Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan

Post by **94q45t** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:53 pm

Having involuntarily disposed of my 94 Q45T, I located a 94 standard model in great shape, 77K miles, and complete all dealer service records. Only thing is that I preferred the tighter feel of the T (probably a function of the rear anti way bar and Tokico Blues). I can live without the HICAS gear, but wanted some opinions on suspension upgrades that tighten the car without rendering it obnoxious on city streets. Also, I enjoyed the quicker steering of the T. Can the steering gear ratios be changed without changing everything? I did save the 17" wheels from my old one. I bet there will be a number of folks in town Sept 17-18 for the NOPI Nissan show who can tell me? Thanks!

Post by **szh** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:48 am

You can change the steering rack to get the "faster" steering, but it is not inexpensive. When I had the rack on my 1995 replaced, it cost upwards of $800 or $900, as I recall. You may be able to find a used one at a junkyard.

Remember to get the 1994 Q45T rack or the earlier 1990-1991 rack (maybe even the 1992, but don't get the 1993 - it has the slower rack as I recall.)

New Tokico Blue's all around, and decent sticky tires will get you the handling you are looking for. Joe Tesensky also sells the rear anti-sway bar and rubber as a kit for about $250 or so.

Z

Post by **maxnix** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:07 am

Funny, I drove MS94Q45t yesterday and didn't really notice the difference in the steering ratio. Nor the HICAS. Too much traffic, I guess.

The a and t model front bar is smaller which shifts more of the anti-roll coupling to the rear. The a rear bar is a great improvement on the standard even with the standard's larger front bar.
Modified by maxnix at 9:27 AM 8/11/2005

Post by **elwesso** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:18 am

Well you could get a set of the lowering springs that im offering

other than that, the suspension bits that fit the 300ZX, so long as they are adjustable, will fit the Q...

Post by **RobertsnewQ** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:01 am

According to Joe, the steering racks are all the same part number from 90-94 except for Active suspension (Which is SLOWER and more turns - go figure!). I'm looking at the job soon and doing the reasearch.

Maybe the variable orifice solenoid has different specs (but I believe it is included with Nissan rebuilt racks).

The steering control programming might also be different (it is the same for all in 1993, but maybe not other years). Pump output pressure is another factor that may vary - perhaps the HICAS models have different specs for front rack pressure.

Post by **szh** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:20 am

RobertsnewQ wrote:According to Joe, the steering racks are all the same part number from 90-94 except for Active suspension

Ah! I am probably wrong then. On my 1995, the steering was sloppier than on my 1991.

I do remember thinking - after the job was completed, unfortunately - that I should have asked the dealer to put in a 1991 rack when the one on my 1995 needed replacing.

Z

Post by **RobertsnewQ** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:27 am

It also occured to me that there could be an issue of part number condensing. Maybe Nissan replacement racks cover more applications than the original racks. It would be hard to tell without examining OEM-installed racks.

Post by **tkd_q45** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:44 am

Could be that they are just simplifying the parts offering. On the corp side, it would definitely be a cost savings. My 92's steering feels better than my 94's.

Post by **JedCoop** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:52 pm

tkd_q45 wrote:Could be that they are just simplifying the parts offering. On the corp side, it would definitely be a cost savings. My 92's steering feels better than my 94's.

I expect that is true. Same goes for the rear struts 90-96. The 90-92 (0r 93's) were stiffer, but now oem replacements are the softer stock '94 struts. But the good news is that if you can get a rack from an older Q it'll fit. Go for a used part.

I also have the original sticker and factory stats for the '94, '94T, and 94a. The steering on the T is about 1/2 a turn quicker than the non-T.

Post by **elwesso** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 5:45 am

Who cares about the factory shocks when we have tokico blues!!

I also wondered if the 300ZX steering rack would work with the Q45 outer tie rods... Knowing nissan, theyre all the same!

Thing I like about nissan is that they make things all the same wihtout making it blately obvious... like GM does! escalade=tahoe=yukon

Post by **94q45t** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 4:43 pm

I have the original sales brochure for 1994. According to it, the 94T has faster steering. Without digging the thing out, I recall ratios on the order of 15:1 versus 17:1. a Car and Driver road test from the same year says that the 94T retained the rack from the older Q's while the STD and A got the new (slower) rack. Frankly, I couldn't tell much difference between my T and my brother in law's STD. The faster turn in, which is noticeable, may be due tot he sway bar or HICAS or both. Anyway, I think I'll wait on the rack until it needs normal replacement. Could be they don't make the faster rack anymore to save money.

The "Q-guy" from T3, local expert mechanics, recommends Tokico Blues in back with the T sway bar, but stock gear up front. Says he has many happy customers with that set up. I'm really intrigued with the ZX parts fitting...

Where do I find Joe to get a sway bar?

Post by **redmanfx** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 6:07 pm

The bottom of elwesso's sig. The number is right there.

I'M REDMAN

Post by **elwesso** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:13 am

redmanfx wrote:The bottom of elwesso's sig. The number is right there.

I'M REDMAN

Post by **stevekantercool** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 4:46 am

What do you mean by adjustable? What does it take to use 350Z struts and springs in my 1994 Q45A. and what year 350Z should the parts come from.

Post by **maxnix** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:00 am

V35 is a different design from Z32, which is very similar to the G50 suspension.

Post by **maxnix** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:03 am

elwesso wrote:I also wondered if the 300ZX steering rack would work with the Q45 outer tie rods... Knowing nissan, theyre all the same!

"Blately"?

The really "cool" thing is there is a NISMO cooler for the PS at Joe's website.

Post by **94q45t** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:56 am

I have acquired the "new" Q, and with the low miles (78K) everything about it is just better. The only change so far is replacing the OEM wheels and std tires with the 17's from my old Q45T. That made a surprising difference. Shocks (originals) don't have the control I'm used to, but my passengers absolutely rave about the ride (the T was too stiff for them). Right now, it's the equivalent of an LS400 in serenity (I own one of those, too) but handles better. I'm wondering if I can get some of the control I like back without sacrificing too much of the nice ride by putting the Blues only on the back. Does anyone know the impact of adding the T rear sway bar given that the std model doesn't have one, but has a larger front bar?

Post by **maxnix** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:26 am

Read Q45tech's posts on the subject.

He uses the a (or t) front bar with the rear a bar. Rear t bar with standard front bar not worth even putting on.

He also uses front balck with rear blues.

Has to do with roll coupling moment.

However, blacks are very expensive now. Give the passengers pillows to sit on.

He also runs Eibachs which are progressive in the rear.

Post by **elwesso** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 8:04 am

maxnix wrote:Read Q45tech's posts on the subject.

He uses the a (or t) front bar with the rear a bar. Rear t bar with standard front bar not worth even putting on.

He also uses front balck with rear blues.

Has to do with roll coupling moment.

However, blacks are very expensive now. Give the passengers pillows to sit on.

He also runs Eibachs which are progressive in the rear.

unless you get the rear T bar for free, then no its not worth it.. Otherwise its not a complete waste.. Still kind of a PITA job...

Post by **RobertsnewQ** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 2:44 pm

elwesso wrote:I also wondered if the 300ZX steering rack would work with the Q45 outer tie rods... Knowing nissan, theyre all the same!

I'm about 99% sure the 300zx rack WILL NOT work in ours. Different stroke length, overall width, etc. Inner and outer tie rods are the same. I'll know for sure pretty soon.

What WILL work, is the 300zx steering control computer - it will give you less assist at medium speeds, with the same assist at high speeds. I was going to keep that a secret for when I unveil my great steering upgrade, but since you were talking about it...

Here's my plan:

1. 300zx steering wheel & airbag (1" smaller dia. than stock, will give quicker steering and more feel) Don't know yet if I can swap the infiniti airbag to the Z wheel, but look very, very similar in size.

2. 300zx steering computer (see above)

3. MAYBE 300zx variablie orifice solenoid, depending on what I find out. I've got a junk 300zx rack on its way to me as I type.

4. Urethane rack bushings.

5. Solid tension rods.

6. Power steering cooler.

7. REAL power steering fluid, not the ATF crap that Nissan uses.

Post by **94q45t** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:11 pm

maxnix wrote:However, blacks are very expensive now. Give the passengers pillows to sit on.

By "blacks" do you mean the OEM struts or does Tokico make another shock for the Q?

The shock I'm really wild about are the Bilsteins on my wife's BMW 318. They snug down large amplitude jounces well before bottoming the suspension, and they stop the rebound in about a half cycle, but they offer a very smooth ride. Uncanny, but Bilstein doesn't make any shocks for Infiniti. Does anyone besides Tokico?

Post by **94q45t** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:17 pm

elwesso wrote:Still kind of a PITA job...

I have a house full of teens. Enough PITA. The 17" wheels and 50 series tires made a much bigger difference on this car than they did on the T (literally these are the same wheels and tires). May just try the shock upgrades and leave it alone for awhile.

Post by **elwesso** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:29 pm

just go with the tokico blues all the way around, you wont be disappointed.

Post by **94q45t** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:27 am

elwesso wrote:just go with the tokico blues all the way around, you wont be disappointed.

I loved those on my T, but got a lot of complaints from passengers. Since I love a challenge, thought I'd try a different strategy to see if there's a compromise that works for driver and passengers (the car is used daily in my business). Just reading through the forums, though, it looks like either you use Blues or you don't, but there aren;t as many options for the G50 as there are for some other makes.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:31 am

94q45t wrote:I loved those on my T, but got a lot of complaints from passengers. Since I love a challenge, thought I'd try a different strategy to see if there's a compromise that works for driver and passengers (the car is used daily in my business). Just reading through the forums, though, it looks like either you use Blues or you don't, but there aren;t as many options for the G50 as there are for some other makes.

indeed, we're happy to at least have some aftermarkte!! The Y33 doesnt have anything (domestic) and the J30 doesnt have anything either...

With the stock springs, youll find that the Q with blues will start getting softer around 5-6k miles (thats how long it takes before they start to wear enough to a comfortable level)..

how long did you have them on your T model?

Post by **94q45t** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:49 am

elwesso wrote:With the stock springs, youll find that the Q with blues will start getting softer around 5-6k miles (thats how long it takes before they start to wear enough to a comfortable level)..

how long did you have them on your T model?

I bought the T with 116K and wrecked it at 151K (see pic above). I put the Blues on at the 120K service. You may be on to something. I thought the actual spring rates between the std and T models were the same, and the differences were limited to HICAS, sway bars, and rack ratio. By itself, HICAS would tend to lessen lean in, but are the spring rates different as well?

Post by **maxnix** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:30 am

Blacks are OEM Tokico.

Bilsteins would be great if you can find one with the right rebound/compression rate and adapt it. After the expense, you will probably wish you had the Tokico Blues for the money.

Impul has Öhlins for some models, but not the G50.

Post by **elwesso** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:34 am

and if you use the "I" word, your most likely oging to spend close to the car's value

Post by **94q45t** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:48 am

elwesso wrote:and if you use the "I" word, your most likely oging to spend close to the car's value

You both make an excellent point. Part of the G50 appeal is that you can get so much car for the money. I bought new 280Z back in 1978 and almost doubled the puchase money in mods over the years. I could just leave this one alone for weekdays and by an outright sports car for those twisty bits days. My goal is gradual improvement as normal wear requires replacement parts, so I hope to build a roadmap to do that.

As well as my T handled, you never had the feeling it was anything but a heavy cars, certainly not to be confused with a Mini Cooper.

Post by **jamesmost** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:56 am

RobertsnewQ wrote:
I'm about 99% sure the 300zx rack WILL NOT work in ours. Different stroke length, overall width, etc. Inner and outer tie rods are the same. I'll know for sure pretty soon.

What WILL work, is the 300zx steering control computer - it will give you less assist at medium speeds, with the same assist at high speeds. I was going to keep that a secret for when I unveil my great steering upgrade, but since you were talking about it...

Here's my plan:

1. 300zx steering wheel & airbag (1" smaller dia. than stock, will give quicker steering and more feel) Don't know yet if I can swap the infiniti airbag to the Z wheel, but look very, very similar in size.

2. 300zx steering computer (see above)

3. MAYBE 300zx variablie orifice solenoid, depending on what I find out. I've got a junk 300zx rack on its way to me as I type.

4. Urethane rack bushings.

5. Solid tension rods.

6. Power steering cooler.

7. REAL power steering fluid, not the ATF crap that Nissan uses.

rob real interested to hear about the steering wheel. What will u gain from the steering cooler ??

Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan

Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan

Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (94q45t)

Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (maxnix)

Re: (RobertsnewQ)

Re: (szhosain)

Re: (tkd_q45)

Re: (JedCoop)

Re: suspension upgrades

Re: suspension upgrades (94q45t)

Re: suspension upgrades (redmanfx)

Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (elwesso)

Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (stevekantercool)

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Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (94q45t)

Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (94q45t)

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Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (elwesso)

Re: Suspension Upgrades to Standard 94 sedan (94q45t)

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