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

If I plan on getting wider tires in future should I bother with springs?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-23-2017, 07:05 PM
  #1  
Moe747
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Moe747's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London, ON
Posts: 82
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default If I plan on getting wider tires in future should I bother with springs?

I know this may seem like a stupid question but I just want to be sure. So I want to get springs+struts for my car because at least around my price range, 1000-1200 they offer a better performing, more reliable setup over coil overs. Just so everyone's clear on what the intent with my car is, I'll be attending a few SCCA style events a year and occasional track days, but mostly this car is a daily, for now. Anyways I'm currently running a 265/35 square tire setup, against the advice of some people of this forum, and want to try a staggered setup as soon as I need to change my tires. If I were lowered 1.5" on some springs, how would that translate onto 275/295 tires? I would guess no difference right? Only issue would be fender clearance if there is one and the solution would be fender rolling or camber adjustment right? I really don't want to cheap on suspension but I can't really justify myself to spend 2K on coil overs, I'm not rich.
Old 08-23-2017, 08:39 PM
  #2  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Moe747
I know this may seem like a stupid question but I just want to be sure. So I want to get springs+struts for my car because at least around my price range, 1000-1200 they offer a better performing, more reliable setup over coil overs. Just so everyone's clear on what the intent with my car is, I'll be attending a few SCCA style events a year and occasional track days, but mostly this car is a daily, for now. Anyways I'm currently running a 265/35 square tire setup, against the advice of some people of this forum, and want to try a staggered setup as soon as I need to change my tires. If I were lowered 1.5" on some springs, how would that translate onto 275/295 tires? I would guess no difference right? Only issue would be fender clearance if there is one and the solution would be fender rolling or camber adjustment right? I really don't want to cheap on suspension but I can't really justify myself to spend 2K on coil overs, I'm not rich.

Not really sure what you're asking. "Translate"? Clarify?

Sounds like you're asking if the performance will be the same....???? It won't unless you align properly with that severe a drop. And, with the new tires (stagger differential and size), you're changing the entire at-limit characteristics of the car.

You mention camber adjustment... so does that $1000-1200 budget factor in F&R camber adjusters? Won't fit that budget (unless you buy cheap junk). FUCAs of any quality will run you $500+, rear c-arms are relatively cheap but add all of that to a set of Konis (or equal, which is minimally what you want for track duty) and a set of decent springs + performance alignment, you're way over $1200.

Also don't see any mention of adjustable sway bars, replacement of old bushings, etc. etc

Last edited by MicVelo; 08-24-2017 at 06:31 AM.
Old 08-26-2017, 11:41 AM
  #3  
Spike100
New Member
 
Spike100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edina, Minnesota
Posts: 7,337
Received 203 Likes on 173 Posts
Default

If you drop the car an inch or more, you change the suspension geometry beyond what the OEM components provide for adjusting the car to specs. That means that in addition to shocks and springs, you need to buy new suspension components. You will probably go over your budget 0f $1200.

You might want to consider dropping the car less than an inch to keep your project within your budget.
Old 08-26-2017, 11:57 AM
  #4  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Spike100
If you drop the car an inch or more, you change the suspension geometry beyond what the OEM components provide for adjusting the car to specs. That means that in addition to shocks and springs, you need to buy new suspension components. You will probably go over your budget 0f $1200.

You might want to consider dropping the car less than an inch to keep your project within your budget.


Too late, OP already bought Sportlines..... guess he better pony up for FUCAs and c-arms. Alignment gonna suck without.
Old 08-26-2017, 02:30 PM
  #5  
Moe747
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Moe747's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London, ON
Posts: 82
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by MicVelo
[/I][/B]

Too late, OP already bought Sportlines..... guess he better pony up for FUCAs and c-arms. Alignment gonna suck without.
Already got SPC rear camber arms and toe bolts to fix tire feathering. FUCAs may not be necessary but I guess I'll find out when I install them.
Old 08-26-2017, 06:15 PM
  #6  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Post up front alignment specs after installing Sportlines.
Old 08-29-2017, 04:53 PM
  #7  
Spike100
New Member
 
Spike100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edina, Minnesota
Posts: 7,337
Received 203 Likes on 173 Posts
Default

I am also interested in the front alignment specs after the Sportlines are installed. --Spike
Old 08-29-2017, 04:56 PM
  #8  
Moe747
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Moe747's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London, ON
Posts: 82
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I'm installing toe bolts that I had from my camber arms kit along with shocks and springs this Friday and will try and fit alignment Saturday. Will keep you guys updated.
Old 08-30-2017, 08:11 PM
  #9  
bealljk
350Z-holic
iTrader: (13)
 
bealljk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: North Denver
Posts: 6,358
Received 1,282 Likes on 1,007 Posts
Default

sub'd as well!
Old 09-03-2017, 12:34 PM
  #10  
Moe747
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Moe747's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London, ON
Posts: 82
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Here are pictures of the finished installation, not sure if I should wait a week for things to settle to get an alignment or get it done asap.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...5mVHhhUUplOTNn

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...ZGRlVGd09XeEhB
Old 09-03-2017, 01:28 PM
  #11  
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
 
terrasmak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sin City
Posts: 28,639
Received 2,284 Likes on 1,646 Posts
Default

I would get it aligned
Old 09-07-2017, 02:57 PM
  #12  
Moe747
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Moe747's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London, ON
Posts: 82
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Alright boys, here are alignment specs. Just a couple things to note, the car was involved in an accident before I purchased it. The car was hit on the drivers side rear quarter panel/drivers door area causing an issue you'll see in my specs. I've rolled all four fenders, the front were rubbing on bumps but the rears weren't rubbing but they were close and if I were to put 275/285/295 in the future then they definitely would have touched the fender. I also installed toe bolts that I had from my SPC rear camber arm kit.




Before



After
Old 09-07-2017, 04:55 PM
  #13  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Moe747
Alright boys, here are alignment specs. Just a couple things to note, the car was involved in an accident before I purchased it. The car was hit on the drivers side rear quarter panel/drivers door area causing an issue you'll see in my specs. I've rolled all four fenders, the front were rubbing on bumps but the rears weren't rubbing but they were close and if I were to put 275/285/295 in the future then they definitely would have touched the fender. I also installed toe bolts that I had from my SPC rear camber arm kit.




Before



After
Pretty out there as expected with the Sportline springs. Looks like your next upgrade will be FUCAs. But gettin' there!
Old 09-07-2017, 05:04 PM
  #14  
Moe747
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Moe747's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London, ON
Posts: 82
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by MicVelo
Pretty out there as expected with the Sportline springs. Looks like your next upgrade will be FUCAs. But gettin' there!
Yeah, Z1 makes some, I'm gonna buy those as well as a clutch.
Old 05-21-2018, 04:32 PM
  #15  
tdavis42
New Member
 
tdavis42's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 14
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

For the sake of not starting a new thread I'm going to jump on this old one.

I am putting some 265/35/18 et35 wheels up front and 265/35/18 et20 wheels in back and I know the gap will be significant. What my question is with the Pro-Kit from Eibach will I need to do the fronts UCA's or just the rear camber/toe fix?

Last edited by tdavis42; 05-21-2018 at 05:12 PM.
Old 05-21-2018, 04:57 PM
  #16  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by tdavis42
For the sake of not starting a new thread I'm going to jump on this old one.

I am putting some 265/35/18 et35 wheels up front and 265/35/18 et20 wheels in back and I know the gap will be significant. What my question is with the Pro-Kit from Eibach will I need to do the fronts UCA's or just the rear camber/caster fix?
You may not have to do either. Pro-Kits are advertised to drop a Z 1.2". They will rarely do that. More like <1.0" and at that point it's probably good to install, then check the alignment. Of course, always good to have adjustability to be able to fine tune your alignment specs; but again, I'd install the springs and check if you want to try and save some money for use on sway bars or something more fun.
Old 05-21-2018, 05:13 PM
  #17  
tdavis42
New Member
 
tdavis42's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 14
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by MicVelo
You may not have to do either. Pro-Kits are advertised to drop a Z 1.2". They will rarely do that. More like <1.0" and at that point it's probably good to install, then check the alignment. Of course, always good to have adjustability to be able to fine tune your alignment specs; but again, I'd install the springs and check if you want to try and save some money for use on sway bars or something more fun.
I've been reading that but wasn't sure how accurate that would be. I've got koni yellows and sway up front already so this is to just finish off the look. Do you think I might need more of a drop than the springs will provide?
Old 05-21-2018, 10:09 PM
  #18  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by tdavis42
I've been reading that but wasn't sure how accurate that would be. I've got koni yellows and sway up front already so this is to just finish off the look. Do you think I might need more of a drop than the springs will provide?
Well, only you can be the judge of whether you need more drop.

Koni/Eibach, net drop -19mm



Some would probably want to lower it further down into the weeds. Me, I prefer a suspension that works so I don't need any more lowering. Then again, I have every form of alignment compensation underneath and pay attention to the alignment on a regular - every two months (if its driven at all) - basis.
Old 05-22-2018, 02:18 PM
  #19  
tdavis42
New Member
 
tdavis42's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 14
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by MicVelo
Well, only you can be the judge of whether you need more drop.

Koni/Eibach, net drop -19mm



Some would probably want to lower it further down into the weeds. Me, I prefer a suspension that works so I don't need any more lowering. Then again, I have every form of alignment compensation underneath and pay attention to the alignment on a regular - every two months (if its driven at all) - basis.
Is that your car with the above Koni/Eibach combo? If so that is what I am looking for. Nothing crazy just looking for the Z to look like the sports car it is.
Old 05-22-2018, 03:38 PM
  #20  
MicVelo
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
MicVelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,033
Received 3,255 Likes on 2,316 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by tdavis42
Is that your car with the above Koni/Eibach combo? If so that is what I am looking for. Nothing crazy just looking for the Z to look like the sports car it is.
Yup.



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:12 AM.