Coil Overs?
12-12-2003, 08:50 AM
#1
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Coil Overs?
I am now ready to lower my 350Z Track. I need to have adjustable ride height. It is ok if the car has to go on a hoist to have the height adjusted, but the easier it is, the better. Now that I have another car for my daily driver, I can mod the Z more for the track.
The reason I need adjustable ride height (and the reason I could not lower it before) is that the building where I work has only one entrance to the garage, and there is a huge hump to get over. I can just barely clear it with the stock ride height. I want to be able to drive the car to work after adjusting the ride height UP.
The only suspension mods I have done so far are the Nismo S-Tune Swaybars, and the Crawford front strut brace.
So here are the questions:
1. I think I want coil overs. I have never had them on any car before, but I understand you can adjust the ride height. Is that right?
2. If #1 is yes, how much can I lower it below stock at the front and back, and can I bring it back up to the stock ride height when I want to drive the car to work?
3. How hard is it to do the adjustment, and can it be done without a professionl hoist, i.e., with a floor jack?
4. What brand should I get?
5. Do I change the springs too? If so, can I still adjust the ride height?
6. What question did I not ask that I should have about lowering the car?
Thank you.
The reason I need adjustable ride height (and the reason I could not lower it before) is that the building where I work has only one entrance to the garage, and there is a huge hump to get over. I can just barely clear it with the stock ride height. I want to be able to drive the car to work after adjusting the ride height UP.
The only suspension mods I have done so far are the Nismo S-Tune Swaybars, and the Crawford front strut brace.
So here are the questions:
1. I think I want coil overs. I have never had them on any car before, but I understand you can adjust the ride height. Is that right?
2. If #1 is yes, how much can I lower it below stock at the front and back, and can I bring it back up to the stock ride height when I want to drive the car to work?
3. How hard is it to do the adjustment, and can it be done without a professionl hoist, i.e., with a floor jack?
4. What brand should I get?
5. Do I change the springs too? If so, can I still adjust the ride height?
6. What question did I not ask that I should have about lowering the car?
Thank you.
12-12-2003, 09:27 AM
#2
moved
1.) yes you can adjust ride height.
2.) ride height adjustment depends on the brand of coilover. the tein type flex can be lowered over 2".
3.) it can be adjusted w/o a jack. it's pretty easy.
4.) tein type flex since the damping can be adjusted electronically with the edfc.
5.) no
6.) What is your primary purpose? Street? Track?
I am selling my set of Type FLEX coilovers w/EDFC for $1800 shipped. MSRP is $2240.
1.) yes you can adjust ride height.
2.) ride height adjustment depends on the brand of coilover. the tein type flex can be lowered over 2".
3.) it can be adjusted w/o a jack. it's pretty easy.
4.) tein type flex since the damping can be adjusted electronically with the edfc.
5.) no
6.) What is your primary purpose? Street? Track?
I am selling my set of Type FLEX coilovers w/EDFC for $1800 shipped. MSRP is $2240.
12-12-2003, 09:32 AM
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Okay, let me see if I can shed some light on the subject...
1. yes. coilovers typically allow for height adjustment via a threaded collar the coil sits on
2. The lowering amount depends on the coilovers. I know with the KW's that I can put it in the weeds, or back to stock height. I currently have it about an inch below stock and I still drive it every day.
3. Changing the height just requires removing the wheel and turning the collar. Not a big deal really. It takes me about an hour to do all 4 wheels. That's just with a basic floor jack
4. That is really a personal choice. I personally like the KW's as they provide a great ride for the street but handle extremely well. Check out this for more info:
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=52683
I currently have a group buy running for the KW's in the group buy section...
5. Well, new springs come with the coilovers as they are a complete package. The springs just sit on threaded collars, which is how they are adjustable.
6. Are you more track oriented or street oriented. This will make a huge difference in your coilover selection..
1. yes. coilovers typically allow for height adjustment via a threaded collar the coil sits on
2. The lowering amount depends on the coilovers. I know with the KW's that I can put it in the weeds, or back to stock height. I currently have it about an inch below stock and I still drive it every day.
3. Changing the height just requires removing the wheel and turning the collar. Not a big deal really. It takes me about an hour to do all 4 wheels. That's just with a basic floor jack
4. That is really a personal choice. I personally like the KW's as they provide a great ride for the street but handle extremely well. Check out this for more info:
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=52683
I currently have a group buy running for the KW's in the group buy section...
5. Well, new springs come with the coilovers as they are a complete package. The springs just sit on threaded collars, which is how they are adjustable.
6. Are you more track oriented or street oriented. This will make a huge difference in your coilover selection..
12-12-2003, 09:32 AM
#4
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Primary Purpose is Track
But the car still has to be streetable. I will sometimes drive it on weekends, and occasionally to work.
Thanks for the advice. Tein sounds like the way to go.
So do the stock springs stay in the car? If so, how do you lower it without changing them?
Thanks for the advice. Tein sounds like the way to go.
So do the stock springs stay in the car? If so, how do you lower it without changing them?
12-12-2003, 10:22 AM
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Re: Primary Purpose is Track
Originally posted by Jim Jones
So do the stock springs stay in the car? If so, how do you lower it without changing them?
So do the stock springs stay in the car? If so, how do you lower it without changing them?
For your purpose though it sounds like most of your driving will be on public roads. So TEIN FLEX will probably be your best choice. The spring rates are not too stiff and so while they are not the best for the track, they will be comfortable on the street. Plus if you get the EDFC option you can adjust the damping of the shocks while in the car.
But definately look at some pictures of the coilover setups and you be able to make sense of the way they adjust ride height.
12-12-2003, 10:31 AM
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EDFC
Thanks for all the info. I like the Tein Flex coil overs with EDFC. Does anyone have the EDFC, and if so:
1. How do you like it, and
2. Where did you put the control unit? (can it fit under the cover in the center console?)
1. How do you like it, and
2. Where did you put the control unit? (can it fit under the cover in the center console?)
12-12-2003, 01:23 PM
#7
Originally posted by 3rdpower
First, the TEIN Flex system made a nice improvement in the driving dynamics. I was able to easily hunker down on some turns where I tended to lose a lot of grip. The TEIN install was done by a local racing shop here in Seattle. The installation cost was roughly $250 (a steal considering the EDFC was a pain in the **** to install!). The feature / functionality of the EDFC is undeniable... it is a serious must if you are going to buy the flex system spend the extra for the EDFC! There's nothing like a nice smooth ride when you want and a serious corner cutter when you really want to get down.
First, the TEIN Flex system made a nice improvement in the driving dynamics. I was able to easily hunker down on some turns where I tended to lose a lot of grip. The TEIN install was done by a local racing shop here in Seattle. The installation cost was roughly $250 (a steal considering the EDFC was a pain in the **** to install!). The feature / functionality of the EDFC is undeniable... it is a serious must if you are going to buy the flex system spend the extra for the EDFC! There's nothing like a nice smooth ride when you want and a serious corner cutter when you really want to get down.
https://my350z.com/forum/attachment....&postid=258623
https://my350z.com/forum/attachment....&postid=258624
https://my350z.com/forum/attachment....&postid=259283
https://my350z.com/forum/attachment....&postid=568605
Originally posted by 3rdpower
Took a while
But I finally got my TEIN Flex w/ EDFC installed. My overall satisfaction is an 8.5 out of 10. Great system overall. I dropped the Z until the my 19" iForge rims were tucked and then had to raise it again because I couldn't get in my dang apartment driveway!!!
Performance:
Over stock ride quality I'd definitely say there's a markable improvement through all dampening settings. The highest dampening comes close to stock, however, it just a tab bit more stiff. At the 0 dampening level the car definitely cuts into corners better. There's also a noticeable increase in road pebble noise I've hit a couple turns a bit faster then normal and the Z seems to grip better with no dampening. It sortah cuts into the turns and the tires are a bit less likely to lose grip.
Features:
Well there's no comparision in my opinion. There is no other coilover kit that's going to give you the feature/functionality for THE STREET. These are definitely not track coilovers mind you, however, you could have a little bit of fun at the track with them. The EDFC is going into the ash tray (custom job and pictures to come). It's simple to read and understand with 3 button memory.
I think once I have finished the drop it' look nice, however, be a bit on the higher side from some of the other TEIN systems I have seen. I'd like to pull it down LOW low but just can't. Overall satisfaction is high... this is a great little system and well worth it for any street drivers who are searching for a bit more suspension spunk. Please email if you have questions.
Took a while
But I finally got my TEIN Flex w/ EDFC installed. My overall satisfaction is an 8.5 out of 10. Great system overall. I dropped the Z until the my 19" iForge rims were tucked and then had to raise it again because I couldn't get in my dang apartment driveway!!! Performance:
Over stock ride quality I'd definitely say there's a markable improvement through all dampening settings. The highest dampening comes close to stock, however, it just a tab bit more stiff. At the 0 dampening level the car definitely cuts into corners better. There's also a noticeable increase in road pebble noise
I've hit a couple turns a bit faster then normal and the Z seems to grip better with no dampening. It sortah cuts into the turns and the tires are a bit less likely to lose grip.Features:
Well there's no comparision in my opinion. There is no other coilover kit that's going to give you the feature/functionality for THE STREET. These are definitely not track coilovers mind you, however, you could have a little bit of fun at the track with them. The EDFC is going into the ash tray (custom job and pictures to come). It's simple to read and understand with 3 button memory.
I think once I have finished the drop it' look nice, however, be a bit on the higher side from some of the other TEIN systems I have seen. I'd like to pull it down LOW low but just can't. Overall satisfaction is high... this is a great little system and well worth it for any street drivers who are searching for a bit more suspension spunk. Please email if you have questions.
Originally posted by SandMan
I am loving my flex dampers. I do not regret spending the cash for these. The EDFC kicks much ***, and just so damn convenient. I recommend them to anyone who can spare the cash. Plus with the cusco sway bars, damn that would be sick.
I am loving my flex dampers. I do not regret spending the cash for these. The EDFC kicks much ***, and just so damn convenient. I recommend them to anyone who can spare the cash. Plus with the cusco sway bars, damn that would be sick.
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12-13-2003, 01:53 AM
#8
....for your health
Re: EDFC
Originally posted by Jim Jones
Thanks for all the info. I like the Tein Flex coil overs with EDFC. Does anyone have the EDFC, and if so:
1. How do you like it, and
2. Where did you put the control unit? (can it fit under the cover in the center console?)
Thanks for all the info. I like the Tein Flex coil overs with EDFC. Does anyone have the EDFC, and if so:
1. How do you like it, and
2. Where did you put the control unit? (can it fit under the cover in the center console?)
12-13-2003, 09:28 AM
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I don't want to dump on the Teins as they are a great system, but, if you are looking for something more track oriented, you may want to try something with independant dampening controls. In track conditions, you may sometimes want more compression and less rebound or vice versa. Also, something with a little heavier springrate may be more up your alley as well.
Again, this is only if you are really interested in a more track oriented setup.
Again, this is only if you are really interested in a more track oriented setup.
12-13-2003, 04:20 PM
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Originally posted by Mike Wazowski
cusco's seem to want to promote understeer due to their selected springrates.
hks hipermax are supposedly soft luxury coilovers.
cusco's seem to want to promote understeer due to their selected springrates.
hks hipermax are supposedly soft luxury coilovers.
12-13-2003, 09:41 PM
#13
HKS makes 3 types of coilovers for our Zs
LS - Ride height adjustable
LS+ - Ride and Dampening adjustable
D2 - Ride and dampening adjustable
The LS (Luxury sport) is basically your set it and forget it solution. Some members have reported these feel fine on the street but may be a little soft for track applications
I just picked up a set of the LS+ coilovers and the ride is very similar to stock. There are 30 adjustable settings for dampening and I am at 15 of 30. For every day driving, the middle setting will probably be fine. I may get curious one of these days and crank them to 30 to see what the ride is like.
D2 (Damper II) - Also have 30 dampening settings but are supposedly much more firm. I believe a couple members have these and are totally satisfied with them.
I chose the LS+ because it seemed to offer the best trade off between performance and street driveability. So far I am really liking the way it rides. No squeaks or rattles either.
LS - Ride height adjustable
LS+ - Ride and Dampening adjustable
D2 - Ride and dampening adjustable
The LS (Luxury sport) is basically your set it and forget it solution. Some members have reported these feel fine on the street but may be a little soft for track applications
I just picked up a set of the LS+ coilovers and the ride is very similar to stock. There are 30 adjustable settings for dampening and I am at 15 of 30. For every day driving, the middle setting will probably be fine. I may get curious one of these days and crank them to 30 to see what the ride is like.
D2 (Damper II) - Also have 30 dampening settings but are supposedly much more firm. I believe a couple members have these and are totally satisfied with them.
I chose the LS+ because it seemed to offer the best trade off between performance and street driveability. So far I am really liking the way it rides. No squeaks or rattles either.
12-14-2003, 01:11 PM
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first and foremost, no coilover currently out there is going to allow you to raise the car beyond stock levels...in many instances, even at their hightest settings, most coilovers a bit lower than stock.
How much track time are you going to be doing? How experienced of a track driver are you? are you going to mke track side changes to preload, dampening, spring rates, etc, or just want a system thats more of a plug in and go, for a variety fo situations.
having driven the Cusco setups on 2 cars, I can personally attest they do not induce understeer at all......
How much track time are you going to be doing? How experienced of a track driver are you? are you going to mke track side changes to preload, dampening, spring rates, etc, or just want a system thats more of a plug in and go, for a variety fo situations.
having driven the Cusco setups on 2 cars, I can personally attest they do not induce understeer at all......
12-15-2003, 05:50 PM
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I am not an experienced track driver
I am going to the performance driving clinic at Buttonwillow Raceway this Saturday. It will be only my second time driving on the track. But I want to lower the car for both handling and looks, and I need the adjustable ride height so I can raise the car back to stock height for getting it into the garage at my office.
I drive the S4 most of the time now, and am modding the Z more seriously, with things that make it less streetable. Thinking about Tilton 8 lb. flywheel and clutch.
So I guess I don'e need the most radical coil over set-up, but a do like a really firm ride and am looking forward to the cornering improvement.
I drive the S4 most of the time now, and am modding the Z more seriously, with things that make it less streetable. Thinking about Tilton 8 lb. flywheel and clutch.
So I guess I don'e need the most radical coil over set-up, but a do like a really firm ride and am looking forward to the cornering improvement.
12-16-2003, 06:00 AM
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Re: I am not an experienced track driver
Originally posted by Jim Jones
So I guess I don'e need the most radical coil over set-up, but a do like a really firm ride and am looking forward to the cornering improvement.
So I guess I don'e need the most radical coil over set-up, but a do like a really firm ride and am looking forward to the cornering improvement.
Steve
MSM Racing
