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

Shocks with OEM springs

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 13, 2015 | 06:04 PM
  #1  
ZROCM's Avatar
ZROCM
Thread Starter
New Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, Ohio
Default Shocks with OEM springs

Looking for shocks that match 2004.5 springs (front: 314 lbs and rear are 427 lbs).
I believe some options that may match the OEM shocks are:
1) Tokico HP blues
2) KYB Excel G
3) Monroe OESpectrum
4) Monroe Sensa-trac
5) 2008 OEM shocks
6) AST (fits 2003 - 2005)

Which one is the best choice?
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2015 | 09:10 AM
  #2  
MicVelo's Avatar
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,315
Likes: 3,378
From: Northern California
Default

Originally Posted by ZROCM
Looking for shocks that match 2004.5 springs (front: 314 lbs and rear are 427 lbs).
I believe some options that may match the OEM shocks are:
1) Tokico HP blues
2) KYB Excel G
3) Monroe OESpectrum
4) Monroe Sensa-trac
5) 2008 OEM shocks
6) AST (fits 2003 - 2005)

Which one is the best choice?
"Best choice" depends on what you want out of the suspension.

If you are going for stock ride, pretty much any of the choices you mention are "close" to stock ride (although I know nothing about the "AST" you mention) with Tok Blues and KYB a tad firmer than stock.

But honestly, if you want to do it "right" and want a genuine performance enhancement while maintaining a "civilized ride", you cannot buy a better shock than Bilstein B6 ("Heavy Duty") for your application (stock springs). Firmer than stock but not bouncy nor jarring like other performance shocks. (Note: Bilstein B8 are valved similarly but are meant for a lowering spring application).

Mic
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2015 | 12:39 PM
  #3  
DesertSleeper's Avatar
DesertSleeper
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 172
Likes: 7
From: City of Angels
Default

Originally Posted by MicVelo
"Best choice" depends on what you want out of the suspension.

If you are going for stock ride, pretty much any of the choices you mention are "close" to stock ride (although I know nothing about the "AST" you mention) with Tok Blues and KYB a tad firmer than stock.

But honestly, if you want to do it "right" and want a genuine performance enhancement while maintaining a "civilized ride", you cannot buy a better shock than Bilstein B6 ("Heavy Duty") for your application (stock springs). Firmer than stock but not bouncy nor jarring like other performance shocks. (Note: Bilstein B8 are valved similarly but are meant for a lowering spring application).

Mic
+1

I have Tokico HPs right now and they work fine, but once they're done I will be going with Bilstein B8s (I'm lowered), no better shock out there..... If you don't go the bilstein route I would choose the Tokico HP over the others mentioned
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2015 | 04:54 PM
  #4  
Spike100's Avatar
Spike100
New Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,337
Likes: 204
From: Edina, Minnesota
Default

I agree with Mic. If you want the best, go with Bilstein... B6 if you are at stock height, or B8 if you lower the car.
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2015 | 05:52 AM
  #5  
ZROCM's Avatar
ZROCM
Thread Starter
New Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, Ohio
Default

Thanks everyone. I've tried a set of Bilstein B6s but experienced what many had and that is they actually raised the car. I know it's crazy, shocks don't raise or lower a car, but springs do. Anyway, I think I'm going to try the Tociko HP Blues.
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2015 | 06:05 AM
  #6  
MicVelo's Avatar
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,315
Likes: 3,378
From: Northern California
Default

Originally Posted by ZROCM
Thanks everyone. I've tried a set of Bilstein B6s but experienced what many had and that is they actually raised the car. I know it's crazy, shocks don't raise or lower a car, but springs do. Anyway, I think I'm going to try the Tociko HP Blues.
And people laugh and say, "Mic, you crazy." when I tell them what Bils do. Hahahaha. In any event, Bilsteins WORK. Period.

But good luck with the Blues.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2015 | 12:57 PM
  #7  
Shane86's Avatar
Shane86
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Default

Originally Posted by ZROCM
I've tried a set of Bilstein B6s but experienced what many had and that is they actually raised the car. I know it's crazy, shocks don't raise or lower a car, but springs do.
Shocks can in fact raise the car, if the gas charge of the shock is higher than that of the previous shock.

the "Best" shock you listed is the AST, as it has the best technology, and one of the widest valving sweeps in an adjustable shock. I have driven on them in a few competitive cars and they are fantastic.

They are also easily going to be the most expensive shock on your list.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lt_Ballzacki
Brakes & Suspension
39
Aug 6, 2021 06:19 AM
MM'08_350Z
VQ35HR
225
Apr 22, 2021 09:42 PM
Rowlett
Misc.
3
Oct 2, 2015 10:38 AM
350z82
Exterior & Interior
19
Oct 1, 2015 06:25 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:08 AM.