Tory (Enthusiast)
04/18/04 08:52 PM

If i were to put on a kit like the eibachs or teins of 350z suspension would i notice an improvment in cornering ability, and an overall lower body roll, or are these kits just for that inch or two of drop...basically to look cooler?
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If I understand how you've worded your question, yes Eibach's or Tein's ment for the Z would out handle the same model of spring ment for the sedan, spring rates are more performance oriented. But, any time a lowering spring ment for the Z (or the coupe for that matter) is run on a sedan, you'll get 1" additional lowering on top of the published drop that spring is supposed to do for the Z. So. .7" Tein S-tech's for the Z would drop the sedan 1.7"

Now, let's look at some spring rates. Look at how much stiffer each spring is vs stock, or maybe softer than stock. Also look for front to rear balance. Compairing stiffness to the sport suspended sedan, percentages would be higher if compaired to the non sport, at about 10% front and rear for non sport.

Tein H-tech G35 coupe & sedan
Front:324 Rear:260 F+ 5% R-22%
Transfers +27% to front

Tein S-tech G35 coupe & sedan
Front:358 Rear:274 R+14% R-18%
Transfers +32% to front

Tein S-tech 350z
Front:386 Rear:402 F+23% R+16%
Transfers +7% to front

Tein H-tech 350z
Front:358 Rear:375 F+14% R+11%
Transfers +3% to front

RSR 350Z springs
Front:345 Rear:417 F+10% R+22%
Transfers 12% to rear

Eibach springs (first rate is the softer intial rate/the higher number next to it is the higher final rate.)
Eibach 350Z Front: 296/384 Rear:316/421
F+23% R+22% Transfers 1% to front

Eibach G35s Front: 259/334 Rear:359/413
F+7% R+21% Transfers 14% to rear

So, of the sedan specific springs that we know the rates on, the Eibachs would be the most performance oriented, but their still progressive springs, a compromise on performance for ride quality. Of the Z specific springs the *RSR's would be the best for performance IMO, they are less progressive then the Z Tein S-tech's and I'd rather shift more spring stiffness to the rear vs the front. But, as I've mentioned, Z lowering springs on the sedan can drop the sedan to low for many to consider them.

*I just learned that Hotchkis 350Z springs are linear, hopefully I can find out the rates soon, they lower the Z 9/16 front and 3/4" rear.


"All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”
Edmund Burke

G35 6mt

Thanks for all the great info Gsedan35! So from this information it looks like a set of the Z Tein S-techs would be great, unless the Hotchiks have sufficient stiffness (linear is better than progressive right)? Also, how would a stock 350z suspension kit compare to one of these aftermarket suspension kits?

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yeah, with any suspension, u should try and get the proper shocks. aftermarket springs will never be the same rates as stock. u can get it close, but no exact. if performance is the only thing you really want, go with getting a sport suspension from the sedan. OR. u could just get the 350z suspension, try to get one built after november 31st, though. both would help your performance needs

matt

Ok, so ive been getting a lot of great info from you guys, thanks so much, i really appreciate it. But, as of now ive come down to one core question. Should i get a stock 350z suspension kit, or should i just upgrade the springs on my stock g35 (non-sports package) to something like the RSR 350z springs?

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this is from a PM a while back from Gsedan35 when i asked him about the RSR springs:

"I would be real concerned that RSR's on non-sport struts would have bounce and give a feeling that the suspension wasn't controlled very well over less than smooth pavement. Now having said that, I've seen some people run setup's that I know do just that come back and claim, "handles great, rides just like stock" But, knowing what I know about the oem non sport suspension, I just don't think the RSR springs are a good idea from a ride and drive stand point."

the oem non-sport shocks and springs are very very soft. thus, i decided not to go for them because of his thoughts about the bounce. i personally like the ride that the non-sport gives, but i dont like the softness of the springs. i'm actually in the same boat as u because i want a better suspension later down the line. but if i have to compromise that much ride quality, like with the RSR springs, i dont think i would do that, but ur opinion and preferences might be different. i'm just letting you know that the RSR springs would feel a lot tighter but might be too firm for some peoples tastes.

of course, u could get aftermarket shocks like koni, but i'm assuming you dont want to spend that much money, as of yet at least. also, i'm assuming that you want to lower the car slightly, given that you mentioned the 350z springs, yes, go for it. the 350z springs, if you can find the right person, u can get them for relatively cheap on 350z forums. but like i said, u may want to get one that is built after nov. 31st. these springs are a little less bouncy than the ones built prior to nov. 31st (03' Z's) and would probably feel better since you are used to the more supple ride in the non-sport springs in your sedan.

good luck,
matt<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by matters on 04/19/04 11:16 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

Oh, I forgot to think about that part, running non sport shocks with lowering springs. I would not recommend running non sport shocks with any Z lowering spring. If you would be keeping the oem shocks, I'd only run them with sedan specfic lowering springs. If you can locate a 04 Z suspension off a car made after 11/30/03, that would be your best bet. 1" drop and really good performance gains. I have the 03 Z suspension, the performance is a lot better, but the ride quality leaves a lot to be desired when the road isn't billard table smooth.

You could likely get away with some 03 Z shocks and then the RSR Z lowering springs.

"All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”
Edmund Burke

G35 6mt

nihaoma has already PMed me regarding an '04 350z suspension kit he has for sale (2k miles on it). Should i just go for that, and if i want upgrdae to the RSR springs later down the line? Also, whats a good price for a nearly new 350z suspension kit. Also what RSR spring kit would you recomend, at the site they have two sets of springs for the Z, the RSR Down springs ($250) and the RSR Ti2000 springs ($330). Thanks!

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I would say go for the '04 Z suspension if you can get it for a good price. The difference would be night and day compared to your non sport suspension setup but yet not too harsh. Plus you won't be spending a lot of money either.

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium

I was offered $350 for an '04 350z suspension with 2k miles on it (4 months of use). Is this too steep?

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$350 isn't too bad IMO. I would try to haggle a bit lower or at least $350 shipped.

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium

My mistkae, it is for $350 shipped. I was talking to someone who was trying to sell me their used G35 Sports Suspension becuase they had just bought a 350z suspension, and they got it for $175 shipped, so i thought $350 sounded high.

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Well in that case maybe it is a bit high. It really all depends on how bad you want them. Good luck.

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium