Jaymanbikes Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 I recently installed lowering springs on my 77 280Z, the ride height was exactly what I wanted. Later I removed the big factory bumpers and all the hardware and have installed the MSA fiberglass bumpers. with all that weight being gone, I feel like the car is sitting somewhere close to stock levels again. What do you folks think about cut a small portion of the spring for a little additional lowering? At one time I had heard cutting a stock spring was not wise but lowering springs wouldn't be as adversely affected. Appreciate any feedback! Thanks Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Cutting a lowering spring would be just as detrimental if done wrong. Cutting a stock spring can also be done the right way. I'd start by swapping out the springs with shorter 240z springs. That would be the most painless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 If you get the spring hot (using a cutting torch) you can ruin the temper of the spring. If you cut it with a cutoff wheel there really isn't much downside to it. Lowering springs and stock springs are both springs, and subject to the same issues with heat. Cut 1/2 coil at a time until you get the ride height you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickenman Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 ^ Agreed. Cut off wheel is the way to go. Sometimes you need to flatten the last coil to make it seat better in the spring cup. You will have to heat the last 1/4 to 1/2 coil with a Torch to do this. However, it really doesn't affect spring rate a great deal, as the last coil is usually " inactive " if flat wound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_2060 Posted December 11, 2016 Share Posted December 11, 2016 I have a 71 240 z that I cut 1 1/3 or 1 1/2 coils off top of front stock springs with a cut off wheel, because front set 1" higher than back. I have KYB shocks, Car now sets level. I took a guess, got lucky first time. I made sure tire pressure was same all 4 tires, then measured to center edge of fender opening to get an idea of how much I wanted to lower. I found a reference of approximately how much to cut off on one of these z websites where someone else did a spring cut, can't remember which one. I did a ratio of their cut to how much I wanted to take off. I didn't flatten end coil where I cut off, as it sets in spring cup good as is. I'm happy with height and ride, and glad I did it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theczechone Posted December 19, 2016 Share Posted December 19, 2016 If you replace your 280z strut isolators with 240z ones it will lower your car another inch or so. I have some if you are interested Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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