These are mostly stupid questions but I think you guys will be able to help me out.

Anyway, I had my car in at the tire shop and the guy there told my wife (she had to pick it up) that I needed new shocks and struts on my 06 6MT with 80k miles. Now, as far as I am concerned it rides and handles very well. No slop. No bounce. Seems nice and tight to me. And, I'm certain that there were no leaks when I checked under there a few months ago.

So I'm pretty sure he's just trying to sell me some stuff since the car is high mileage.

But here is the thing: my wife thinks I need struts and shocks now. Sounds like a good opportunity to get some good stuff under there. This car is a daily driver, but also does weekends on windy roads and I would like to do some track day events in the future too. And even as tight as the 6MT is (larger antisway bars, 19" rims, etc etc) I'd still like it tighter still for better cornering. But I want to keep the stock ride height.

I hear people talking about coilover kits. How are this aftermarket kits different from OEM? Do they lower ride height? Are they usually adjustable and if so, what are you adjusting? In other words, is it just the damping that you adjust or can you also change ride height? Finally, what experience do you guys have with various brands? Which ones are worth the money, which ones to avoid?

Sorry for the long post. Just trying to sort this all out. Would really love to get a better suspension. I'd consider a bushing kit at the same time I guess....but that's starting to stretch things money wise.

 

Your best bet is to search through the suspension forum (as well as others) to see what people are running and how they like them. Even if the OP's question isnt regarding perticular set-ups ( coil-over brand A vs B) people usually chime in with what they are running and comment on it.
I believe most coil-over set-ups at the highest setting are still a little lower than OEM ride height. Usual Adjustments are rebound/dampening of the shock, spring stiffness, and ride height.
OEM suspension uses seperate spings and shocks, coilovers are a self contained unit. The coilover has a threaded shock body so the perch is adjustable, OEM offers no adjustment.
Also the life span of shocks are usually about 60k miles or so.

I wish I could assist more in which brands are better and why, but I dont have much knowledge in that field, I'm sure others will chime in.

 

Thanks, that helps a great deal. I'll have to research some specific kits but I do not want the car lower than stock. I know a lot of folks like that look, but I don't. And even though I might track it on occasion it is still my daily ride and the streets here aren't exactly, uhm, forgiving. I wouldn't mind a kit that would allow some lowering below stock but not one that starts below stock height. This would allow a normal 'street' setting and then some fine tuning/lowering for the track.

These kits vary a great deal in price. I've seen anywhere from about $1000 to over $2500. Anyone know how this compares to OEM parts?

Also, is this the kind of installation a driveway mechanic can do? It doesn't look all that complicated. I don't know if a press is needed or not.

 

Yeah it's not too much work, and can be done in your driveway with some basic tools. If you rent a spring compressor it will make removal a bit easier. Good luck in your search.

Another option if you want to keep the factory ride height is to just upgrade the shocks and sways. That will be around $1000 give or take a little for some quality components.

 

I need to find the specs on the sways on the 6MT. I know they are beefier than the standard ones but don't know the mm measurements and how they compare with aftermarket.

I'll have to research replacement shocks too. Brief search didn't turn up much but I guess I can go to the specific maker's sites like Bilstein, Tokico, etc.

A spring compressor sounds like a dangerous tool. I'm guessing most autoparts stores would rent them but don't want to pay for inexperience with broken bones and missing fingers. Thanks again for the help.

 

Sounds like an opportunity, if the wife thinks its in need of new shocks
get yourself some hight adjustable coil-overs, i have used a set of BC coil-overs which are intended for the 350Z, so the 100kg weight difference give a softer near stock ride quality.

 

Does coil-over kit replace both spring and shock?

 

Yes! nearly all suspension is really coilover, basically coil spring over a shock absorber,except for the separate spring type like the G35/350Z rears, but in general, the term coilover is how most people perceive hight adjustable suspension, consisting of a shock absorber with an integral adjustable spring platform, and usually adjustable damping as well.

 

With 80K miles on the clock chances are very good you need shocks, that's about the maximum they normally last. If you think your G handles well now wait until you get the new shocks installed, you'll be surprised. Tokico/Bilstein are both great shocks, you could buy them from our MARKETPLACE under vendor suspension and have them installed.
Gary

 

The spring compressor is actually a pretty simple tool that attaches to the spring and slowly compresses it as you turn a bolt.
O'reilly rents them I know for sure, actually its a refundable deposit so its more like a borrowing of the tool. Im not sure what other places rent them.

I am running Tokico blues with springs from a 350z and G35 coupe and I am happy with the performance. Although I dont have any adjustability.
Like Gary c mentioned, Tokico and Bilstein both make nice adjustable shocks.

 

If you are going to rent spring compressors make sure you get the look like these spring compressors.. Do not get the ones that look like this.

 

I have the BC's and they are awesome for the price.

 

I don't know what all the mention about spring compressors is for... You won't need them if you are replacing with coilovers..

But you should really say what you are looking to spend, and be sure to include whether you are installing them yourself or not.

 

Easier to remove the front suspension when compressed...its free so why not make life easier?

 

I had no problem pulling my front strut out when I installed my zhtechs, nor when I took it back out to install my coils