Suspension System

Nissan 300ZX technical discussion forum: Maintenance, performance, installations, modifications, how-to's and troubleshooting.
Nissan300Z92
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 26, 2011 6:16 am
Car: 1992 Nissan 300ZX NA 2+2
Location: Athens, GA

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So I have been putting this off, but I have finally join the famous NicoClub Z-Car Forum. Just to give you guys a little background. Before 3 years ago, I was just into the basics of cars. I had a daily driver 1986 Mazda 626 that was on its last years. So while it was on its last years, I searched for the deal of the century which came to me in the Summer of 2008 when a friend of mine who has owned a ton of Nissan 240SX told me about a 1992 Nissan 300ZX that was for sale. My friend and I set up a meeting with the car owner, which as soon as I saw it I knew that all my money and time would be spent on this car and I HAD to have this car.

But anyways, the point to my post is to get some opinions and help on learning on what to look for in a new upgraded suspension system for my Z. The suspension system is one of the few systems in the car that I just don't know anything about right now and the little bit of time I have to do research is not successful for me. I am not looking to go big or go home with coilovers because from what I have read about them is they can be more problems then needed and for someone who uses the Z as a daily driver and is just looking to replace the stock suspension system and also allow for adjustments in height and other adjustments. I am also not looking to spend the money on coilovers. So any help would be greatly appreciated and I look forward in learning more from this great forum.


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NolimitZ32
Posts: 7042
Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:07 am
Car: 91 AG2 2+0 TTMT swap/E39 BMW 540i6/E53 4.6is Dinan S3
Location: Houston, TX

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If you want adjustable height you have 3 options, coilovers, bags, hydraulics. If you dont want to spend the money on coilovers than you are looking at a stationary height with decent coils and a set of Tockico illuminas (great strut, non adjustable) or KYB AGXs (also great strut, a bit more expensive, 9 way IIRC abjustable). Also search around because there is literally a METRIC s*** TON of suspension info on this site. You should also be aware that the suspension on the Z32 (multi-link) is very different from most other cars and therefore should be approached differently.

ngbizzy09
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 2:15 pm
Car: 1990 NA 2+2

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Tockico Illuminas are indeed adjustable in terms of ride stiffness and handling characteristics. They have 5 adjustments ranging from a decently soft ride to riding like a brick. I love mine because they really stiffened up the car and made taking corners at 60mph easy due to the reduced body roll and keeping the tires planted. I have mine set for 5(most stiff) in the front and 3(pretty firm) in the back.

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DCaff300ZX
Posts: 4202
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:18 am
Car: .
1993 CRP TT- Modified
Location: Tacoma, Washington

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When I first considered new suspension components and also wanted to lower the car, the KYB/Eibach spring system looked like the best bet. But at about $700, and after reading feedback from Powertrix owners and also taking into account our own FAQ thread's suspension section, it is obvious that the Powertrix coilovers at about $800-$1,100 using the group buy is about the best deal going out there for quality Z32 suspension. 15 settings for ride quality, and SERIOUSLY upgraded components and technology.
And NO, Powertrix coilovers are FAAAAAR easier to deal with than the stock components, you can take them in and out in about 20 minutes and also adjust them IN the car unlike most anything else.
You do need a few adjustable components to make it work best, but they are parts you will probably need to replace on your aged Z32 anyway (upper camber arms front and rear, adjustable tension rods) and can be purchased at the GB pricing.
Guaranteed, you WILL love Powertrix if you go that direction.


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