Coils or springs?

[aerhead1]

Ok, I know this question has probably been asked and answered, but I am about to change my suspension and don't know if I want to make the leap to coilovers yet. I have Tein s-tech springs on there now but I want it lower. I'm split between Megan springs with adjustable struts, or some mid range coilovers. I don't plan on doing a lot of up and down with it or tracking it, just want a nice drop. Either way I know I have to get adjustable camber and toe parts, and I'm factoring that into the cost of whichever way I go. Trying to stay at or below $1000. Help!

[300ZXttZMAN]

I'll always recommend coilovers but not everyone needs coilovers for what they are trying to do.

Check out the bottom of this thread: everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-z32-t508376.html

[aerhead1]

Thanks Zman. I actually referenced that suspension chart while doing my research and that's what put the Megan springs back into the conversation. I still haven't ruled coilovers out but the springs, adjustable camber arms. and adjustable struts will cost about the same as coilovers alone unless I went with Top Speed or ebay types. I've go a couple weeks until my purchase so the research continues.

[Z-owned]

A good shock/spring combo will ride better than a cheap coilover.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Thanks Zman. I actually referenced that suspension chart while doing my research and that's what put the Megan springs back into the conversation. I still haven't ruled coilovers out but the springs, adjustable camber arms. and adjustable struts will cost about the same as coilovers alone unless I went with Top Speed or ebay types. I've go a couple weeks until my purchase so the research continues.

No problem.

A good shock/spring combo will ride better than a cheap coilover.

Yeah I have also heard this is true however I have never experienced it myself.

[aerhead1]

What is a good coilover under $1000? Just for street use?

[Z-owned]

Powertrix ss (super streets)

[Foosblood24]

A good shock/spring combo will ride better than a cheap coilover.

This also sounds like my way to go. What brands come to mind? I'm assuming Megan for the springs, but any advice on the shocks? Megan perhaps as well?

[aerhead1]

I'm looking at the adjustable KYB AGX's. They look like a pretty solid choice.

[Z-owned]

Megan springs offer the lowest drop of the various springs for our car. Popular shocks are the agx, Tokico blue's/illuminas or koni's. For a good drop and ride quality I would argue that Megan springs on koni's would ride better than most coilovers around 1k and below.

[Foosblood24]

Megan springs offer the lowest drop of the various springs for our car. Popular shocks are the agx, Tokico blue's/illuminas or koni's. For a good drop and ride quality I would argue that Megan springs on koni's would ride better than most coilovers around 1k and below.

So let's say I go with the Megan springs and Koni shocks and I'm looking for a 2 in drop. What else would I need to go along with those?

[aerhead1]

I've got the 300 Degree camber kit for the front. I know there will still be some camber, but if I went with adjustable I'd dial some in anyway. Probably going adjustable for the back though. Whether you get springs or coilovers, you have to get something for camber correction if you're going that low. That's why I'm getting the spring/shock combo, to save money for the purchase of those other parts.

[Z-owned]

Thing with buying koni's and springs is by the time you get them the cost difference compared to something like the Powertrix ss coils isn't much different.

[Foosblood24]

Thing with buying koni's and springs is by the time you get them the cost difference compared to something like the Powertrix ss coils isn't much different.

But to be clear, the Powertrixx ss is a coilover and it replaces both the spring and the shock, right?

[aerhead1]

Powertrix is a coilover system. But I could get the Megan springs and 4 KYB shocks for around $600. That's well under the price of a "good" coilover setup.

[DCaff300ZX]

While you may save a few bucks, what you leave on the table is the ability to adjust the shock action 10 ways, and you have to hassle with spring compressors and such any time you do your suspension changes unlike a coilover which is one piece.
If you're even thinking of messing with the Z32 suspension in the way of lowering the car I say the only way to go is coilovers and adjustable bits for camber correction. If all you care about is basic shock replacement with MAYBE a dash of style then the Megan/shock combos are just fine except that you get whatever you get with any drop in ride height, which isn't enough for most people looking for a lowered vehicle.
I personally think that if you are spending any money beyond simple shock replacement, the extra few hundred for coilovers is the only way to go, period...

[aerhead1]

Dammit. Now I want coilovers again! I'm afraid the drop from the Megans may cause my wheels to rub. I run 18x10 all around with -12 offsets so I know I can't go super low. But I want more drop than the S-techs for less than $1000. I wish I was rich

[Foosblood24]

I run 18x10 all around with -12 offsets

Wow, can you post a pic or two of that?

[aerhead1]

It's in the first post.

[Foosblood24]

It's in the first post.

But can you post a pic from the back or front to see the wheel stance?

[aerhead1]

This is sort of a front angle.

[aerhead1]

Sort of a rear angle.