So I am hunting for some BFGs.
Thing is do I make all 4 tires the same width? I know the stockers are done for two reasons.

1) Looks

2) Reduce oversteer.

Whatcha think?

Also, I want to pick up some lowering springs because regardless of width I want to go down to a 40 series profile so that weekend racing is more fun(unless you think the 45 size is fine).

Wheel gap is already an issue looks wise with the stock 45s. Be nice to pick up some more handling too; with the lower center of gravity.

I don't want to go insane though. I was thinking of the TEINs that drop .7 and .6 front and rear.

Should it look okay? How's yer install fees for springs?

P.S. Nice to see this site is speedy again..hope I don't jynx it.

 

You only have one spring choice that will effect the roll stiffness balance to impart less understeer in a meaningfull manner. Even then it could be argued it doesn't transfer enough roll stiffness to really make a noticeable change in the oem understeer behavior. The RSR down spring.

RSR 350Z springs (just a wee bit progressive F&R, maybe one coil is progressive)
345/417 F+10% R+22%
Transfers +12% roll stiffness to rear

Notice the manner in which the S-tech's differ.

Tein S-tech 350z (fronts are progressive, rears are linear)
386/402 F+23% R+16%
Transfers +7% roll stiffness to front

I have charted pretty much all the aftermarket springs for the Z in this manner. You will net more immediate results against understeer by using adjustable sway bars in the short term, then you can do with aftermarket springs.

 

Awesome info! I totally agree that sway bars will do the job better.

However I was also trying to address the other factor...the "looks".

As going with a 40 series tire will really increase the 4x4 look.

I realize that if I am *serious* about affecting the Zs handling for better track'in I need to do a lot more. Wheels, brakes, sway bars, coil overs, tire choice, possibly switching out the rear LSD, etc.

I just want to get a better looking stance and, if by chance it does, get some extra handling as well. But only as a "side effect" of wanting to make the car look better. That's all for now.

 

Also, what sway bars would you suggest? the adjustable Cusco's or something else? What would you suggest I do first, front or rear? Or just save the cash until I can get both?

Thanks.

 

I understand, just wanted to explain that how you could possibly get the reduction in understeer you were asking for from a lowering spring install.

On the looks department, are you sure a less then 1" drop will make you happy? Some people do want just a mild .7" or so drop. But when I see people mention looks like you have, and they go with a mild drop, I usually see a follow up post where they comment,......"I dunno, drop isn't enough for me". I don't think it's the greastest idea to do more then mild drops on just lowering springs, so I'm not encouraging you to do otherwise. I just want to make sure your've thought about what drop amount will make YOU happy. Just to say it, also, past .7" drops will get you into paying more for aftermarket camber fixes to stay within spec.

 

I have the Cusco's on my car, they did exactly that I wanted, in the beginning. I've discovered that I need a adjustable rear bar, which the Cusco rear bar is not. So, I picked up a used 350EVO rear bar, and one of these day's I'll swap it in.

So, I would recommend any adjustable sway bar system for your car. Two names come to mind, Hotchkis, or 350EVO.

 

Well I am happy with the wheel gap on the stockers. So that's why I was thinking about only doing the .6/.7 after I go with the lower profile rubber. So that it will look "more stock".

I really don't want to get in to the budget and hardware of control arms and stuff to correct spec either; at this time. So I think the .6/.7 is the way to go.

So go with the Teins for looks and then go with the Cusco sway bars to actually do something about the understeer..even if only a little.

So you think that is best then?

 

I would buy Hotchkis sway bars over the Cuscos, you want a adjustable rear bar, I know I've learned this the hard way. The Cusco rear bar is NOT adjustable.

Given what you want, I think you'll be happy with the Tein S-techs.

 

Okay, last question...I promise.

So in doing the sway bars and springs, should I keep the tires staggered like they are stock? I would still go with the lower profile but then keep the rears wider.

I do like using the VDC when it's raining out and all.

What about that?