2008 Nismo Springs/Shocks Installed on 2003 Track Model
 

My 2003 350Z track model passed 60k miles a few months ago so I have been searching for some replacement shocks. After a lot of searching and reading, I was leaning towards the Nismo S-tune set-up mainly because of the good reviews, affordable price, and reasonable drop (not really looking to lower the car). I also have a friend with this set-up that works very well on the street and for track days.

Then I stumbled on a set of 2008 Nismo 350Z springs and shocks that had less than 5k miles on them (this car sat for over two years, owner was installing KW coilovers). Since I could get these for free I did some digging and was able to find spring rates for both to compare the two (from the work of Gsedan35):

Nismo Z (2007-2008) linear front progressive rear
No drop front or rear
Spring rates 492/336-672

Nismo S-tune shock and spring setup 350Z
.6"/.6" drop
Spring rates 393-448/254-504

2003/2004 OEM 350Z linear front and rear
314/342

After looking at these spring rates and based on what I had read about the Nismo S-tune set-up I decided to give the 2008 Nismo springs/shocks a try...hard to turn down free parts so I installed them this weekend.

I actually noticed a very slight ride height increase of ~3/8" all the way around when I measured it after a short 4-5 mile test drive but I suspect it will settle after a little more driving. Initial impressions is that ride quality on relatively smooth roads was actually better (no hop, smooth), but definitely felt increase ride harshness on bigger bumps, expansion joints or rough transitions like bridges. As for handling, only driven a few miles but front end dive on hard braking seems to be reduced and body roll on hard corners also seems to be reduced. Looking forward to my next track day to really get to try out this new set-up.

I am not sure what this set-up would cost if you purchased service parts from a dealer, but I am very pleased so far. I'm also surprised that in all my searching I did not find any posts about other people trying this set-up as an upgrade option (which is why I posted my impressions).

edit: I also have Nismo sway bars installed, they were on the car when I bought it. Currently running 245/40 (front) and 245/45 (rear) Dunlop Direzza Star Spec tires.

Nice man...you may lose that 3/8" once they settle. I too gave away my stock, and the owner loves the improved feel.

Nice writeup OP. I really like what you're doing with the car.

Clearly, you care more about performance based on your suspension choice and tire setup. I am running the 245/40/18 front and 245/45/18 rear as well. I don't have the almighty star specs on the car, but I was wondering if you have experienced excessive oversteer due to the neutral tire setup and and added aftermarket front sway.

Do you AutoX or Track the car?

Thanks,

Thanks, I am really enjoying this car even more than I thought when I bought it 1.5 years ago. You nailed it though, I am definitely way more focused on performance than I am looks (plus I think it looks just fine without being any lower than it already is).

Since I picked this 350Z up I have only done 3 track days (no auto-x) but have been hooked ever since the first outing. With the stock springs/shocks, the Nismo sway bars and 245 tire setup listed the car still had quite a bit of under steer. I am eager to see how the new set-up works, and I suspect it will help take some of that under steer away but not all. Hopefully will find out soon!

Sounds good. I'm interested to hear your experience. I just put on my fresh set of tires running the same neutral setup as you, but I have a stock sway. I am running revised springs and Koni Yellows on my 03 Z. I haven't done any track days, but I have done probably 6-7 Autoxs over the past couple years.

"Nismo sway bars" as in 2007-2008 oem Nismo Z bars

or

Nismo S-tune sway bars?

Nismo S-tune sway bars were installed by previous owner before I purchased the car.

Nice post man, will be great with some pics. Like you set up man, nice tires with nice suspension + sway bars. The shocks on OEM Nismo Suspensions are made my Tokico btw, very high quality!

Nice bump...

Still on the same OEM 2008 Nismo suspension, different tires and wheels now though. Wheels are Enkei RP03 18x9 and tires are 275/35 Dunlop Star Specs front and rear.

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