2ndname

Hello all,

I am looking for some advice. I was browsing the stickies but was not able to find what I am looking for so now I am turning to you guys for some advise. I have a 2003 350Z. I'm looking to find a good quality set of shocks. It currently has stock springs/shocks. As of current the ride quality is pretty bad, the shocks are probably shot. It is super bouncy for my taste. The Z is my daily driver so I am looking to improve the ride performance. Any recommendation on which set of shocks I should be looking at? Also, it's okay for me to replace the shocks but keep the springs correct? Or should I just get both and be done with? I am not looking to lower my ride since it is pretty low IMO.

Thank you in advance.

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

Buy a Jetta and drive the Z when you feel like bumping around?

dmroberson

iTrader: (26)

my shocks went out just recently on my 06, and now I'm on the Nismo shocks and struts. Just my .02

davidv

iTrader: (2)

And your budget is what?

c0ld29

iTrader: (1)

tokico Dspec shocks, they are adjustable so you can pick whatever ride fits you best and not too expensive, and keep stock springs unless you want a drop

2ndname

Less than $500 bucks for the shocks.

Gsedan35

iTrader: (10)

2003-2004 oemshocks = bounce and freeway porposing from day one off the dealer lot. Nissan revised the suspension midway into 2004 for a reason.

Based on what you want, you have zero reason to buy Koni's, without the express need for rebound only control, you simply cannot justify their cost. I've seen to many poor reviews with the Tokico HP for the Z ( the G35 fitment appears to have different valving), and KYB GR-2 haven't done much better. Bilstein HD are a great shock, but in your case they have one problem. Tokico D-specs for $200 less. and you get what you want. They can be adjusted softer or stiffer then when your oem 03 shocks were new. And I've driven in two cars that I helped install the shocks on, pretty clear to me in just a few miles that they were money well spent. You might say, I don't need adjustablity and use that to consider a different choice. That's not why you should buy them over cheaper HP's or GR-2. It's a added plus on a product that has what your after, while IMO the other cheaper shocks, do not.

2ndname

Ah wow, been reading some reviews about these shocks and they sound pretty good and just around my budget. Any advice on where I should purchase them from by any chance? Also, how long does shocks usually last, normal driving of course.

Gsedan35

iTrader: (10)

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PR...z11b03/23-3997

^ D-specs for $499

2ndname

Thank you very much for that constructive response. Unsure why the first reply I got up top was to buy a Jetta. I will definitely be looking into these. Now in search of finding the best place to buy them, any links are appreciated. Thank you all.

2ndname

Nice! Thank you sir.

T_K

iTrader: (5)

Courtesy has OEM shocks for 160 each, any year.

Gsedan35

iTrader: (10)

Last time I checked the Nissan parts system the only shocks you could buy were 06-07. You could no long get the shocks associated with 2003-2004 or original revised shocks produced for 2004.5 and 2005 as each one superceeded the other out of existance.

I agree that he'd get a better ride quality on 04.5 or latter oem shocks. But thats $640 for a set and you do not get a better shock, they will not outperform D-specs in ride quality or performance. so $499 D-specs are a better choice. Imo a better argument would be for low mileage used revised shocks (non 03/04) in the $200 or less price range.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Koni and Bilstein are out of your budget. Look at Monroe Sensa-trac.

The rear damper is simple to replace. The front damper is a bit more complicated because it is INSIDE the spring.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

There's a vendor who's trying to sell out his stock of 8242 Konis for the G35/350Z. These are double adjustable units built specifically for the G/Z design and will easily accomodate OEM springs (or anything else you want). At $1K for an ENTIRE SET to fit your Z, there's not a better deal for shocks on the market!

Gsedan35

iTrader: (10)

Huh, DA TcKlines that are valved for Nissan MotorSports T2 springs with 690/690 rates are about as far from idea that the op can get for his wants as he can get. Not to mention that even at full soft you cannot rain in rebound remotely enough to give out good ride quality.

Also the shock has issues with internal pressure imbalances even at full soft, going to the extream when turned up (also know as hysteresis). Cheap, but their's a reason Anze engineering Peske 8100's and JRZ are offered for the same spring. Based on what my dyno's show, I would not touch them, sorry.

T_K

iTrader: (5)

Wouldn't that have left 03-04 owners without a suitable rear shock replacement? Unless the 06-07 shock is still suitable for the lower rate spring.

Gsedan35

iTrader: (10)

It does leave them would the ability to get a oem shock that has the same valving. But, having run revised shocks on the softer 342lbs rear springs, they work just fine. If that's still not the right answer for a 03/04 owner, you could alway's just go with D-specs or Koni's.