Heresy: softer suspension on Z Nismo

[atglyph]

So, this may be a little controversial for a Z Nismo..

I'm interested in tuning my 24 Z Nismo into a bit more of a touring car. The main thing I'd change is the softness of the ride on normal roads. If possible, a tunable suspension option might be nice so it could be stiffened for a track day.

NISMO offers a Coilover Suspension Kit (E3110-RRZ34). I can't find much info about it compares to the stock suspension. Can it be tuned to be softer than stock? I'll take it as granted that it can be made stiffer. What about ride height - it can go lower than stock but how about higher?

Thanks for any insight.

 

[ForSale24]

So, this may be a little controversial for a Z Nismo..

I'm interested in tuning my 24 Z Nismo into a bit more of a touring car. The main thing I'd change is the softness of the ride on normal roads. If possible, a tunable suspension option might be nice so it could be stiffened for a track day.

NISMO offers a Coilover Suspension Kit (E3110-RRZ34). I can't find much info about it compares to the stock suspension. Can it be tuned to be softer than stock? I'll take it as granted that it can be made stiffer. What about ride height - it can go lower than stock but how about higher?

Thanks for any insight.

you should start your research in the topic of "coilovers" any cheap set will allow for ride height adjustment. "going soft" can be done (i have a "24 pro" not as stiff as the Nismo) with a good set of coilovers i have "Fortune Auto 500s" this is a 1-way adjustable... 2-way adjusting allows you to play with damping AND now compression.... for most people i would say they only need a "1-way" for you maybe you need dial in the compression first then add small amount of damping with a STIFF spring i'll post a kinda long video here for you. the guy is LONG WINDED but drops gems. this is a video to save lol ..... SIDENOTE: I wont say who or where. A Nissan dealer friend of mine, got his Z early and added a Nismo suspension arm, shipped his car to a track in FL. ARM SNAPPED 1st lap.... Of the four suspension arms I've added, have all come from Z1 for that reason.

 

[ForSale24]

with my current set up turned all way down. ITS ALMOST as soft as stock. but my set up does include 3 arms in the rear plus a rear anti roll bar and upper control arms in the front.... my coilovers are only for adjusting damping this controls how the car releases the spring after a bump... if possible (with a two-way coliover set up) you wanna control compression first then fiddle around with damping if you wanna Go Soft or HARD. i hope others here have more info on the topic

 

[FSUZ33]

A lot of people think what Akira Nakai (RWB) does to Porsches is heresy. I can understand why they feel that way, but I disagree.
Regardless, it’s your car. You do you!

 

[Murix]

with my current set up turned all way down. ITS ALMOST as soft as stock. but my set up does include 3 arms in the rear plus a rear anti roll bar and upper control arms in the front.... my coilovers are only for adjusting damping this controls how the car releases the spring after a bump... if possible (with a two-way coliover set up) you wanna control compression first then fiddle around with damping if you wanna Go Soft or HARD. i hope others here have more info on the topic

Agree with this. My experience is that spring rate is not as crucial as shock tuning for ride quality. With good shocks you can run stiff springs. But that also costs money.

I have Ohlins on my Abarth 124 with springs 3x stiffer than stock yet rides way better. I feel the rear of the Nismo is a bit busy and could use better rear dampening to smooth out the rear at the same spring rates.

 

[staying_tuned]

Not sure of they offer the K&W V3s but they make the car feel like a M car on middle-ish settings with a fairly decent drop. On rails maxed out. Not a lot of travel to work with when lowered but like M & P cars, they do so much with just a little, highly recommended.

 

[RobotAZ]

Agree with this. My experience is that spring rate is not as crucial as shock tuning for ride quality. With good shocks you can run stiff springs. But that also costs money.

I have Ohlins on my Abarth 124 with springs 3x stiffer than stock yet rides way better. I feel the rear of the Nismo is a bit busy and could use better rear dampening to smooth out the rear at the same spring rates.

To damp is to attenuate. To dampen is to pour water on something. Common misconception that we pour water on our suspensions to adjust performance.

 

[Murix]

I will remember this. I cannot attest to having known the distinction before. I looked it up and I see it is damping, not dampening.

 

[ForSale24]

A lot of people think what Akira Nakai (RWB) does to Porsches is heresy. I can understand why they feel that way, but I disagree.
Regardless, it’s your car. You do you!

less cars in the junk yard, is what most folks miss

If "Bob" from New Mexico started cutting up old 2002 Mustangs after they been beat to hell on track, by 8 owners. People wouldn't cry because the perceived value by us dumb Americans isn't there (yet). Akira Nakai's goal was to give old, beat, cheap cars a new life.... I feel like you on this one:
"It’s your car. You do you!"

 

[Zstevo]

Go KW V3 coilovers - good range of adjustment from soft to hard. I have them and really like them.