I called both HKS and Ultimate Z about these coilovers (front) and coilovers & springs (rear). They claim it will reduce the Z's very bouncy ride while maintaing good handling characteristics.

What do you guys think ?? Comments welcome !!

HKS Hipermax LS Coil Overs
http://www.ultimatez.com/shop/index....184&cart=39608

Hipermax LS coilover kits are built from the same core components as the Hipermax Damper II coilovers but are tuned and valved for touring characteristics. The Hipermax LS are specifically designed for "Luxury-Sport Sedans" where improved handling characteristics are achieved while maintaining a desirable ride comfort. Hipermax LS coilover kits are threaded shock body units that utilize aluminum spring perchs for full ride height adjustability (ideal to lower or raise height for various wheel sizes). Each kit also comes with upper pillowball mounts for improved steering response and secure mounting of the spring to the coilover (competitors offer this only as an option).

Sale Price: US$1,649.99 (Regular Price:US$1,965.00)

 

Go for it, and let the rest of us know

If they were similar spring rates, though, I'd probably go with TEIN for the cool electronics.

 

If I remember correctly these rated higher than the TEIN's in performance and ride in that japanese magazine review of all the coilover options available for the Z. Out of all the options I think the TEIN's actually rated lowest or 2nd to lowest.

 

Somebody needs to find that review and translate it for us

 

Anyone have a ballpark figure on install for this type setup? Thx, Jim

 

about 400 before alignment is what most reputable shops that warranty their work would charge.

 

Installed, we're talking $2200, including alignment. On top of the $1K I spent for the new tires, Michelin A/Ss. I would be a lot more enthusiastic if these were a change I could make after 30,000 miles. I know a lot of our members had a slush fund already set up for mods as soon as they became available, but I don't work like that.

I drive the car for 25-30,000 miles and start my changes, its like getting a new, improved car. Shelling out over $3K before I have 2000 miles on the car goes against the grain for me. I am sure they will be worth the money, HKS has good products in my experience, but having to cure a basic problem on a new car w/products from the aftermarket is galling.

 

Boomer, Thx for the info. Being an old man, I want/need as much comfort without compromising the already excellent suspension. I spend an awful lot of time in my Z (about 3,000 miles on a month) and I yearn for just a bit less bounce and a bit more balance!
I couldn't agree more w/you re: 25-30k and making new additions/changes, if I only ran 1k a month or so, I would do so too as I think your plan is a wise one.
I am right at 11,000 miles now and I think I am going to investigate the HKS system a bit closer.
Monday mine goes in for alignment and the concommitant dogfight that will accompany it as I try to push the dealer up against the wall for some tires or at least an adjustment on some new Michelin Pilots.
Regards, Jim

 

Install them yourself, its quite easy and very rewarding!

 

Hi, Jim. I would be looking at the HKS system for sure with the miles you are driving now. I looked them up and they recommend starting out at the full soft setting installed, which is probably slightly firmer than what we have now, interestingly, the other applications are for late model Lexuses. I don't think thats a problem if it smooths the ride, right now my ortho problems show up more in the bounce than a firmer ride. To be frank, I couldn't drive the Z 3000 miles a month w/o heavy pain medication. Fortunately for me, I don't have to.

A firmer, smoother ride may work perfectly for your driving comfort requirements. HKS is a reputable company w/good products and if the ride is smoothed out w/their coilovers, I think you should call them and see what they say.

One comment about your mtg w/the dealer, I would take the new 040s because its not money, its product and they have lots of that. Getting money from a dealership is not usually within their parameters. You could use the new 040s as a tradein on new tires or put them on E-Bay at a big savings for someone who needs spares or use them in autox or track, which seems what they were designed for anyway, as long as its warm weather. Just a suggestion. Let me know about the HKSs if you get them, please.

I bought the car to take long trips in, hah! I'm driving it to San Jose, CA in September for the races at Laguna Seca anyway, bounce or not, but I would like to be able to walk when I get there. I only have 2000 miles on it now, but trips around this region into other States are in my plans. I'm going to check out the Konis when they come out, too, as well as the HKSs.

Boomer

 

Where did you look them up and find this info? If you can provide a link, that would be super!

 

Do you have link to this review? Thanks!

 

I spoke to www.350tuner.com (a/k/a www.streetsports.com). They are calling HKS and getting more info on the HKS Hipermax LS Coil Overs. I'll let you know.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ein+AND+review

Take a look at this link for the review.. I believe it's HKS first, Aragosta 2nd, and Tein third.

 

The link is hksusa.com, they are $1695 and I estimated install at $80-100 each, which may be more, just a WAG. Actually, if they deliver what they promise, full soft is slightly firmer than stock, no bounce, and future adjustability, they may be a bargain in the long run. Its the short run that is the problem, so what else is new?

Boomer

 

Boomer,
Thx for the reply. In March I am going from here (Arizona) to Fla. to see our daughter and then up the east coast to see our son in Norfolk VA. and then meander back here to AZ. I will have a better (read: less bounce) ride for those 5,000+ miles.
As to my dealer and what they may or may not do, my SW has already said they will not cover new tires. I don't even plan on talking w/him over this issue. I do have an in w/an individual @ NNA and I may have to use it, but I want to treat that resource very carefully and not overstep my friendship there unless really needed.
I'll let you know.
PS, I got a very poor run on a Dynojet yesterday, but he seemed to be a little hesitant in his operation, tho he was very knowledgable and affable. He did the first run in 4th as I requested (5AT) and hit the rev limiter around 150mph or so. No fans on and he got 205 hp! He then shut it down for 5 min. and did the 2nd run in 3rd gear He maintained it was better to do so and only came up to 218hp. He thought that was about right for the automatic and its losses. After I left, I realized he did not turn off the TCS on the run(s). I called him from the car (prepared to go back) and told him TCS was on the whole time and he said it probably makes no difference. Sooooo.... I am a bit perplexed as it runs a strong 5.84 to 6.15 0 - 60 time on the same road in both directions. That doesn't seem to match the low dyno results to me. I realize that my 0 - 60 measurements are a bit rough, but that is an average from 6 runs using the in car stopwatch and I think that is a pretty respectable and consistent time for the Touring with 3/4 tank and automatic. I may try another place to dyno just to see what may come up. Have you dyno'd your AT or do you know if anyone has? Thx, Jim

 

Guys, just a heads up, the coilovers tested in the Japanese mags was a different HKS damper system, not the LS system. HKS makes an older system for the 90-96 ZXs. The system in the mag is the Hypermax Damper II which is not the same as the Hypermax LS Damper system for the 350Z AND the G35C! Why the 350Z is pictured in reference to the Damper II system, I don't know. Just go to hksusa.com and read the descriptions.

However, the LS system was derived from the Damper II system and tuned for a luxury sport sedan, but w/a firmer ride. Sounds ideal for Jim H and me, but it may not be for everyone. My dream would be a 350Z that handles better than a Lexus GS400 with a firmer ride. The HKS LS system might be close to that, if it is true, its definitely worth the money to me.

BTW, before the sports car purists in us all cry foul, the BMW M5 Sedan, according to many automotive journalists, has the best ride/handling combination they have ever driven in ANY car.

Boomer

 

Jim, I've never done any dyno runs at all. Maybe someone can enlighten us. It seems strange to not turn off the TCS, but bringing it up to top speed gradually may not activate it. I don't know anyone but you who has dynoed their AT. It seems low to me for your 0-60 runs, thats almost 22% in parasitic losses over the MT. I also don't know why he ran it in 3rd, 4th is 1:1? I just figured 240hp on the dyno w/MT is 16% or so, it may be close for the AT. Anyone know?

 

Here is a site showing that LS set for $1399 right now. If you think about it, it isn't much more than a new set of tires.

 

I spent 600bux on my last car between coilovers and adjustable struts. Why do manufactures assume "since the car is 30+ lets make the aftermarket equally expensive". But Im not bitter.

Please dont tell me I get what I pay for. My car was firm, responsive, had a great stance, and did wonderful at the track with that setup.


Im just throwing in my 2c.