Coilover Confusion

[Bartman]

I’ve spent a great deal of time searching the forums in order to find out how to setup my suspension. I think I’m finally getting the picture, but I want to make sure I am understanding this correctly. First of all I think that when people say they are using ‘coilovers’, that’s not really what they mean. A suspension setup can only be said to be a true coilover when the body of the shock absorber is threaded and the adjustable spring perch sits on that. I think what people mean when they say they have ‘coilovers’, is an adjustable setup that replaces the lower spring perch with an adjustable one mounted on a threaded collar that is attached to the strut. It is still a strut suspension.

 

I assume that the way you get extra tire clearance when changing to a ‘coilover’ suspension is that a shorter spring is used which allows the lower spring perch to be set higher (without increasing the overall ride height), thus the lower spring perch can be placed above the height of the tire.

 

As far as sectioning the strut, this is only required if you lower the stock ride height more than a specific amount (greater than 2�??). If you section your struts, then you need strut cartridges that are designed for this shorter length.

 

Is my understanding correct?

[280Zone]

I think most people that are saying they use coil overs are really using coil overs and have used some kit to have the sleeve threaded.

Z's start with a "coil over" suspension it just isnt adjustable. Making it adjustable using threaded sleeves allows you to you smaller diameter springs, this is what allows bigger tire wheel combos.

[Bartman]

I finally found a web page that has most of my questions answered. I found it by searching for '240Z spring lengths' from Yahoo. The web page says that it's a 'HybridZ FAQ', but I can't find a link to it from within http://www.hybridz.org. Here's the specific link:

 

http://240z.jeromio.com/faqdraft/faqchassis.html'>http://240z.jeromio.com/faqdraft/faqchassis.html

 

And here's the link to the root of this FAQ:

http://240z.jeromio.com/faqdraft/

 

Is this part of http://www.hybridz.org, and if so where is the link?

[Wagz]

Jeremy (Jeromio) is a member here. He sponsored the development of a general HybridZ FAQ a few years ago. Some HybridZ content and help from other members got it started. But, it's been somewhat forgotten about. There used to be a link from this site, but that was before the upgrade to the new BBS software.

[Guest Aaron]

I believe the coilover springs have a smaller overall diameter than the stock springs, so they also give a alittle extra clearance even if the spring/perch is next to the tire.

[johnc]

Is my understanding correct?

 

Yes.

[Guest 81na ZX]

I think most people that are saying they use coil overs are really using coil overs and have used some kit to have the sleeve threaded.

Z's start with a "coil over" suspension it just isnt adjustable. Making it adjustable using threaded sleeves allows you to you smaller diameter springs' date=' this is what allows bigger tire wheel combos.[/quote']

 

Correct. Anytime the coil spring goes over the strut body (i.e. around) its is literally a coil-over suspension. However, when people mention coilovers, they mean adjustable spring pearches using spec springs (1.75/2/2.5" OD Springs)