Looking for suspension experts comments.

How is the NISMO suspension compared to the new 2004.5 + suspension revision. Understeer vs. neutral vs. oversteer.
comfort level.

NISMOs have progressive rate springs 448/504 (F+43% R+48% compared to 2003 suspension) vs. 314/427 for the revised suspension.
NISMO sways +18% stiffer front, and 1% softer in the rear (compared to the 2003 suspension) vs. +17% stiffer front, rear the same for the revised suspension.

Notwithstanding the NISMO will have a lower center of gravity, but would it be more neutral than the 2004+ revised suspension. I am no expert but from doing a little research, whenever you increase the stiffness of your rear swaybar or rear springs understeer will be reduced. And according to the specs, the revised suspension has a greater stiffness to the rear, due to the swaybar being stiffer, and it also has a greater rear to front spring rate (a 113 lb difference), compared to the 54 lb difference in the NISMO. also the NISMO rear sway is softer so sends more bias back to the front.

So according to these number the revised suspension should be more neutral, or maybe a little more prone to oversteer than the NISMO.

also the revised suspension uses linear rate springs, so it would be more predictable. the NISMO is progressive, which would make it more comfortable.

Not being an expert or anything here, would the NISMO even be worth it on a z with the revised suspension?
would not the revised suspension be more neutral or tend to oversteer?

I know I will hear comments that other suspensions are better, but I tend to agree with linear supporters as the springs are more predictable. also there are not many linear lowering springs, or the front to rear ratio numbers do not support a more neutral handing vehicle.

Did Nissan make the new revised suspension as neutral or more neutral than the NISMO set up which came out way before the revised suspension, but kept it stiffer with linear springs so people would still be enticed to buy the s-tune for a smoother ride.

also since the NISMO is progressive, you will only get the best handling at the limit, while with stock linear you get the best handling even when not pushing it.

If this truly is the case, new z owners should definetely look to other vendors to improve handling. but the NISMO would be an upgrade for the earlier 2003 350Zs.

so besides the subtle drop and smoother ride would the NISMO give any performance advantage over the revised suspension?

 

My eyes hurt just from reading the first part. Let me sum this up for you. 07/08 Nismo=Brand New car with upgraded suspension from the factory.2004.5= Older model car older model suspension.unless you upgrade the hell out off everything then thats a different story. But you cant compare the cars.

 

 

I'm confused from reading that. What your asking is the revised suspension in standard Z's better than a nismo z and have better handling? Nismo Z's handle WAY better than any factory Z does, I know, I used to own a 2004.5 z before my nismo. Still, I have no idea what your really asking.

 

The Nismo Z suspension is not the same as the Nismo S Tune pieces you can buy from the dealer.

 

I am referring to the S-tune suspension not the nismo z suspension.

I have looked at a bunch of skidpad tests, although a skidpad test is not the determing factor of handling, it does have a role in the way the car handles. and no two skidpad tests are the same. The nismo z, I belive the skidpads I saw was .95-.98, s-tune .91-.95, and 2006+ .91-.94. this varies depending on the driver and skid pad track distance.

definetely not much difference between the s-tune and revised suspension. Nismo Z is up to .03 higher. but it also has additional parts revisions. and how much would they make a difference, if you started adding them to the other z's.

According to skid pad tests, the s-tune is really not better then the revised suspension. even though the stock suspension has softer springs, they are linear compared to the progressive s-tune package.

suspension dynamics state that a stiffer rear sway bar and stiffer rear springs will reduce understeer. and the revised suspension has a stiffer rear sway bar, and a greter rear to front ratio. so just by suspension dynamics it appears the revised susension would be more neutral or on the side of oversteer.

 

Then your question might be better answered in the "suspension" section of this forum.

This section is for the Nismo Z, not Z's equiped with Nismo parts. Posting in this section, people will assume that you want a comparison between the revised suspension and the factory Nismo, not the s-tune parts.

 

I have a 2003 Z with the 2007 Nismo Edition Z suspension (made a huge difference). I just put S-Tune sway bars on last night and I didn't notice much improvement, but I haven't pushed the car at all. I think it all works together well though. I preferred S-Tune though, but for the price I got this for cheaper...and no alignment issues since these springs will not lower your Z at all. I think these sways are the same as the stock 07/08 sways as well I think....maybe even 06?

 

if your thinking about getting swaybars, why not get something that is adjustable? Ive got hotchkiss sways and got them dailed to how I drive.

just a suggestion.