Hi, new here and thought I may be able to get some assistance. Just purchased a used (12K miles) 2003 Touring model. Not new to Zs, had an 86 and a 90. The 350 is fast, nimble, and stops on a dime.......but my wife isn't impressed with the ride quality. I'm thinking the 18 inch low profile tires may have alot to do with it.
So, what mods can be done to improve the ride? I'm sure there may be some tradeoffs in handling but I'm an old fart who has never grown up and touring is my obsession. Where do you suggest I begin? I've been impressed with the adustable shocks/struts made by Koni and tomico(spelling???) in the past but somehow for touring I think more tire sidewall to help absorb the pavement may be in order....where do I start thanks.....Bill

 

I hated the ride on my stock 03 so put on the Koni Sport shocks and Tein H.tech springs (which are a little softer than stock and almost no drop in ride height), ride is now excellent, you won't believe the difference.

If that change is not enough for you then replace your 18" wheels with the 17" Enthusiast wheels and you'll have the perfect touring machine.

 

coilovers is the only way to go....i suggest the hks ls+

 

I first went to 19" wheels w/Toyos, and the ride actually improved...the stock tires suck. I then went to Koni's and H-Techs, and the ride and handling are excellent. No more bounce, no loose footing on rough surfaced curves.

 

I'll put my vote in for the H Tech springs, i'm sure the Konis help too but the H-Techs i had installed just with the stock shocks made a big differance.

 

Will installation of springs require alignment? I'd think yes. would it void the warranty? Am I correct in thinking the 17in wheels have larger sidewalls and absorb more road shock? Two other questions....Tire height compared to stock.....same? And What about the tire pressure sensors......thanks guys for for all your input

 

So would I.

would it void the warranty?

Mmmm, doubt it.

Am I correct in thinking the 17in wheels have larger sidewalls and absorb more road shock?

Yes, and a more comfortable ride at the cost of some cornering ability.

Tire height compared to stock.....same?

Yes, the outer circumference is about the same for the 18s and 17s in stock sizes.

Tire pressure sensors are nice but not required, with good tires I get along fine without them.

 

Looks like I sort of know the direction to head in....oh, can the low tire pressure dash and gage light be turned off w/o taking it to dealer?

 

it will turn off when the air is around 35psi. i had to put in 5 more psi because its damn cold here.

 

how old is your wife? shesh...

 

How old are you? shesh...

 

I'm 57, wife is 43.....just a guy who likes to drive.....I had a cherry 90. Use to think that was a driver, and pretty quick....the 350 has it all over that...got hooked on z cars in 85. Not a motor head anymore, just a driver...but thanx for all the info. Guys in z31 and z32 forums were good help too. ...Oh my wife got a cd stuck in player 1 hr after I picked up car.....paper label on disc.

 

I think we all see the problem here.... Remove the passenger seat and your ride "quality" will increase exponentially XD

 

I really dislike the look of the stock 17" wheels, maybe you can increase the tire size on the 18's? and as mentioned above, upgrade the suspension?

if it makes you feel any better, my father is 50 and he has trouble getting in and out of my Z. And he's not in bad shape.

 

Age is a state of mind. I have all my toys, car,4wd truck, motor cycle(American made), guns, boat, fishing poles and a good looking younger wife. (removing the pass seat is not an option) Best part iseverything is all paid for. No problems getting in or out of my Z. You younger guys may bust my ***** but I'm havinga good time.....still like to go thru the gears and still stiffen when I see a young hardbody......maybe see some of you on way to Vegas for Veterans day, The city is throwing a welcome home parade for us Viet Vets. If ya see me pull along side and drop it a cpl gears.......we'll do the road up good.......bill