Looking for some expert advise. I have an 03 coupe. I grabbed a set of the revised Z springs hoping for a little drop and a firmer feel. I got the firmer feel. The rear doesn't 'roll' like it used to. However, I didn't get any drop in the rear and only a slight drop in the front. My main question is, will the springs settle and drop after time passes? I'm not to too impressed with the drop. Also, what changed in the coupe suspension other then the rear spring rate? Do I essentially have the same 'ride' as an 05-06?

 

Binar, I've been reading all the posts and responses on revised/unrevised Z springs and I think you are correct. You have the performance ride of the 05 but there is little or no drop except 1/2" in the front.

 

Give it some time. Go for a drive. Turn hard in both directions and let the car settle on the springs.

 

Emmm, well,........ Not without the 05 suspension's stiffer sport shocks and stiffer front sway bar. And I'll add that the regular suspension's rear shocks aren't able to properly control that much more rear spring. I realize that you can feel a difference with the stiffer rear spring, and it's pretty cost effective. But it's definately not going to be near a genuine 05 sport suspension not unless at the very least you kick the oem shocks to the curb. And that is coming from someone that has driven both coupe setups and ran my own car with revised Z springs.

 

Thanks for sharing!!
Sway bars are def on my 'to do' list. However, I thought I could get away the stock shocks. So the 03 and 05 shocks are significantly different?

 

I guess the best way to explain is to say, I noticed things with in 30 minutes of driving after the install. It bugged me enough that I swapped things out IIRC within about a week.

On the oem shocks, yes they are very much not the same

Any G35 coupe regardless of build year riding on oem 17" or 18" oem wheels has the regular suspension (regular shocks)

Any G35 coupe riding on oem 19" wheels (05-06 of course) has the sport suspension (sport shocks).

And just to say it, I do not recommend finding a pair of oem rear sport shocks and installing them while keeping the oem regular shocks up front, I tried something just like that once. Didn't stay on the car more then 24hours, hated it.

 

Dang... now I am starting to get depressed.
Thanks for the insight. I am going to give this setup some time. I didn't get a chance to drive the car much yesterday. I need some time on the twisties to see if I like it or not.

 

Hey it's all good and if your happy that's what matters. I just think that you'll be even happier with 05-06 oem sport shocks or Tokico D-specs.

 

I had the same experience with my '05 Z springs. No initial drop and then settled with 1/4" drop in front and none in rear. I also installed the DSpecs which are fantastic.

 

Deane I'm glad you chimed in. When I was researching these springs I saw your post. So the DSpecs are going to make a big difference. How so? The only thing I have noticed so far is the rear of my car seems to be a little 'happier', kinda 'jittery'. Ya know?? I like the way my body role has decreased. However, having the rear this stiff makes me wonder if I have made my car into an oversteer monster. Like I was saying before. I have to take her out and stretch her legs. Any experience you wish to share is greatly appreciated!!

 

Hi Binar,


Yes, the DSpecs give you adjust over both compression and damping at the same time. They will easily and totally control what you are feeling now. You can select a softer ride or a very firm one with infinite adjustment from 7 to 0. IMHO the OE sport suspension is about like 5 from firmest. Even at a firmer setting like 3 from firm they are not as harsh as the sport suspension. The dealer shop foreman (and long time race mechanic and driver) commented exactly such when we test drove together before he knew exactly what was done to the suspension. I also had a great chance to test some settings with two days at the track last weekend.

The stock non sport shocks you have aren't set up to handle the firmer springs which is a good reason to change up to the '05+ G sport sports or the '04.5+ Z shocks. Your current shocks will allow a little too much rebound/poor damping.

The other major difference with my car was installing the adjustable Stillen sways F&R. Highly recommended. The car drives with much less body roll than before.

You don't have to worry about too much oversteer with your new springs. These cars (and most) still have a lot built into them. If you change up to new sways you can vary the car set up to your preferences anyhow.

Feel free to pm me if there is any other feedback you're looking for.

Deane

 

Thanks again Deane. Sounds like I have some decisions to make.