Notices
Brakes & Suspension 350Z stoppers, coils, shocks/dampers

350Z Roadster Suspension ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 3, 2014 | 02:54 PM
  #1  
sixsigmalarry's Avatar
sixsigmalarry
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Fawn Liebowitz's Hometown!
Question 350Z Roadster Suspension ?

Hello all! I bought a 350Z roadster last year and haven't done a thing to it (I know....shame on me). Well, a few weeks ago I started feeling bad about seeing it in the garage ALL stock and decided to start modifying it a little.
A couple weeks ago I bought myself a set of 370Z Nismo wheels (they are being refinished to match the GTR graphite wheels, thought that might look good on my black Z and make the Brembos pop!). I'm going to run 285/35/19 rear and 245/40/19 fronts-should make the rears slightly bigger (like 0.7%) to keep my car's computers from freaking out.
Anyhow, I really need to drop the roadster to eliminate the horrible wheels gap!
So, here is where I could use a little advise .I have always been a fan of H&R springs (they have a good drop and really ride well). Also, I'm a fan of Tokico (easy to install and good ride). So, my question is, will Tokico-D struts handle the H&Rs? (yes, I will be sure to get front and rear control arms)
Also, thinking of buying SPC control arms and rear toe bolts...hear good things. If anyone has a better brand, please feel free to chime in.
Lastly, since I'm tearing up the car during the install, should I do anything else? Bushing? Sway bars?
Thanks!

Last edited by sixsigmalarry; Aug 3, 2014 at 03:11 PM. Reason: Wrong tire size....
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2014 | 05:46 PM
  #2  
dkmura's Avatar
dkmura
General & DIY Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (64)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,623
Likes: 1,393
From: Aurora, Colorado
Default

Might help to list the miles on your ZR. Also, you'll want to check on the spring rates of your H&Rs before you decide on whether the Tokico-Ds can handle them. Swaybars should be a high priority on your suspension upgrade list.

As for myself, Koni 8241 SA sport dampers with Eibach Prokits have worked just fine on my Z33 coupe.
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2014 | 08:11 PM
  #3  
sixsigmalarry's Avatar
sixsigmalarry
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Fawn Liebowitz's Hometown!
Default

My roadster has 52k miles on her.

I have read the following:
H&R sport progressive springs 350Z 1.3”/1” drop
Spring rates in LBS 370/400 (peak rates only, softer initial rates are unknown)

I will research to see if the Tokicos can handle it. Thanks!
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2014 | 09:36 PM
  #4  
terrasmak's Avatar
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,119
Likes: 2,400
From: Sin City
Default

255/35-19 would be a much better front tire, shocks are always nice to do with any drop spring and the LCA bushings are very smart to do on any Z. Whileline makes great bushings that last.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 02:44 PM
  #5  
sixsigmalarry's Avatar
sixsigmalarry
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Fawn Liebowitz's Hometown!
Default

If I go to 255 on the fronts, I'd have to bump the rear tire width so I don't throw off my VDC. I worry that 305s might be too big in the rear. I'll look into it though.
Thanks for the bushing advice!
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2014 | 09:31 AM
  #6  
terrasmak's Avatar
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,119
Likes: 2,400
From: Sin City
Default

Originally Posted by sixsigmalarry
If I go to 255 on the fronts, I'd have to bump the rear tire width so I don't throw off my VDC. I worry that 305s might be too big in the rear. I'll look into it though.
Thanks for the bushing advice!
255/35-19 is a perfect match for a 275/35 or 285/35 rear as far as VDC is concerned.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2015 | 06:51 AM
  #7  
sixsigmalarry's Avatar
sixsigmalarry
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Fawn Liebowitz's Hometown!
Default

Hello. I still haven't modded my roadster's suspension. I would really appreciate anyone's input on what springs and struts to buy.
I almost bought the Tokico D kit (with springs and struts), but then I wasn't sure on the drop or if it really made sense to have adjustable struts considering it would be a pita to adjust the rears (or make it possible).
Here is what I want. A decent drop that will not cause my tires to rub. So anyone who has advice, please let me know what drop you've experienced (sometimes reality is different than website estimates, also, curious how the roadster's weight will impact the actual drop). Good quality manufacture.
Of course I plan on buying the proper components to adjust toe and camber for the tears and front (I heard some people don't do this, but I think it makes sense - if you disagree, please let me know why).
To recap, I have a 2005 Z roadster now with 55k miles. I plan on putting on 370z NISMO 19" wheels and use the following tire sizes:
F 255 35 19 0.21%>than stock
R 285 35 19 0.65%>than stock........rears>fronts by 3.1% (works, right?!)
Thanks!

Last edited by sixsigmalarry; Mar 22, 2015 at 06:55 AM. Reason: More comments
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2015 | 07:31 AM
  #8  
350zchad's Avatar
350zchad
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 64
From: Earth
Default

I have eibach pro kit which included sways and springs, great upgrade and perfect drop.

I have my OEM shocks and have done fine for me, granted I Dont drive her much.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2015 | 07:52 AM
  #9  
sixsigmalarry's Avatar
sixsigmalarry
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Fawn Liebowitz's Hometown!
Default

Originally Posted by 350zchad
I have eibach pro kit which included sways and springs, great upgrade and perfect drop.

I have my OEM shocks and have done fine for me, granted I Dont drive her much.
Appreciate your response, Chad. Do you have a roadster? Was the drop more than you anticipated?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2015 | 03:47 PM
  #10  
350zchad's Avatar
350zchad
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 64
From: Earth
Default

Originally Posted by sixsigmalarry
Appreciate your response, Chad. Do you have a roadster? Was the drop more than you anticipated?
yes and it's a perfect drop for me...
Several Pics showing the way she sits.. the sways in the kit made a world of a difference on the Dragon, too.


















Reply
Old Mar 22, 2015 | 05:45 PM
  #11  
jhc's Avatar
jhc
General & Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,400
Likes: 2,226
From: ZdayZ
Default

Jus danm Chad, what do you have on your paint?...
Thot my mb popped...
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2015 | 03:59 PM
  #12  
350zchad's Avatar
350zchad
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 64
From: Earth
Default

Originally Posted by jhc
Jus danm Chad, what do you have on your paint?...
Thot my mb popped...
thanks! just properly leveled defect free paint, protected with glass coating
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2015 | 08:02 PM
  #13  
goracerx's Avatar
goracerx
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
From: OC-CA
Default

I have a 2008 and installed Bilstein+Swift, oh and 2010 Nismo rims (255/285's). It took several thousand miles for the setup to settle in Since it's way lower than I expected, I assume it was the springs that needed breaking in. It's touring comfortable and retains GT handling but it's way too low for my taste and I want to sell them get HKS Coilover SP's instead, to raise the car up to 2 fingers gap.

H&R have a Roadster specific version and since the rear of mine looks lower than pics of the H&R, their rear spring rate must be stiffer.

Last edited by goracerx; Mar 30, 2015 at 08:07 PM. Reason: Speed Mach Go Go
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 08:23 AM
  #14  
sixsigmalarry's Avatar
sixsigmalarry
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Fawn Liebowitz's Hometown!
Default

Originally Posted by goracerx
I have a 2008 and installed Bilstein+Swift, oh and 2010 Nismo rims (255/285's). It took several thousand miles for the setup to settle in Since it's way lower than I expected, I assume it was the springs that needed breaking in. It's touring comfortable and retains GT handling but it's way too low for my taste and I want to sell them get HKS Coilover SP's instead, to raise the car up to 2 fingers gap.

H&R have a Roadster specific version and since the rear of mine looks lower than pics of the H&R, their rear spring rate must be stiffer.
Can you please post pics of your car or email me some? How many inches did it drop your car? If you cannot post, would you email me some? Curious how those wheels will look on a roadster. Email is: sixsigmalarry at ya hoo dot com
The H&R springs claim to drop the front and rear 1". I wonder how that would look. I liked them and my coupe, but those were a different drop.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2015 | 11:53 PM
  #15  
goracerx's Avatar
goracerx
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
From: OC-CA
Default


Drop looks the same as H&R (to me). Less than one finger gap each wheel after break-in. New 245/285 Michelin Pilot Sports.

Last edited by goracerx; Apr 13, 2015 at 11:56 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jlb
Audio & Video
8
Oct 15, 2017 05:10 AM
416blueZ
New Owners
10
Sep 25, 2015 10:00 AM
hardkicks
Zs & Gs For Sale
0
Sep 20, 2015 12:28 PM
CJs_Z33
Brakes & Suspension
21
Sep 18, 2015 12:06 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:27 PM.