2002 Q45 Coilovers???

[axm203]

Hey guys, newbee here.. Just bought an 2002 Q45 2 weeks ago.

It came with some ghetto fabulous chrome/black aftermarket 20's and it makes the ride unpleasant due to a few dents on one rim and thin 30 low pros (cant remember the exact width but I know they are 30 height), so im looking to buy Fx45 OEM 20's and beefier tires maybe 45 height. I was just wondering were I could find adjustable coilovers/shocks if I need to drop the car a bit with the new wheels if I pick up the FX's.

The search option brought me to mostly older Q45 threads that I guess you can swap 300zx parts and stuff and 97-01 threads, but nothing on my 2002 F50 style. I even found M35 M45 coilovers on Ebay easily, Nothing for an 02 Q45.... Help

BTW, I love the car, the options, the look... I just want to make it feel like luxury again thnx

[mcrews]

THEN YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DISCOVERING THAT THERE ARENT ANY!!!!
try searching the forum using the search button, kinda like google.

Not quite sure how 20's and coilovers get you back to luxury.......
here's what you need to do.
1. how long were the fuax vip/getto rims on there?
2. if longer than 10k, I'd start worrying about all the rubber parts that are beat to shxx first.
3. then before I dropped 5 k on new tires, used FX rims and coilovers( that don't exist,) I'd spend 1500 getting allthe rubber replaced. Oh and all the warped rotors and pads from slinging about 50 lbs of extra weight per wheel.
4. If I still had money to blow, I'd buy the CORRECT 18" rim but the 8" not the 7.5 wide, the some 255x45 tires.

but hey, what do I know, 230,000 on an 02F50 Sport.

[maxnix]

Mark's advice is spot on. Misconceptions abound on the net when one doesn't seek the facts first.

Think about some 245/45 Michelin PSS on lightweight 18x8.5 (or 9) wheels with 30ET. Compromises downscale are also available. But rehab the suspension first as Mark advised or at least simultaneously.

[axm203]

THEN YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DISCOVERING THAT THERE ARENT ANY!!!!
try searching the forum using the search button, kinda like google.

Not quite sure how 20's and coilovers get you back to luxury.......
here's what you need to do.
1. how long were the fuax vip/getto rims on there?
2. if longer than 10k, I'd start worrying about all the rubber parts that are beat to shxx first.
3. then before I dropped 5 k on new tires, used FX rims and coilovers( that don't exist,) I'd spend 1500 getting allthe rubber replaced. Oh and all the warped rotors and pads from slinging about 50 lbs of extra weight per wheel.
4. If I still had money to blow, I'd buy the CORRECT 18" rim but the 8" not the 7.5 wide, the some 255x45 tires.

but hey, what do I know, 230,000 on an 02F50 Sport.

Thnx for the response mcrews,

This is actually the route I was thinking of taking after some thought. I'm sure the Infiniti OEM suspension doesn't need any help from coilovers ect.. Although I believe my springs in the rear may have been cut in the past because I noticed there are two clamp looking things (almost look like they're expanding my OEM springs in the rear, one on each side.
I'll take and post Pictures to spare myself extra embarrassment in describing them. Because I don't even know if they're OEM at this point.

Hopefully my shocks aren't blown, but I will replace them if necessary, along with any bushings, tie rods, front and back ect.. My rotors are actually still good, pads need to be replaced soon, suggestions?

btw, I found a local deal on M35 18x8" wheels and tires 255x45 with a 96 load index (I'd really like to go OEM yet something different ya know.) Do you know if using different OEM infiniti wheels will mess with my TPS, or any other sensor that the Q45 has. To be honest man Idk much about my car, but I'll take all the advice I can get, thnx again

[axm203]

Mark's advice is spot on. Misconceptions abound on the net when one doesn't seek the facts first.

Think about some 245/45 Michelin PSS on lightweight 18x8.5 (or 9) wheels with 30ET. Compromises downscale are also available. But rehab the suspension first as Mark advised or at least simultaneously.

Sorry for the silly Q's man but whats 30ET?

[loystock]

Brian is referring to wheel offset. As for the suspension, replacement is recommended at 60K miles, especially on a heavy Q. I did my 03Q at 60K since I noticed an unusual body roll when changing lane at high speed.

[axm203]

Brian is referring to wheel offset. As for the suspension, replacement is recommended at 60K miles, especially on a heavy Q. I did my 03Q at 60K since I noticed an unusual body roll when changing lane at high speed.

So my guess is I'm way overdue...(suspension)

btw here are a few pics

2002 Q45 on 20's


one is bent in 2 spots this is the worst


The contraption on each of my rear springs I had mentioned ^^

[qship96]

Those are spring spacers,designed to keep springs from properly compressing, probably used to offset the sagging rear end look all 02-06 Q have from the factory- remove them and go with a 18 inch wheel/tire to allow a slightly higher sidewall so you enjoy a smoother ride over bumps and lessen the impact {and chance of damage} to wheels due to the short sidewall required for larger diameter wheels

[axm203]

Those are spring spacers,designed to keep springs from properly compressing, probably used to offset the sagging rear end look all 02-06 Q have from the factory- remove them and go with a 18 inch wheel/tire to allow a slightly higher sidewall so you enjoy a smoother ride over bumps and lessen the impact {and chance of damage} to wheels due to the short sidewall required for larger diameter wheels

will do, thnx to all

[maxnix]

We know that 2nd gen M45 wheels require spacers to fit. Not sure about M35.

[axm203]

Im actually still debating on what I want to do, keep the 20's (fix the bends for $100ea wheel) or go OEM.

But back to the original topic, they actually do make coilovers for the F50 chasis, 04-06 is on the shelf and 02-03 is special order. By a company called JIC Magic, pricey... But they DO exist.

THEN YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DISCOVERING THAT THERE ARENT ANY!!!!

JIC
http://www.jic-magic.com/ViewProduct1.aspx?ProductID=34

This guy actually sold his on this site not to long ago
http://www.vipstylecars.com/forums/show ... +coilovers

Just incase any F50 owners wanted to know, some facts.

[mcrews]

I always draw the line at 'pricey'.......but nice find!!!!

Actually, The 'other forum' has an individual having a coilover set made for the 03-04 M45 that will also be suitable for the 02Q45

And it's nice to have everybody on the same constructive page....thanks Brian et al.

I found a local deal on M35 18x8" wheels and tires 255x45 with a 96 load index
CHECK THE OFFSET BUT THOSE WOULD BE GREAT!!!!!!

hook up w/someone local and drive a stock F50, or go test drive one. It will give you a baseline for what the ride should feel like. Then you can feel more comfortablr=e in your desicions .....
But getting back to stock weight and size will reallly help.

[axm203]

Actually, The 'other forum' has an individual having a coilover set made for the 03-04 M45 that will also be suitable for the 02Q45

I've actually read this before in another forum and wiki sparked my interest even more. (but wiki isn't exactly 100% factual)

Wiki: "This F50 chassis and suspension is very similar to the US FY33 (1997-2001 Q45). The F50 was also used as a basis for the Y34 M45, sold in the US from 2003–2004"

It was used as a basis, but that doesn't make me too comfortable, either does "suitable".
Can anyone confirm if the 03-04 M45 suspension set-up is identical to an F50? Because if this is so, a coilover kit for a Y34 can be had for 1/4 of the cost as those "pricey" F50 VIP coilovers. If it can be "made to work" I'd like to know how.

I'm just not convinced because of that "spindle" being part of the shock on F50 advertised coilovers like these:

advertised as: "2002+ F50 coilovers" ($2000+shipping "used")


advertised as: "2004+ F50 coilovers" ($2699+$400core+s/h+tax!)


And these Y34 coilovers ($899.00 shipped)
Notice the set-up is just not the same.


I'm looking on overhauling my suspension and if I can go ahead and get coilovers in the process it would be nice, considering OEM F50 Shocks with actuators are going for around $250ea used!

If anyone can confirm these part interchange/compatibilities it would be highly appreciated.

[maxnix]

JIC has a very iffy reputation, especially when it comes to customer service.

[marksport]

Some asked me about the coilovers for the F50 and the Y34 as I have both cars and a set of coilovers for each, this was my reply

"Hey, you can have a look at my photobucket pics. The Gold/purple are the Y34 JIC, the Silvers are the F50 Bold World. As you can see, they are physically, the difference is the spring rate and most likely the shock valving as the F50 is a heavier car with different weight distribution.

http://s705.photobucket.com/albums/ww53 ... Y34%20JIC/ "

As for the last picture you posted, that kit requires the factory spindle to be cut off and welded to adjusting collar of the coilover, one of the guy on VSC did that with and has a bunch of pics of the work.

[S13xCrazy]

Some asked me about the coilovers for the F50 and the Y34 as I have both cars and a set of coilovers for each, this was my reply

"Hey, you can have a look at my photobucket pics. The Gold/purple are the Y34 JIC, the Silvers are the F50 Bold World. As you can see, they are physically, the difference is the spring rate and most likely the shock valving as the F50 is a heavier car with different weight distribution.

http://s705.photobucket.com/albums/ww53 ... Y34%20JIC/ "

As for the last picture you posted, that kit requires the factory spindle to be cut off and welded to adjusting collar of the coilover, one of the guy on VSC did that with and has a bunch of pics of the work.

That's exactly how the Y33 coilovers are too. It's a PITA; I'd feel much safer converting to S13 suspension.