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Suspension 1st or Power 1st?


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I want everybodys opinion on something I've been deciding for a week after I got my 73 240Z. I'm really interested because I'm calling this my last project so I'm just curious to know what good to start my project off. I'm barley turn 20 but I've kinda made up my mind that this well be my last since I really want a house in a few years. Still debating L28ET or RB26DETT also when the time comes. I might regret if I go with the L28ET thats why. But the motorswap is not even going to take place because I'm going the suspension route first I think. I wasn't as happy when I went with power on my 510 to when I went suspension on my 240SX first. A car that can go fast in corner is better than a car that can go fast in a straight line(Just me so don't get offended). I am lazy so don't bother calling me lazy. Because I only search for a minute. Did manage to buy to buy some badass wheels though. Can't show the forums yet because it's a secret! This is the first year the wheels are made and wheel be the last. It was just made to test out peoples interest. Oh and its a company that is not popular at all so if you like brands...you definately don't want it anysways. Oh and just bought some Tokico 5way Adjustables. So I am leaning towards suspension at this point. Not even 8 days with the car I'm starting with the project alreay. I know it my car and I can do whatever I want but I just need some of your thoughts.

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Guest ZFury

Sounds to me like you are already going to do your suspension, you already got your struts. You should be able to get a ton of (enough) power out of a L28ET. Just all depends on what you are expecting from your car. But if you are going to do a motor swap. Why stop with eather of those? Put some thing twin camed or V8'ed in it. You already basicly have that motor in it, just needs some modifying. eh' thats my opinion. Seeing you already got your struts, doing a budget spring job, replacing bushings, & getting strut bar braces shouldnt cut into your budget much. To really answer the question guess we would need to know your budget and what you expect from it. But, an opinion of mine is this, "No suspension is fun with out speed!".

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I am all about suspension first. As long as your motor is tight and in good tune, it will be fun enough to get you by for a while. You can throw a mild cam in it for pretty cheap if you want a little bit of extra kick. I've always been of the opinion that all the power in the world is useless if you can't get it to the ground and that's all that suspension is: Gravity Assist.

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definitely suspension first, IMO. its nice to be able to drive the car around and get a instant feel for the changes you've just made without having to wait a year or two while the car is de-motivated.

 

obviously the easiest swap would be the L28ET, plenty of people have done it so there is a vast amount of information available to you, dont forget that it will be easier on your wallet too, allowing you to enjoy the car sooner than later.

 

I would probably shorten the strut housings and install coilovers with your new adjustable struts (take the time to blast and coat the suspension parts while your at it, it wont take that much longer and will make the car more appealing visually and physically when it comes time to work on it. install some sway bars( dont forget to reinforce the front sway bar mounts. install an LSD with some kind of CV axle swap and then move onto a brake upgrade as the last phase of suspension work...

 

this is my opinion, take it how you will...

 

also, if your still undecided about the engine you want, buy a few raffle tickets for the pinks Zs engine...if you win youll have a multitude of less things to worry about.

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I chose suspension first. Mostly because the suspension in my car was the area most in need of attention. It had two blown struts, bushings were in bad shape, and undersized tires make it look like it's on stilts. The engine leaks some fluids, but is basically competent.

 

Think about it this way: a decently handling but underpowered car will be fun for a little while, but a poorly handling overpowered car will be scary every time you drive it.

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Guest Heuristicism

Suspension. First off your riding on 30+ year old bushings. Replace everything, do it right. Yes, obviously springs and shocks, but do not forget everything else suspension wise (bushings, t-rods, etc). You can have all the power you want, but putting down on the grounds will be another thing (scary) if your suspension is tired.....

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