Suspension mods too harsh for DD?

[firestorm66]

So I've been buying parts for my Z over the years that i never got around to installing. My goal is to have the best handling Z i possibly can for normal to aggressive road use....I live in an area with lots of curvy roads. Now I'm getting around to installing things and I'm looking at all of my suspension parts and I'm wondering if my Z will be too harsh for daily driving. I realize I should have had a clear goal in mind when I was putting this together but i did not. Here is a list of what i've got waiting to be installed:

-Powertrix Coilovers - Road/Track
-Stillen Anti sway bars
-Powertrix adjustable end links
-Powertrix FAUC
-SPL adjustable tension rod
-SPL RUCA
I'll also be running 18" Gramlights, probably with 255/35R18 tires

Can any of you suspension gurus critique these mods for a non track Z....too harsh, swap something out?

[centralcoaster33]

Well, the bulk of harshness would be the coilovers I think. And you already bought those, so you might as well install them, imho. If you don't like them, maybe try a softer spring rate, but the same dampers. All the bits you list just need a set of bushings to complete the package. I guess, stay away from solid aluminum type bushings. Maybe look for NISMO hardened rubber bushings instead of the typical urethane ones (Like ES). Though, bushings don't make a big difference in harshness, they add up with all other bits. Same for low profile tires. The lower the profile, the harsher the ride. You could consider going with 17" instead of 18". That would put some more shock absorbing rubber between you and the pavement. It would save you money on replacement tires over the years to come (17" tires are typically cheaper than 18" tires). The sway bars will flatten the ride (less lateral roll), but I'm not sure how harsh that will make a rough road feel. I suppose you could go back and forth between those and your stock bars to feel it out. Harsh ride is really a personal preference thing, so it's tough to say what would be too harsh for someone else. Maybe put on all the stuff and see what it feels like, then adjust.

[DCaff300ZX]

I have everything but the SPL and Stillen, all Powertrix and R/T coilovers. 255/35/18 and 275/40/18 tires. I didn't go to the sways because the stock TT are just fine for me, pretty beefy compared to NA. Did buy end links but not used. Ride is a small amount harsher with low profile 18's, but not much more than the sport setting IMO as the TT is a tad harsh stock, IMO. So, I think that if you are OK with the TT sport setting and low profile tires, you'll be fine with the setup you have as long as it gets set up correctly- both installed and adjusted.
Enjoy!

[firestorm66]

I sent Charles at Powertrix a message about this so we'll see what he has to say. I know the upper mount on the coilover is replaceable if I want to go with the SS to "soften" up the feel. I have to go with 18" wheels because I'm running the Akebono BBK, obviously I'll be expecting some harness depending on the road conditions. Everything else I listed already has a hemi joint, I guess I'm just not sure what to expect when I put it all of it together. Thank you for your reply centralcoaster33

[firestorm66]

I have everything but the SPL and Stillen, all Powertrix and R/T coilovers. 255/35/18 and 275/40/18 tires. I didn't go to the sways because the stock TT are just fine for me, pretty beefy compared to NA. Did buy end links but not used. Ride is a small amount harsher with low profile 18's, but not much more than the sport setting IMO as the TT is a tad harsh stock, IMO. So, I think that if you are OK with the TT sport setting and low profile tires, you'll be fine with the setup you have as long as it gets set up correctly- both installed and adjusted.
Enjoy!

I'm perfectly fine with the feel of the sport setting, good to hear that your ride quality didn't suffer too much...i'm hopeful.
I'll be looking around Portland, OR for a good race shop to properly install and adjust my suspension here soon. Thanks for your help

[fastVG30DETT]

The harshness really depends on the quality of your roads. Replacing those bushings with pillow ball joints will increase feedback and tighten things up, but the ride will be harsher. No problem on nice smooth roads, but if you ride potholes all day it could get bothersome.

[firestorm66]

The harshness really depends on the quality of your roads. Replacing those bushings with pillow ball joints will increase feedback and tighten things up, but the ride will be harsher. No problem on nice smooth roads, but if you ride potholes all day it could get bothersome.

I didn't really think of it that way but yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Obviously the 300zx isn't a luxury car and I don't want it to ride like one but I want something my girlfriend would be comfortable in as well.