Just picked up a set of 18" 350z track wheels. Now I want to complete the look by dropping the car. What suspension do you guys recommend with this setup w/o rubbing issues?

350z springs only
350z springs & shocks
Tein 350z H-tech w/ stock sport shocks

or anything else?

Thanks in advance - will post picks once I'm done

 

I'd go with H&R or Eibach. Not much of a fan for TEIN.

 

what's your budget and plans for the car?

 

Not a fan of progressive springs or the compromise they ask against performance. They numb the car's reflexes and can make at the limit behavior dicey as you yaw between differing spring rates, which is all the more likely the closer you get to at the limit adheasion level's during peak G's. If your not into performance and or your after nothing more then looks, then it doesn't matter in the end. Still, the chassis engineer's didn't resort to progressive oem springs for a reason.

Of your choices. Just oem 350Z springs would work fine and give you a 1" drop, but you need to make sure you do not get ahold of any oem 350Z spring other then 2003 springs or early 2004 springs. Avoid 2004.5 and 2005 oem 350Z springs because they have a much higher rear spring rate that your oem shocks will absolutely not be able to effectively deal with. Which makes me skip to the subject of the Tein 350Z H-techs. I've had them on my sedan with the oem sport shocks for awhile now to test. While the initial impression is very good, the lasting impression is that the oem sport shocks are simply not fit to deal with the 14%/10% increase in spring rates over the oem sedan sport springs. Yes the ride quality is fine, but they allow too much to happen that should be dampned out and controlled. This are really noticeable at higher speeds when the suspension has to move a lot. Another way to describe what's going on, not enough rebound control. Only consider the springs if you also upgrade your shocks.

Should you buy a oem 350Z suspension? Only if you can locate a genuine revised 2004.5 or 2005 setup. Even then, you have to be willing to except the added frimness that the oem Z shocks will have. Still it is a very cost effective way to up the sedan's abilities, should cost in the $250 range. If your in doubt, simply go drive a 2005 350Z with either 17's or 18's and see where you stand.

Another choice to go with just springs and to try and retain your oem shocks would be Hotchkis 350Z springs, but they would drop a sedan about 1.6"/1.8" and you would not be able to adjust the alignment to within factory sedan specs without aftermarket parts, which would pretty much defeat the purpose of not spending money on different shocks for a 350Z H-tech setup. RSR 350Z springs would do about a 1.7"/1.7" drop, but they should really only be run with aftermarket shocks.

When you get down to brass tac's, the aftermarket does not offer much performance choices for the sedan, not one's that measure up spec wise or in construction. If all someone wan't is looks, then your set. But, thank goodness we can run some mild drop 350Z lowering springs that are performance spec'd on these cars.

 

If you want an 03 suspension set, I'll give it up REAL cheap...

 

FWIW, I recently bought a set of 2005 350z springs and shocks from Jason at Performance Nissan for $175 shipped. Only ~15 miles on them as well. So, there are some good deals out there if you can find them. Only don't ask me how I like them 'cause I haven't had time to put them on yet. I'm going to get my 30K checkup this week and put the new stuff on next week - can't wait!

What about Tokico D-specs shocks w/350z springs? I've read some really good reviews of that combo.

 

JMHO...
Best bang for the buck, for a performance upgrade with minor drop (~1").
Absolutely love mine
(I'm also running an upgraded rear sway)

 

I have the Tein G35 Springs on a 03.5 6MT with 18" 245's.
The drop is perfect, and I can ride with 4 adults w/o a problem.
I have the stock shocks, and plan to run out their life.
Stillen recommeded the sway bars for (more) agressive cornering.

________________________________
03.5 6MT/Silver/Black/Premium/Z Tube/Stillen Muffler/18" Forte'/245 Contiexreme/Clear Corners
03 Vivid Black Fatboy

 

Thanks everyone, especially Gsedan35 for your detailed response. I am now looking for a set of 350z 2004.5/2005 shocks/springs. I think it will satisfy what I'm looking for and I can deal with the firmness.

I only hope that 1" is enough of a drop to look good with my 18" 350z track wheels.

Thanks everyone!

 

Hey, cloudy6MT, please some pics once you have installed the springs!

I am also planning to install new springs on to my car just to lower it a bit...