jaime240z Posted November 11, 2002 Share Posted November 11, 2002 I have overcome some obstacles with the Z (new battery, repaired radiator, ignition switch). Now I'm ready to buy some "Fun" parts. My next project will be with the suspension, mainly springs and struts (sway bars and poly. bushings are already installed). I want to go with coil-overs because of the added clearance for wider tires. I have used ground-control on my last 2 cars and have never had any problems, so I'm going with them again for the Z. I've heard nothing but good things about the Tokicos so I'm going to go with their struts. What I'm not sure about is whether or not I sould section the strut housings. I understand that doing so will allow for more strut travel, which is good. I just don't want my car to be too low. Especially considering the added weight the v8 swap may add. Also I'm not sure about what struts need to be used. I know the front Z struts should go in the rear. But which ones go in the front? I've heard VW rabbit & MR2 but I'm not exactly clear on that? Part #'s anyone? Also, I plane on using 17x8 wheels with stock fenders, of course.I am waiting for a set of wheel adapters that are on order to test fit the wheels that I have and see how much room I have to work with. For now I guess I mainly need to know the pros/cons of sectioning the struts on a V8 swap application.BTW the car is '72. Thanks! Jaime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted November 12, 2002 Share Posted November 12, 2002 Keep in mind that 240 and 280 Z suspensions require different strut cartridges.240 strut cartridges are smaller in diameter and in height. The adaptation to coilovers should give you a 2 inch drop without any sectioning. A 2 inch section = 4 inch drop. I found the mid 80 s Rabbit strut cartridge fits a 2 inch sectioned (280 Z) front strut (I used KYB GR@ # 364014 for 280 strut tubes) (Mr2 Illuminas # BZ 3099 for sectioned 240 fronts).. 10 inch coilovers are the preferred height size bottom perched at the same location as OEM springs . My front 280 Z cross member is 5 inches off the ground with 2 inch sectioned strut tubes carrying 165 pound 10 inch springs at the bottom of the 5 inch threaded sleeve supporting a 350 SBC. I can adjust the vehicle height up If you section .. get the strut cartridges first for trail fit. Do not section more than 2 inches.If you lower the car more than 1 1/2 inch you should also move the control arm pivot hole up 3/4 of an inch on the front cross member for bumpsteer modification. This is a jumble of info that others can add or minus to. IMHO: do not section the struts tubes for a street application.I have a light weight vehicle application with big fender openings that required 2 inch strut tube sectioning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaime240z Posted November 12, 2002 Author Share Posted November 12, 2002 Thanks for the info, Tomahawk. BTW, I do plan on using my car on the street only. I did a search on the topic and I think I may not need to section the struts. It does seem like a good idea due to susp. travel, though. I think I'll try the setup without sectioning first and if I feel the need to be lower then I'll try sectioning. While I'm on this subject, what spring ratios would you recommend for this application. I also searched that topic but I'm still a little blurry on the answer. I know everyone will have somewhat different opinions on this one but I'm just trying to get a rough idea. Once again, the 240 will have the V8 with ground-controls and tokico struts (non-adjustable). No plans for track use (street only). And I do plan on using low profile tires so I don't expect a smooth ride. I know I'm sacraficing comfort for performance. I noticed some people recommend a higher front ratio and others recommend a higher rear ratio. And others recommend the same ratio front and rear. What's the deal on that? Can anyone help me with this? Thanks. Jaime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted November 12, 2002 Share Posted November 12, 2002 go with lighter springs on the front with about 20 pounds heavier in the rear..Spring weight for a street car is "preference" and is highly debatable. For expert advice and a good deal on coilovers get hold of HYbrid members Ross Corrigan at Modern-Motorsports or Mike/SCCA at fonebooth.com. They both have Datsun products worth becoming familiar with (lost all my web address') my preference would be 10 inch height at 180 front/200 rear. 250# on a daily driver will age you and may promote sterilization.MHO.. for a street car ...heavier springs in the rear help absorb the rough spots in the road better. As I see it as the front tire pass' over the bump, the rear suspension is already feeling the affects of the bump and heavier springs in the rear help absorb the added shock when the bump reaches the rear tires. A concrete roadway with expansion dividers would be an example of this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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