SPL Rear Mid Links (spring buckets)

[FSUZ33]

Just an FYI...

Reached out to Z1 about these as the images on their site for the SPL and NISMO-branded versions are the Version2. Version3 is the skinnier version without the big bucket can, and are lighter.

They said if you order the SPL you'll get the V3. It's possible that others may still have in-house stock on the V2, so if you're shopping anywhere other than SPL or Z1 and have a preference you should ask (SPL only lists the V3 now).

The NISMO-branded buckets are undetermined, per Z1. They said they are "much harder to get" and don't know if it would be V2 or V3. They didn't say, but it's possible they don't make the NISMO in the V3 variant, idk. Looks like they discontinued the billet traction arms, so the NISMO buckets could end up going that same route.

Not sure how it works on the inside, but it appears the bucket is held in place by a set screw or two. Don't like set screws jammed into threads, especially aluminum threads that thread through an aluminum arm (V2). Not sure what the threaded portion of the perch is made out of on the V3 (perches are stainless) but the arm is still aluminum. Seems like it would be OK if they're set once and never move.

V2

V3

 

[OptionZero]

I have the V2. On that design, I ran into a HYPER specific problem:

I installed air cups in the rear that go over the rear springs. The raised lip of the perch could, on compression, hit the air cup because I switched to a 4 inch spring with short travel to make up for the thickness of the cup. The solution was trimming away part of the lip on the perch.

This is again HYPER specific but would be solved with the V3 design.

With either design, you should be getting the conical top mount. It allows the top mount to slide to be offset and keep your spring vertical, depending on your height.

 

[chadgigachad]

I was thinking of going with Nismo suspension all around (since I own a Nismo). Should I stick with SPL, then?

 

[OptionZero]

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I was thinking of going with Nismo suspension all around (since I own a Nismo). Should I stick with SPL, then?

The nismo arms are just silver/red exclusive color of the SPL arms so basically…decide if the special color is worth the price difference

 

[chadgigachad]

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The nismo arms are just silver/red exclusive color of the SPL arms so basically…decide if the special color is worth the price difference

I made that comment in response to the v2 vs v3 discussion above

 

[OptionZero]

I made that comment in response to the v2 vs v3 discussion above

i mean they both work, so …price and color

unless you plan on doing air cups in the rear like me (do not recommend, stick to fronts only)

 

[OptionZero]

ATTENTION:

I have been referencing 60MM ID springs for the new SPL Mid-links but something was bugging me in the back of my head, so I had to check my old receipts

SPL V2 design uses 65MM ID springs. This is the design of the Nismo versions so it applies to them as well.

SPL v3 design uses 60MM ID springs.

Please be aware of the difference. Both sizes are common and should be obtainable from Swift, Eibach, or Hyperco, which are the reputable spring companies.

I have also emailed SPL about this to confirm

 

[OptionZero]

I found an old pic to demonstrate what I was talking about regarding the effect of their new design

This is my rear air cup setup at an intermediate stage:
Stanceparts Air Cup, mounted over a Swift 6 inch, 10kg spring, on an SPL Midlink v2

The lip of that spring bucket is raised, ostensibly to secure the spring. That upper edge, on compression, was at risk of hitting the bottom edge of the air cup. As no one else had run this setup before, neither SPL nor my shop could be sure how it would work out. In addition, Stanceparts said the thickness of their cup was about 1 inch, which was well within the adjustment range of the SPL bucket . . . but it turns out neither were true.

The Stanceparts cup was thicker than expected and we ran out of adjustment downward on the spring bucket, so my ride height ended up being raised by about an inch. For some that is not a problem, but I am running top of tire to fender lip, maybe a little tuck, so I had to adjust.

I ended up going down to an Eibach 4 inch, 600 lb (10.7 kg/mm) spring, which was sufficient to get me back to my original height. We also trimmed part of the bucket lip for clearance. So far, no issues on street or track.

Because the bucket has an internal raised plug that the spring goes around, the lip is kind of superfluous. Their new design omits the "bucket" design entirely in favor of that threaded, conical perch.

I myself contacted them about swapping over to the new design, since it would provide extra clearance.

I highly recommend getting air cups in front, as it solves the ride height issue many have complained about; but after all the work I had to do to get the rears to work, I recommended against the rears. With the new design, some of that is cut out, but I think it is more cost effective to just get the fronts anyways.


UPDATE:
SPL replied.

Confirmed switch from 65mm on V2 to 60mm ID on v3

Same adjustment range on both designs.

65mm puck is available upon request!

 

[chadgigachad]

ATTENTION:

I have been referencing 60MM ID springs for the new SPL Mid-links but something was bugging me in the back of my head, so I had to check my old receipts

SPL V2 design uses 65MM ID springs. This is the design of the Nismo versions so it applies to them as well.

SPL v3 design uses 60MM ID springs.

Please be aware of the difference. Both sizes are common and should be obtainable from Swift, Eibach, or Hyperco, which are the reputable spring companies.

I have also emailed SPL about this to confirm

What size are the OEM Z springs? I'm planning on keeping the OEM springs + shocks for a bit before going aftermarket. I would like to go with NISMO over SPL because I think having a Nismo trim with Nismo suspension would be cool

 

[OptionZero]

Not even close. OEM springs are 4-5 diameter. You can chuck in in the box for if you ever wanna go back to stock

If you upgrade you'll want to get all the arms at once

 

[chadgigachad]

Not even close. OEM springs are 4-5 diameter. You can chuck in in the box for if you ever wanna go back to stock

If you upgrade you'll want to get all the arms at once

Got it, I can get coilovers at the same time as I do the rear suspension.

 

[OptionZero]

Got it, I can get coilovers at the same time as I do the rear suspension.

You want a FUCA bc otherwise theres no adjustment

 

[chadgigachad]

You want a FUCA bc otherwise theres no adjustment

Well I'm going SPL/Nismo all around. I wanted to keep the oem struts and springs because they handle fine. I wasn't planning to lower my car either. I just wanted more adjustability for track/autox