Midnight-280Z Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Well, I was taken for a ride in 73 240Z just a few days ago. The guy was running the L28ET with 13PSI. Car was pretty fast....But his suspension was really nice...coilovers with the z31 hub. not to mention 350Z rims...Makes me miss my car......Anyways, I was planning on getting the Modern Motorsport Coilovers for my 75 280Z. My questions is whats the advantages and disadvantages of having 8" springs and 10" springs? I'm not sure what to get. This car will be driven daily with a RB motor in it. I will probably switch out the rims every now and then too (16x8 & 17x7). I will probably take it to the track every now and then but i'm set on spring rates being 225 (F) 250 ®... BTW- If you are odering parts from nismoparts.com the Rear Sump oil pan needed for a RB swap is on back order for a month...(My Project is now DELAYED!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 The issue with 8" springs on Z's is that the coils of the spring may bind before the strut is compressed. Some of this depends on how low you run it, but that's the main issue to look out for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalz Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Adding to Jon's post, the spring rate must be factored in as well. A high spring rate, high rate bars, etc will allow the use of a shorter spring, and a lower spring rate will require the use of a longer spring. My experience has been that I get about 4" of compliance in an autocross event, with 275 lb spring rates. My 7" springs work fine for this. But if I went softer on the rate, or softer bars, and other factors, I'd be in trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Another, very subtle aspect of spring length, is that a longer spring (same pitch, more coils) has a thicker wire given the same rate as a shorter spring. Its heavier as a result of the additional length and the thicker wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midnight-280Z Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share Posted May 21, 2008 Hmmm...Thanks for the help, looks like i will really consider getting 10" springs instead of the 8. Also, what shocks/struts should i use. I want to use Tokiko Adjustable because they are affordable. Although i hear Koni is better. Will the shocks/struts need to be shortened or anything? Can i use the struts/shocks right out of the box without problems? I hear i need to get the shocks customized because of the sectioned strut tubes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. This forum has been by far the best help with my project. I will post pictures of my progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Now you need to start searching, read the FAQs, and read the stickies. ALL of you questions have been answered many, many times. Take your time and read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts