Suspension Upgrade Question

[holyghost]

Hi all,

I've bought my Z a few years ago now and I feel like I want to take the next step to tighten up or upgrade the suspension components on the car. Now I've taken a look at the thread which reviews the different suspension systems, and I've been thinking that if I am going to replace my shocks, might as well upgrade to something nice, like coilovers. My concern with the coilovers, is mainly the effect it may have on the geometry of the suspension. If I decide to lower my car at all, will I need adjustability in the upper control arms (i.e buy aftermaket control arms) to align the camber properly? I'm mostly worried about messing up the suspension geometry when getting aftermarket components, but I reckon if they have adjustability this wont be an issue.

If I do not need aftermarket control arms etc, I think the best move would be to replace bushings on everything that I can.

As a side note, I would only be street driving.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[DCaff300ZX]

Yes, for coilovers you need the adjustable upper camber arms and tension rods, etc.
Powertrix is the best route there, often you can get the whole deal for a very good price- just call and talk to Charles, he will straighten you out on the whole coilover thing whether you buy from him or not.

[holyghost]

Thanks, will do. Do after market suspension components usually stiffen up the ride from stock quite a bit? I guess it all depends on what you buy.

[DCaff300ZX]

Yes, things do get a bit more stiff and such, but done correctly the ride is very good and tight which makes up for the extra stiffness as the whole package just is far better. Depending on how shot your suspension is, things can REALLY get better (my NA) while with my TT, things were just a little bit tighter as the TT suspension is already very stiff, especially on sport setting.