Konis are here!!!!
Originally posted by Boomer
Yes, and, no. A source reported the upgraded parts are not compatible with the 03s and early 04s. Sounds like the cheapest way to get a better ride, I only said ride, is puting on G35 Coupe shocks. Handling would be a separate issue.
The Konis are wearing in nicely, the ride is definitely better on most surfaces that don't look like craters on the Moon; there its just a bit less compression and the car isn't beating me up like it was before. I only drove it once or twice a week for a couple of months while I waited. There's almost no pitching from side to side on uneven ground and that is new and very welcome. On good roads the ride is very smooth and very controlled, especially as it becomes warmer. Some things will stay as they were, regardless; the cold plays havoc with the high performance, low profile tires. Several miles are needed to warm them up, unless you want to do the race car weave for a few minutes, hopefully not attracting the cops.
The best thing is to ride over a rough surface and not leave your butt hanging in the air as before. That makes the change truly worthwhile.
Yes, and, no. A source reported the upgraded parts are not compatible with the 03s and early 04s. Sounds like the cheapest way to get a better ride, I only said ride, is puting on G35 Coupe shocks. Handling would be a separate issue.
The Konis are wearing in nicely, the ride is definitely better on most surfaces that don't look like craters on the Moon; there its just a bit less compression and the car isn't beating me up like it was before. I only drove it once or twice a week for a couple of months while I waited. There's almost no pitching from side to side on uneven ground and that is new and very welcome. On good roads the ride is very smooth and very controlled, especially as it becomes warmer. Some things will stay as they were, regardless; the cold plays havoc with the high performance, low profile tires. Several miles are needed to warm them up, unless you want to do the race car weave for a few minutes, hopefully not attracting the cops.
The best thing is to ride over a rough surface and not leave your butt hanging in the air as before. That makes the change truly worthwhile.
Will try this weekend 50 Firm on back.. And I'll drive Eric Hu's car with Stock Suspension and Koni's Full Soft.
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From: Northern Virginia
Now that a number of people have them installed I would like to ask this question. I am not terribly concerned about the porpoising (sp?) over highway ripples since I dont encounter those road conditions very often. What I don't like about the stock set up is that the wheels seem to experience two rebounds after hitting a bump. This makes the car feel poorly composed and a little sloppy on rough roads. Do the Koni's fix this?
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From: Lockport, Illinois
Originally posted by TCL
Now that a number of people have them installed I would like to ask this question. I am not terribly concerned about the porpoising (sp?) over highway ripples since I dont encounter those road conditions very often. What I don't like about the stock set up is that the wheels seem to experience two rebounds after hitting a bump. This makes the car feel poorly composed and a little sloppy on rough roads. Do the Koni's fix this?
Now that a number of people have them installed I would like to ask this question. I am not terribly concerned about the porpoising (sp?) over highway ripples since I dont encounter those road conditions very often. What I don't like about the stock set up is that the wheels seem to experience two rebounds after hitting a bump. This makes the car feel poorly composed and a little sloppy on rough roads. Do the Koni's fix this?
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From: IL
Originally posted by TCL
Now that a number of people have them installed I would like to ask this question. I am not terribly concerned about the porpoising (sp?) over highway ripples since I dont encounter those road conditions very often. What I don't like about the stock set up is that the wheels seem to experience two rebounds after hitting a bump. This makes the car feel poorly composed and a little sloppy on rough roads. Do the Koni's fix this?
Now that a number of people have them installed I would like to ask this question. I am not terribly concerned about the porpoising (sp?) over highway ripples since I dont encounter those road conditions very often. What I don't like about the stock set up is that the wheels seem to experience two rebounds after hitting a bump. This makes the car feel poorly composed and a little sloppy on rough roads. Do the Koni's fix this?
I've only driven about an hour total on the new shocks, and I need to pump the tires back up to 35psi. It's also going to be warm in the IL area (70s) so maybe it will be a better ride... we'll see.
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From: Oregon
Originally posted by happypants
It is definitely reduced. I have the stock tires and the side to side jitteryness is still there.
It is definitely reduced. I have the stock tires and the side to side jitteryness is still there.
I've been following what Boomer has to say about the new Konis, and I have to say I agree with everything he's said. (And he didn't even pay me to say it
)The Konis have made my car fun again: I don't have to continually make excuses for the car ("Oh, bumps and jiggling are the price of owning a True Sports Car"
).I do think, however, that the Konis increase the understeer a bit.
I'll see how autocross goes this weekend...
Last edited by JimProuty; Apr 15, 2004 at 10:39 AM.
Originally posted by JimProuty
I have noticed that the side-to-side wiggle that happens when running over a bump while turning is gone with the Konis.
To me, this is a huge relief. I've been following what Boomer has to say about the new Konis, and I have to say I agree with everything he's said. (And he didn't even pay me to say it )
The Konis have made my car fun again: I don't have to continually make excuses for the car ("Oh, bumps and jiggling are the price of owning a True Sports Car" ).
I do think, however, that the Konis increase the understeer a bit.
I'll see how autocross goes this weekend...
I have noticed that the side-to-side wiggle that happens when running over a bump while turning is gone with the Konis.
To me, this is a huge relief. I've been following what Boomer has to say about the new Konis, and I have to say I agree with everything he's said. (And he didn't even pay me to say it
)The Konis have made my car fun again: I don't have to continually make excuses for the car ("Oh, bumps and jiggling are the price of owning a True Sports Car"
).I do think, however, that the Konis increase the understeer a bit.
I'll see how autocross goes this weekend...
Thanks. I thought I was the only one with the side-to-side wiggle while running over a bump while turning!! I am really looking forward to the new shocks. The excuse making gets old after a while and hard for me to justify after driving other cars that handle well and don't beat you up! Are you running a non oem adjustable front bar(ie 350evo etc.)? Probably would help the understeer. Good luck this weekend and be sure an report back.
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From: Oregon
Originally posted by jmark
Jim,
...Are you running a non oem adjustable front bar(ie 350evo etc.)? Probably would help the understeer. Good luck this weekend and be sure an report back.
Jim,
...Are you running a non oem adjustable front bar(ie 350evo etc.)? Probably would help the understeer. Good luck this weekend and be sure an report back.
No, I don't have any front sway bar. I'm changing one thing at a time, mostly to keep my wife from being annoyed with the cost
But I'm likely to go with the 350 evo front sway bar (only the front because I want to stay in autocross stock class) pretty soon. This weekend will probably show this to be a good idea.
Originally posted by JimProuty
Thanks for the good luck wish (I'll need it).
No, I don't have any front sway bar. I'm changing one thing at a time, mostly to keep my wife from being annoyed with the cost
But I'm likely to go with the 350 evo front sway bar (only the front because I want to stay in autocross stock class) pretty soon. This weekend will probably show this to be a good idea.
Thanks for the good luck wish (I'll need it).
No, I don't have any front sway bar. I'm changing one thing at a time, mostly to keep my wife from being annoyed with the cost
But I'm likely to go with the 350 evo front sway bar (only the front because I want to stay in autocross stock class) pretty soon. This weekend will probably show this to be a good idea.
I wondered if you were running in the BS class. Carter Thompson posts here some and he is probably the best known BS class 350Z driver to date. According to Koni he had a lot to do with the development of our Konis. He runs DA Konis on his 350Z.
The new design front sway bar bushings should be in about 4 weeks at 350Evo according to BJ.
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From: La Verne CA
G35 or Konis?
Ok Boomer;here is my question to you. I'm 60 going on 40. I've had 2- Z's('70-240-'77-280) 2-corvetts('79-'85) and I presently have a '95 Viper. My Z is a touring 04, dealer took delivery 01-04and me 01-30-04.My Z is a daily driver and the Viper--as needed.The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
So here's the question. G35C shocks front & rear or Konis front & rear? Or a combination? I don't track it,so that's not an issue,but I really would like an improved ride.What do you think?
Thanks --RON
So here's the question. G35C shocks front & rear or Konis front & rear? Or a combination? I don't track it,so that's not an issue,but I really would like an improved ride.What do you think?
Thanks --RON
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From: Northern Virginia
Re: G35 or Konis?
Originally posted by lawnmore
.....The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
...
.....The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
...
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From: La Verne CA
Re: G35 or Konis?
Originally posted by lawnmore
Ok Boomer;here is my question to you. I'm 60 going on 40. I've had 2- Z's('70-240-'77-280) 2-corvetts('79-'85) and I presently have a '95 Viper. My Z is a touring 04, dealer took delivery 01-04and me 01-30-04.My Z is a daily driver and the Viper--as needed.The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
So here's the question. G35C shocks front & rear or Konis front & rear? Or a combination? I don't track it,so that's not an issue,but I really would like an improved ride.What do you think?
Thanks --RON
Ok Boomer;here is my question to you. I'm 60 going on 40. I've had 2- Z's('70-240-'77-280) 2-corvetts('79-'85) and I presently have a '95 Viper. My Z is a touring 04, dealer took delivery 01-04and me 01-30-04.My Z is a daily driver and the Viper--as needed.The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
So here's the question. G35C shocks front & rear or Konis front & rear? Or a combination? I don't track it,so that's not an issue,but I really would like an improved ride.What do you think?
Thanks --RON
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Re: G35 or Konis?
Originally posted by lawnmore
Ok Boomer;here is my question to you. I'm 60 going on 40. I've had 2- Z's('70-240-'77-280) 2-corvetts('79-'85) and I presently have a '95 Viper. My Z is a touring 04, dealer took delivery 01-04and me 01-30-04.My Z is a daily driver and the Viper--as needed.The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
So here's the question. G35C shocks front & rear or Konis front & rear? Or a combination? I don't track it,so that's not an issue,but I really would like an improved ride.What do you think?
Thanks --RON
Ok Boomer;here is my question to you. I'm 60 going on 40. I've had 2- Z's('70-240-'77-280) 2-corvetts('79-'85) and I presently have a '95 Viper. My Z is a touring 04, dealer took delivery 01-04and me 01-30-04.My Z is a daily driver and the Viper--as needed.The Viper has better seats and more compliant shocking, equaling a NOTICEABLY better overall ride.A lot more user friendly.
So here's the question. G35C shocks front & rear or Konis front & rear? Or a combination? I don't track it,so that's not an issue,but I really would like an improved ride.What do you think?
Thanks --RON
I like the Konis better each day I drive it; I have 2-250 miles on them and they are less stiff as the miles accumulate. I should have purchased the G35, but it wasn't available 8 months before I preordered the Z having never seen it in person much less driven it. So, I decided the Z was going to be modified to suit me, regardless of Nissan and I feel good about my decision now that it has upgraded shocks. Rough roads are still rough, but they are not painful like they were before and the rebound control is the reason.
I guess the bottom line is I prefer the Konis because they are very controlled, the chassis answers to them now, not to the (1)springs and (2)tires. I think you can get a similar feeling from the G35 shocks, but it won't be as firm/controlled as the Konis or adjustable either. But, I have the Konis on full soft for a street ride/drive and am unlikely to change them.
You are proof positive a "real" sports car doesn't have to be harsh-riding to perform well, witness your Viper. Drive the G35 Coupe for contrast, but I'll keep the Konis. Sorry about being so wordy.
Boomer babble
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From: La Verne CA
Re: Re: G35 or Konis?
Originally posted by Boomer
Ron, I'm 59 going on 16, but I don't have a 16 year old body, ride is very important to me, but so is handling. I would suggest you test drive a G35 Coupe and see if you like the ride and handling. If you do, then you must decide how much handling you can give up for the ride. All G35 Coupes have the sports suspension, but they are a couple of hundred lbs heavier than the Z, so they will not be exactly the same ride as the Z is with the Konis. Different anti-roll bars can firm the ride if you swap to G35 shocks and assist better handling. One owner likes the front Konis and rear G35 Coupe shocks because of the better ride.
I like the Konis better each day I drive it; I have 2-250 miles on them and they are less stiff as the miles accumulate. I should have purchased the G35, but it wasn't available 8 months before I preordered the Z having never seen it in person much less driven it. So, I decided the Z was going to be modified to suit me, regardless of Nissan and I feel good about my decision now that it has upgraded shocks. Rough roads are still rough, but they are not painful like they were before and the rebound control is the reason.
I guess the bottom line is I prefer the Konis because they are very controlled, the chassis answers to them now, not to the (1)springs and (2)tires. I think you can get a similar feeling from the G35 shocks, but it won't be as firm/controlled as the Konis or adjustable either. But, I have the Konis on full soft for a street ride/drive and am unlikely to change them.
You are proof positive a "real" sports car doesn't have to be harsh-riding to perform well, witness your Viper. Drive the G35 Coupe for contrast, but I'll keep the Konis. Sorry about being so wordy.
Boomer babble
Ron, I'm 59 going on 16, but I don't have a 16 year old body, ride is very important to me, but so is handling. I would suggest you test drive a G35 Coupe and see if you like the ride and handling. If you do, then you must decide how much handling you can give up for the ride. All G35 Coupes have the sports suspension, but they are a couple of hundred lbs heavier than the Z, so they will not be exactly the same ride as the Z is with the Konis. Different anti-roll bars can firm the ride if you swap to G35 shocks and assist better handling. One owner likes the front Konis and rear G35 Coupe shocks because of the better ride.
I like the Konis better each day I drive it; I have 2-250 miles on them and they are less stiff as the miles accumulate. I should have purchased the G35, but it wasn't available 8 months before I preordered the Z having never seen it in person much less driven it. So, I decided the Z was going to be modified to suit me, regardless of Nissan and I feel good about my decision now that it has upgraded shocks. Rough roads are still rough, but they are not painful like they were before and the rebound control is the reason.
I guess the bottom line is I prefer the Konis because they are very controlled, the chassis answers to them now, not to the (1)springs and (2)tires. I think you can get a similar feeling from the G35 shocks, but it won't be as firm/controlled as the Konis or adjustable either. But, I have the Konis on full soft for a street ride/drive and am unlikely to change them.
You are proof positive a "real" sports car doesn't have to be harsh-riding to perform well, witness your Viper. Drive the G35 Coupe for contrast, but I'll keep the Konis. Sorry about being so wordy.
Boomer babble
If the Konis made Boomer happy........ Just kiddin Keith! I appreciate your honest take on the 350Z bounce/ride issue. I am just glad people are starting to admit to the problem you & I have complained about for over a year now. It really takes away from the car. It is a shame the bean counters talked the engineers into trying to save a few bucks on the OEM shocks.........I know I would have gladly paid more to avoid this headache. Sorry for the rant everything will be OK when I get my shocks on in a month!
Just kiddin Keith! I appreciate your honest take on the 350Z bounce/ride issue. I am just glad people are starting to admit to the problem you & I have complained about for over a year now. It really takes away from the car. It is a shame the bean counters talked the engineers into trying to save a few bucks on the OEM shocks.........I know I would have gladly paid more to avoid this headache. Sorry for the rant everything will be OK when I get my shocks on in a month!
Last edited by jmark; Apr 16, 2004 at 03:01 AM.
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Originally posted by jmark
If the Konis made Boomer happy........ Just kiddin Keith! I appreciate your honest take on the 350Z bounce/ride issue. I am just glad people are starting to admit to the problem you & I have complained about for over a year now. It really takes away from the car. It is a shame the bean counters talked the engineers into trying to save a few bucks on the OEM shocks.........I know I would have gladly paid more to avoid this headache. Sorry for the rant everything will be OK when I get my shocks on in a month!
If the Konis made Boomer happy........
Just kiddin Keith! I appreciate your honest take on the 350Z bounce/ride issue. I am just glad people are starting to admit to the problem you & I have complained about for over a year now. It really takes away from the car. It is a shame the bean counters talked the engineers into trying to save a few bucks on the OEM shocks.........I know I would have gladly paid more to avoid this headache. Sorry for the rant everything will be OK when I get my shocks on in a month!
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Originally posted by jmark
Popular thread! Wonder why Nissan?
Popular thread! Wonder why Nissan?
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From: Charlotte, NC
"
Ron, I'm 59 going on 16, but I don't have a 16 year old body, ride is very important to me, but so is handling. I would suggest you test drive a G35 Coupe and see if you like the ride and handling. If you do, then you must decide how much handling you can give up for the ride. --All G35 Coupes have the sports suspension--, but they are a couple of hundred lbs heavier than the Z, so they will not be exactly the same ride as the Z is with the Konis. Different anti-roll bars can firm the ride if you swap to G35 shocks and assist better handling. One owner likes the front Konis and rear G35 Coupe shocks because of the better ride. "
Please be advised that when I ordered the G35 Coupe shocks, I had a choice of base model or sport suspension versions. I selected the base model and this is what has given me the ride compliance I spoke of in my earlier post.
Ron, I'm 59 going on 16, but I don't have a 16 year old body, ride is very important to me, but so is handling. I would suggest you test drive a G35 Coupe and see if you like the ride and handling. If you do, then you must decide how much handling you can give up for the ride. --All G35 Coupes have the sports suspension--, but they are a couple of hundred lbs heavier than the Z, so they will not be exactly the same ride as the Z is with the Konis. Different anti-roll bars can firm the ride if you swap to G35 shocks and assist better handling. One owner likes the front Konis and rear G35 Coupe shocks because of the better ride. "
Please be advised that when I ordered the G35 Coupe shocks, I had a choice of base model or sport suspension versions. I selected the base model and this is what has given me the ride compliance I spoke of in my earlier post.
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Originally posted by Jhanna
"
Ron, I'm 59 going on 16, but I don't have a 16 year old body, ride is very important to me, but so is handling. I would suggest you test drive a G35 Coupe and see if you like the ride and handling. If you do, then you must decide how much handling you can give up for the ride. --All G35 Coupes have the sports suspension--, but they are a couple of hundred lbs heavier than the Z, so they will not be exactly the same ride as the Z is with the Konis. Different anti-roll bars can firm the ride if you swap to G35 shocks and assist better handling. One owner likes the front Konis and rear G35 Coupe shocks because of the better ride. "
Please be advised that when I ordered the G35 Coupe shocks, I had a choice of base model or sport suspension versions. I selected the base model and this is what has given me the ride compliance I spoke of in my earlier post.
"
Ron, I'm 59 going on 16, but I don't have a 16 year old body, ride is very important to me, but so is handling. I would suggest you test drive a G35 Coupe and see if you like the ride and handling. If you do, then you must decide how much handling you can give up for the ride. --All G35 Coupes have the sports suspension--, but they are a couple of hundred lbs heavier than the Z, so they will not be exactly the same ride as the Z is with the Konis. Different anti-roll bars can firm the ride if you swap to G35 shocks and assist better handling. One owner likes the front Konis and rear G35 Coupe shocks because of the better ride. "
Please be advised that when I ordered the G35 Coupe shocks, I had a choice of base model or sport suspension versions. I selected the base model and this is what has given me the ride compliance I spoke of in my earlier post.