in Bilstein H.D. or Koni's. Yes the Koni's are adjustable, even at full soft I guarantee they are a better performance shock then oem or the HP. They do not have the best ride quality, but you've said your willing to trade that for better performance.

 

Thanks for the reply, I believe my current springs/shocks are the 04.5/05 flavor.

You recommended the the Bilstein H.D. and Koni. I have heard only good things about them, however they are getting up there in price, correct? If I am going to be spending that much money, perhaps I should consider getting coilovers? I have heard good things about the BC coilovers.

Any advice is appreciated

 

Then consider Bilstein. About $716/4. Remember the front coil-over-damper is a headache to install.

 

That is another reason I am thinking of springing for the BC coilovers, anyone got opinions? I dont mean opinions on the BC, i believe there are plenty of reviews for those. Rather, do you think there is any downside to stepping up to the BC coilovers at just over $1k, as opposed to getting $800 shocks?

Most important criteria for comparing scenarios:
-Performance
-Reliability
-Ease of install (it seems like the coilover would be easier to install than replacing only the dampers, but you tell me if Im wrong)

Thanks!

 

Unless I here otherwise from you guys, I think I am going to go for the BC coilovers. They seem like they will be easier to install, and perhaps offer better performance. Please let me know if you disagree that these are a good choice.

Thanks!

 

i have an 04 w/tanabe gf-210 springs and 08 oem shocks and the ride is still very harsh. my *** will literally fly off the seat if the car hits a semi big pothole or hill. i think it's due to the shocks being shorter than the 04's and i have no idea why. my car literally feels like it's going to explode every time it hits a semi big bump so in that case, i will be ordering d-specs or konis to fix this issue.