Check out this link for a new type of suspension setup. This looks very promising for those of us that would like to soften the Z's everyday ride and then firm it up for performance or track driving with the flick of a switch.

If I am not mistaken with this Praxis System you will not need the coil springs and should be able to save a lot of weight?

http://www.praxissystems.com/index.asp

I sent them an email asking about the 350Z applications and this is the response I got:

"Thank you very much for your interest in the PRAXIS system. We are targeting mid-year 2003 for the public release of the Subaru WRX system and expect to add 4-5 additional applications later in the year. Although we have not finalized the retail price, the completeness of the kit (air springs, adjustable struts, remote reservoirs, compressor, valve-block, cockpit module, ECU, height-sensors, and all associated hardware) will necessitate a cost higher than a premium coil-over conversion but less than
the most expensive coil-over products.

In plain English, the kit should be affordable to the serious enthusiast.

In regards to your question:
- The 350Z is on the list for vehicles that we are considering for the next round of applications. Thank-you for your input.

I have added your name to our list and will forward information as it becomes available.

We will be updating the web-site (www.praxissystems.com) regularly to report on product status.

Sincerely,

William S. Niaura
Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems
Manager - Marketing & Technology Coordination
1200 Firestone Parkway
Akron, OH 44317 "

 

I've often heard that air bag suspensions are old technology that only belongs on muscle cars and heavy duty trucks. However, no one has ever explained to me what is bad about them other than the extra weight of the compressor, etc. Maybe someone can enlighten us?

BTW, I believe the Z in "The Run" had a rear air bag suspension to handle all the extra weight of the 35mm camera rig.

--
Jeff

 

Sound cool! I would go for it, if the price will be affordable. I completed survey on their site. I suggest everybody interested do the same, so they can see demand for 350z.

Do you guys know any other systems like that?

 

After reading through Praxis's material on their web page, it appears that their system replaces springs and shocks. Ride height, spring rate, and damping can all be adjusted. Also it appears that Praxis is owned by Bridgestone.

--
Jeff

 

If the system works well that would be a big weight savings to get ride of all that suspension stuff.

I also filled out their survey and suggested to them that they allow the user more then three settings. It wouls also be very nice to have custom settings so if you want to change something else on the car you can tailor the suspension to handle it. Like having independent front and rear control would be sweet.

Ja

 

if this is a true bag setup you will lose so much in performance it's not even funny. you will feel so much more body roll going throughout a corner compared to the stock setup or an after market setup.

it would be easier to get some coilovers and just set them to the lowest settings and would be more beneficial. esspecially if you are going to track your car. i guarantee you will see a loss in performance. a friend of mine has his RSX on bags, it was cool but when you went around corners you could feel his car roll and my old one didn't and we had the same mods.

 

2k3-

If you read through the site completely, the system doesn't sound like your typical air bag system. Now the judgement whether it will perform as good as a nice set of coilovers will have to wait until the system is put on a car and tested by someone other than Praxis/Bridgestone.

JD

 

I mentioned it in my survey to - custom adjustments of all parameters.

 

yes it does sound like a typical airbag system. it's an airbag stuffed inside of a shock is all it comes down to instead of the normal exposed bags. we'll have to wait and see but i'm almost dead positive that you won't see any increase in performance. ride quality will be better though.

 

Well of all the airbag systems this one looks the most promising but I'll tell you one thing, if airbags did give better performance you would have seen them on racecars years ago. There is no rule in any series that air bags can not be used and you can beleive somebody's already tried. It will not be lighter then your curent suspension setup even before the compressor is added and I still don't beleive that they can handle severe cornering loads as well as coilovers.

 

Here's part of an email response I got from doing the survey:

In regards to your questions:
- Weight - For the WRX, the system adds about 15-lbs ... mostly sprung
weight. Unsprung weight is actually reduced due to the lightweight air
springs.
- The air-springs really do not wear out, they are typically a lifetime of
10+ years.

--
Jeff