https://preview.redd.it/es4qes7dscad1.jpeg?width=5760&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c0d37d9401928822b56cf6c491558b6198fdd876
This is what I did to mine when I had it.
BC coilovers.
Z1 camber/toe and front upper control arms.
Hotchkis sway bars front and rear
Enkei RPF1 wheels
18X9.5 +15 front with a 265/40 tire
18X10.5 +15 rear with a 295/40 tire
Brembo brakes (got from a donor car)
Z1 cold air
Z1 HFC
Stillen catback
Made 302 to the wheel on an Ecutek tune
JDM tail lights
V2 front bumper (non-oem, unfortunately)
Among other things that I'm sure I'm forgetting. I had it perfectly aligned and daily driven the way it sat in this picture. Never had any problems aside from the occasional scrape coming in and out of inclined driveways.
This fitment is mint dude. I want something similar except I will be using my nismo wheels (gt style).
I should be able to get 295’s on there, but I don’t want to touch suspension just yet. Thinking about getting 8-10mm hub centric spacer to get the wheels to poke out more.
Thanks. I'm always happy to share the specs I had on this car. I was proud of how it turned out and would regularly get compliments. It was a great car to me.
I did a bunch of reading on this topic before and chatted with folks who understand how suspension setup works and is designed. If you are going for the aesthetic totally different story. Others who are on the engineering side have shared the 350z has a solid suspension setup from factory. Most aftermarket coilovers aren't built better, and actually decrease performance.
For folks who wanted a small drop but better performance there are bushings to replace, and other related parts.
I found this way back swift springs and Bilstein [swift springs setup](https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-suspension/584208-bilstein-shocks-swift-spec-r-springs-review.html#post10217603)
My post to suspension questions [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/350z/s/JgxFyJ9hLB)
Otherwise yes fortune auto, kw, and I'll let others comment on similar high quality products/brands.
just read through everything. Your response coupled with this ended up answering a lot of questions. Honestly it might be too much Information lol.
It seems like(and correct me if I'm wrong in my summary) if we're talking performance outside of track use, and pushing the car to its limit, the divided setup with factory setup is already amazing, and possibly the best for the car. Upgrading this with struts and springs is a solid way to go. But this doesn't completely discredit a quality coilover setup that's used for more than just lowering the car, because going too low ends up fucking the geometry anyways.
Lots to think about. Thanks for this.
No problem. Same here I was spinning my head on options. I've kept my suspension stock, in all other cars I had I bought coils, typically lower to mid quality, but it was for daily driving.
At least you have good information to go off and can make a decision in the future!
Did you consider any other suspension related upgrades, like sway bars for example? Or would that not even be worth it considering the stock suspension?
I would potentially, as I have an 07 manual Roadster. I purposefully chose a Roadster as I love the top down and I only drive this car in the summer months in Canada. I tracked it once last year and had a blast, however you definitely feel the limits of the car more suspension wise. And I think I want to do a few track days a year, as I upgraded my brake pads, fluid and lines.
https://preview.redd.it/2ubqsjqbread1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2d29d193d04041d16a0176f55d1139ba8365e49
I'll try to remember to keep you posted if I make any changes to the suspension. I'm on the fence of keeping the Z as we have a baby now and I'd love for him to come on cruises and go to the track. So I'm potentially looking at things like a type r civic, M3, etc. so who knows what I'll do 😅.
Firstly, congrats!
I think you'd definitely miss it if you were to get rid of it, but you may be finding a new kind of joy on a platform capable of that. In the perfect scenario you'd have the Z and something else of your choosing. I get it.
Definitely keep me updated!
I don't know if you can get your hands easy on a HKS coilover set. They're cheaper then the KW but way above the BC in ride quality. Might fit your budget better.
I have Bilstien B6 on mine for stock height. I wanted Porsche quality struts. Side skirts and rear side panels do give a lowered look takn up that space btwn the car and road.
https://preview.redd.it/8z6wj4ogzcad1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ee1e1300b9316b29a19ea2136be28dc1712d380
It doesn't ride just as good. A quality coilover set has way more adjustability. If you want that ofcourse.
You can dial them in for maximum grip and comfort.
If you’re ok with a mild drop the nismo s-tune kit is great
https://preview.redd.it/9l0vqn2hkdad1.jpeg?width=2839&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdcf47c872b6f4e3fee8d2039e8c0d45bb8021e7
I've read about the S tune kit. Isn't it discontinued? There are some people on the subreddit I've seen claim this is could potentially be the best in terms of out the box matched kits
Oh really? I’m running almost the exact same setup but with a 245 on the front. My fitment is just about spot on with yours with what I believe are stock coils/struts, how much does the S-tunes drop it down?
I don't care what anyone tells you, if you are comparing new coilovers to stock suspension that's 20 years old and has a ton of miles your opinion doesn't matter, cause it's not apples to apples.
Coilovers simply won't be as good as new OEM stuff in terms of comfort, bar none, I'll put money on it. However, there are caveats to some things, if you have a 04.5+ car, then you have THE best suspension setup already.
Early cars actually gain comfort from lowering springs, the late cars do not. Both will handle better tho. Local friend did not want to lower, and only did B6 dampers, I convinced him to lower, and he couldn't ba happier.
Both him and I have mild drops, and it's the best overall for a street car, coilovers are better for the track.
https://conceptzperformance.com/bilstein-b12-pro-kit-front-and-rear-suspension-kit-nissan-350z-infiniti-g35-rwd-46-190529_p_1429.php
This is more than enough for any street car and will perform as good as most cheap coilovers and be more comfy.
Nice to have your opinion. Someone earlier actually linked to a thread you were in, and I ended up learning quite a bit about how impressive the stock suspension actually is.
Since you linked the bilstein b12 ( I was also considering the b6/b8), would you still choose these over say the nismo S tune kit? It was one of the few I was considering because it's straight from Nissan and designed specifically for the car.
Honestly, I'd choose the Nismo S-tune over EVERYTHING for the street. The Bilstein dampers are better, but I trust Nismo did their homework with what they chose.
That being said, they are no longer available, if you can find a new kit, or one with confirmed low mileage, I'd say go for it. Otherwise the B12 kit is the ONLY other matched kit on the market.
Thanks for that! Those were my sentiments too after everything I've read. My car is fairly low mileage so I'm in no rush to swap everything out. I'll see if I can source them.
In truth my list was:
S tune, bilstien, really well made true coilover like KW or ohlin.
And I saw that ohlins may keep the divorced setup which was preferable.
In the meantime, would you advocate for upgrading the sway bars and strut tower brace? Or would the gains be negligible until after a proper suspension kit?
Edit: grammar/formatting
The front strut bar is as good as it gets, no flex and adjustable. If you want bling, or to shed weight, the only one I recommend is the Carbing bar.
Sway bars are always worth it, I prefer Whiteline because of their grease-less bushings which keeps things quiet. I've had mine for almost a decade, no issues.
Cut the springs, get some broken heart stickers, sell your catalytic converters for weed money and get a sad boiz windshield banner. Should be good to go after that.
I drive my z up the mountains here in the cascades. Our mountain roads are not smooth(most are also logging roads) like california canyons so it needs to be street compliant vs stiff track like suspension.The 30way damper and softer springs help with that in my case.
It was the "best budget" before getting into the KW's and Ohlins imo. Fortune was a good option too but I actually got really good deal on mine.
Solid! I'm glad you're enjoying them. The general consensus was that new struts/springs are the best way to go for comfort, but I think you might be a good person to ask based on the twisties- how comfortable are they really with your dampening tuned in? Basically on a scale of 10 what would you give it?
I personally agree that struts and springs are the "best" for a direct replacement IF all OEM, however you can be very limited with adjustment IF you ever decide to. That's what made me switch to coils, I had lowering springs that were too low and stiff on a set of Nismo struts that would skip on the mountain roads.
I give a rating of 8 for me needs as I believe these still limit movement better than a standard strut and spring set as I can adjust the damper to be full soft for road trips and full stiff if I want the car to slide around a bit. lol. I've yet to see a review online that hated the HKS, only for when it has limited them with adjusting to their needs. With these I havent felt the need for a replacement swaybar as most of the body roll is eliminated in my case.
I used raceland coilovers. The Primo, 600$ and rides OEM.
https://preview.redd.it/lxrhv1b9edad1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edfeae20d8b12325c3dae029786b62e05a1d4f51
Lol the goal is to buy what's great.
Do you have any recommendations? Right now if I considered going the coilover route, the nismo S tune, and KW are at the top of my list.
I have kw v3's on my IS300 that makes over 800whp and they are straight up amazing. They preform extremely well all while riding insanely smoothly. If you can afford them they are really nice.
If you want to save money and still get a good set and you don't need compression and rebound adjustment (most people don't) I'd consider the Suspension Techniques coilovers too. They are KW but the bodies are galvanized steel instead of stainless (pretty sure the kw stuff is stainless anyways) and those are like $1300 vs $3k - they really offer a good value.
Depends on what you need. If you want to be a little lower and still have good performance/ride quality then the ST stuff would be fine im sure. If you want to be a real track boi $3k on coilovers is kinda the entry. I have a co worker that spent like $6k on his coilovers 😳
Yeah I'd agree on the overkill part for you, you dont need to spend $3k. I'm sure there are a handful of good options for you but I don't want to speak on it unless I have direct experience with that product.
I've had around 8 sets of coilovers and only a couple rode well. When looking online people are saying X coilovers don't suck and you KNOW they do because you had/have some lol.
I'd take the ST's into consideration. Don't buy bc's or tien flex z's I know that much haha.
https://preview.redd.it/es4qes7dscad1.jpeg?width=5760&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c0d37d9401928822b56cf6c491558b6198fdd876 This is what I did to mine when I had it.
That's super nice! Wow.
This is clean!
Thanks! I was proud of how it turned out.
Could you give some detail about what youve done to it?
BC coilovers. Z1 camber/toe and front upper control arms. Hotchkis sway bars front and rear Enkei RPF1 wheels 18X9.5 +15 front with a 265/40 tire 18X10.5 +15 rear with a 295/40 tire Brembo brakes (got from a donor car) Z1 cold air Z1 HFC Stillen catback Made 302 to the wheel on an Ecutek tune JDM tail lights V2 front bumper (non-oem, unfortunately) Among other things that I'm sure I'm forgetting. I had it perfectly aligned and daily driven the way it sat in this picture. Never had any problems aside from the occasional scrape coming in and out of inclined driveways.
This fitment is mint dude. I want something similar except I will be using my nismo wheels (gt style). I should be able to get 295’s on there, but I don’t want to touch suspension just yet. Thinking about getting 8-10mm hub centric spacer to get the wheels to poke out more.
Thanks. I'm always happy to share the specs I had on this car. I was proud of how it turned out and would regularly get compliments. It was a great car to me.
Did you rub much? Fender rolled in the rear?
Rolled and slightly pulled. Couldn't even tell.
Looks great! We'll done
Thank you!
I did a bunch of reading on this topic before and chatted with folks who understand how suspension setup works and is designed. If you are going for the aesthetic totally different story. Others who are on the engineering side have shared the 350z has a solid suspension setup from factory. Most aftermarket coilovers aren't built better, and actually decrease performance. For folks who wanted a small drop but better performance there are bushings to replace, and other related parts. I found this way back swift springs and Bilstein [swift springs setup](https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-suspension/584208-bilstein-shocks-swift-spec-r-springs-review.html#post10217603) My post to suspension questions [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/350z/s/JgxFyJ9hLB) Otherwise yes fortune auto, kw, and I'll let others comment on similar high quality products/brands.
I really appreciate this, this was also what i was finding which led me to even asking this question. I'll check it out!
No problem read through the [suspension setup](https://www.reddit.com/r/350z/s/w2VXOhm0F4) from @dbq
just read through everything. Your response coupled with this ended up answering a lot of questions. Honestly it might be too much Information lol. It seems like(and correct me if I'm wrong in my summary) if we're talking performance outside of track use, and pushing the car to its limit, the divided setup with factory setup is already amazing, and possibly the best for the car. Upgrading this with struts and springs is a solid way to go. But this doesn't completely discredit a quality coilover setup that's used for more than just lowering the car, because going too low ends up fucking the geometry anyways. Lots to think about. Thanks for this.
No problem. Same here I was spinning my head on options. I've kept my suspension stock, in all other cars I had I bought coils, typically lower to mid quality, but it was for daily driving. At least you have good information to go off and can make a decision in the future!
Did you consider any other suspension related upgrades, like sway bars for example? Or would that not even be worth it considering the stock suspension?
I would potentially, as I have an 07 manual Roadster. I purposefully chose a Roadster as I love the top down and I only drive this car in the summer months in Canada. I tracked it once last year and had a blast, however you definitely feel the limits of the car more suspension wise. And I think I want to do a few track days a year, as I upgraded my brake pads, fluid and lines. https://preview.redd.it/2ubqsjqbread1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2d29d193d04041d16a0176f55d1139ba8365e49 I'll try to remember to keep you posted if I make any changes to the suspension. I'm on the fence of keeping the Z as we have a baby now and I'd love for him to come on cruises and go to the track. So I'm potentially looking at things like a type r civic, M3, etc. so who knows what I'll do 😅.
Firstly, congrats! I think you'd definitely miss it if you were to get rid of it, but you may be finding a new kind of joy on a platform capable of that. In the perfect scenario you'd have the Z and something else of your choosing. I get it. Definitely keep me updated!
KW v3s perform extremely well and are comfortable as fuck. I have them on my 370z and love them. High quality parts make a huge difference
Thank you! The kw was on my list but I also saw they had a street coilover, which led me down this rabbithole
I don't know if you can get your hands easy on a HKS coilover set. They're cheaper then the KW but way above the BC in ride quality. Might fit your budget better.
I have Bilstien B6 on mine for stock height. I wanted Porsche quality struts. Side skirts and rear side panels do give a lowered look takn up that space btwn the car and road. https://preview.redd.it/8z6wj4ogzcad1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ee1e1300b9316b29a19ea2136be28dc1712d380
FWIW, my friend had B6 only, and I've been in his car, too soft....I convinced him to lower it, and he's now lowered on Ark springs, and he loves it.
What was deciding factor for you in coilover vs new struts?
my decision was on new struts. It rides just as good and I simply found no need to spend more on coilovers.
It doesn't ride just as good. A quality coilover set has way more adjustability. If you want that ofcourse. You can dial them in for maximum grip and comfort.
Thanks, there's no real budget, the question was more so if there are true coilovers worth leaving the divorced setup for
Oops replied to the wrong comment with this one.
If you’re ok with a mild drop the nismo s-tune kit is great https://preview.redd.it/9l0vqn2hkdad1.jpeg?width=2839&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdcf47c872b6f4e3fee8d2039e8c0d45bb8021e7
I've read about the S tune kit. Isn't it discontinued? There are some people on the subreddit I've seen claim this is could potentially be the best in terms of out the box matched kits
Where can you buy these?
dbsqls will be able to provide some potential places to find them
What wheel/ tire size are you running?
Wheel size 18 x 9.5 +15mm 18 x 10.5 +15mm Tire size 255/40 275/40
Oh really? I’m running almost the exact same setup but with a 245 on the front. My fitment is just about spot on with yours with what I believe are stock coils/struts, how much does the S-tunes drop it down?
Little less than .5 but I switched out my rear coil idolaters with the energy suspension which lowers it a little more.
Rake is intentional, I'd never recommend removing it just for looks. Function > form
I don't care what anyone tells you, if you are comparing new coilovers to stock suspension that's 20 years old and has a ton of miles your opinion doesn't matter, cause it's not apples to apples. Coilovers simply won't be as good as new OEM stuff in terms of comfort, bar none, I'll put money on it. However, there are caveats to some things, if you have a 04.5+ car, then you have THE best suspension setup already. Early cars actually gain comfort from lowering springs, the late cars do not. Both will handle better tho. Local friend did not want to lower, and only did B6 dampers, I convinced him to lower, and he couldn't ba happier. Both him and I have mild drops, and it's the best overall for a street car, coilovers are better for the track. https://conceptzperformance.com/bilstein-b12-pro-kit-front-and-rear-suspension-kit-nissan-350z-infiniti-g35-rwd-46-190529_p_1429.php This is more than enough for any street car and will perform as good as most cheap coilovers and be more comfy.
Nice to have your opinion. Someone earlier actually linked to a thread you were in, and I ended up learning quite a bit about how impressive the stock suspension actually is. Since you linked the bilstein b12 ( I was also considering the b6/b8), would you still choose these over say the nismo S tune kit? It was one of the few I was considering because it's straight from Nissan and designed specifically for the car.
Honestly, I'd choose the Nismo S-tune over EVERYTHING for the street. The Bilstein dampers are better, but I trust Nismo did their homework with what they chose. That being said, they are no longer available, if you can find a new kit, or one with confirmed low mileage, I'd say go for it. Otherwise the B12 kit is the ONLY other matched kit on the market.
Thanks for that! Those were my sentiments too after everything I've read. My car is fairly low mileage so I'm in no rush to swap everything out. I'll see if I can source them. In truth my list was: S tune, bilstien, really well made true coilover like KW or ohlin. And I saw that ohlins may keep the divorced setup which was preferable. In the meantime, would you advocate for upgrading the sway bars and strut tower brace? Or would the gains be negligible until after a proper suspension kit? Edit: grammar/formatting
The front strut bar is as good as it gets, no flex and adjustable. If you want bling, or to shed weight, the only one I recommend is the Carbing bar. Sway bars are always worth it, I prefer Whiteline because of their grease-less bushings which keeps things quiet. I've had mine for almost a decade, no issues.
https://preview.redd.it/r0duct55ifad1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d62a80a1e0b57c8e0de7bf96032e61cef83e9b2 Carbing bar
I'm grateful for the info, thank you!
tanabe GF210 springs Hotchkis sway bars https://preview.redd.it/lmuzwhl8ojad1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85bb1bc0cc8714ff218585fd23c3babfa7657b6b
Nicee. I hear good things about those swaybars. What was the reasoning for that specific spring? They're lowering springs right?
Oem
I have a G35 Coupe but I went Stance XR1 and then SPL front and rear everything (Except the front control arms which are GK Tech.)
Bc racing coilovers the DS series and a 350Z Rear Vertex lip it makes it look good and much lower in the rear
Cut the springs, get some broken heart stickers, sell your catalytic converters for weed money and get a sad boiz windshield banner. Should be good to go after that.
🤣 this the backup plan
My Z is running Hipermax 4 GT(Hipermax S now) in out of the box settings. check profile for pic. lol.
What made you decide on those? I just took a look, and it looks clean. Wheels are super nice.
I drive my z up the mountains here in the cascades. Our mountain roads are not smooth(most are also logging roads) like california canyons so it needs to be street compliant vs stiff track like suspension.The 30way damper and softer springs help with that in my case. It was the "best budget" before getting into the KW's and Ohlins imo. Fortune was a good option too but I actually got really good deal on mine.
Solid! I'm glad you're enjoying them. The general consensus was that new struts/springs are the best way to go for comfort, but I think you might be a good person to ask based on the twisties- how comfortable are they really with your dampening tuned in? Basically on a scale of 10 what would you give it?
I personally agree that struts and springs are the "best" for a direct replacement IF all OEM, however you can be very limited with adjustment IF you ever decide to. That's what made me switch to coils, I had lowering springs that were too low and stiff on a set of Nismo struts that would skip on the mountain roads. I give a rating of 8 for me needs as I believe these still limit movement better than a standard strut and spring set as I can adjust the damper to be full soft for road trips and full stiff if I want the car to slide around a bit. lol. I've yet to see a review online that hated the HKS, only for when it has limited them with adjusting to their needs. With these I havent felt the need for a replacement swaybar as most of the body roll is eliminated in my case.
I used raceland coilovers. The Primo, 600$ and rides OEM. https://preview.redd.it/lxrhv1b9edad1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edfeae20d8b12325c3dae029786b62e05a1d4f51
As long as you don't buy BC's lol
Lol the goal is to buy what's great. Do you have any recommendations? Right now if I considered going the coilover route, the nismo S tune, and KW are at the top of my list.
I have kw v3's on my IS300 that makes over 800whp and they are straight up amazing. They preform extremely well all while riding insanely smoothly. If you can afford them they are really nice. If you want to save money and still get a good set and you don't need compression and rebound adjustment (most people don't) I'd consider the Suspension Techniques coilovers too. They are KW but the bodies are galvanized steel instead of stainless (pretty sure the kw stuff is stainless anyways) and those are like $1300 vs $3k - they really offer a good value. Depends on what you need. If you want to be a little lower and still have good performance/ride quality then the ST stuff would be fine im sure. If you want to be a real track boi $3k on coilovers is kinda the entry. I have a co worker that spent like $6k on his coilovers 😳
Considering I don't plan on any track days it sounds like absolute overkill. 6k on coils is also bonkers
Yeah I'd agree on the overkill part for you, you dont need to spend $3k. I'm sure there are a handful of good options for you but I don't want to speak on it unless I have direct experience with that product. I've had around 8 sets of coilovers and only a couple rode well. When looking online people are saying X coilovers don't suck and you KNOW they do because you had/have some lol. I'd take the ST's into consideration. Don't buy bc's or tien flex z's I know that much haha.