SkYBlue280Z Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Hey there, I drive a '78 280Z and I have the Eibach pro-kit suspension (springs) on with KYB shocks. Now, it only lowered my car about an inch from stock height and I really want it to go about an inch lower without spending over $300 on new springs and then getting them installed because I don't have the time to do it myself... Or the skills ha. So I was thinking on bring it down to a local auto shop and having them cut my springs for me, now I don't drive this car everday so it wont bug me to much with all the road noise and such. What do you guys think? Is there a spring that can fit my car and drops it lower then the eibach or should I just cut them a bit? Thanks Current photo with Eibach springs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comrade_Charlie Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I dont think a little cutting hurts any thing, cutting too much will kill the spring rate. I cut the front springs on my 300zx, about 1 coil, nothing major and didnt notice anything different except it being lower(stock springs and I could fit my fist and 2 fingers in between the tire and fender, somehting had to be done while I was replacing blown struts). I had to cut the Mercedes 300d springs I put in my 82 maxima(280zx suspensions basicly), but I had to cut them because they were like 4 inches too long and super stiff so I know I didnt hurt the springs rates because they are for the front and im using them on the rear... I dont think a little would hurt anything, but I wouldnt trust any one to cut some for me, just dont get them heated. I always cut them in the same place and make note of which way the sit in the car so its as close as where it would have been stock, but then again im a cheap backyard mechanic and what not... On a side not Mercedes springs are huge compared to stock maxima ones. Has nothing to do with your thread but i like to go on and on and on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeshow Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 If you do cut them post some pics. I'm interested in doing the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart628 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Considering another set of lowering springs costs anywhere between $180-$240 new, I'd suggest cutting the current set of springs. But my only concern would be that since you got the Eibach Pro-Kit, aren't those progressive springs? That would mean depending on how much and where you cut, the initial spring rate will change. I know their progressive kit for example will have spring rates between 80 lb/in and 225 lb/in depending on the amount of compression. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comrade_Charlie Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Id cut the progressive part(coils spaced further apart), my friend had those exact springs, I hate them the car would go down then be stiff, something about it hurt my back or neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart628 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 In hindsight, I'd have to agree with Comrade Charlie, because I haven't talked to a single person that has enjoyed owning or driving progressive springs. Just note that the driving impression will change differently from when cutting linear springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkYBlue280Z Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Thanks for the advice guys, ill post pictures when I or if I get them cut! =] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatBlack Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 I was hoping one of the suspension gurus would chime in here. Why do you want your car lower? I think the stance is pretty good how it sits now. My tokico springs are loose on their spring perch when the car is on stands, is that how the eibachs are? I would wait until someone with actual experience comments in here before doing anything hah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkYBlue280Z Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Yeah I was kinda waiting for someone to rip me out on this thread for asking if I should cut. I just want to fill in the wheel wells because theres still a little gap on the back tires - I really like the look when its flushed with the wheel wells, I do like how it sits right now too its just I think it can go like an inch or two lower and thats it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BleachZee Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 I just bought Tokico springs for my 280ZX. I plan to cut them a little but no more than 1 full coil. I'm going to install them first though and see where they're at and either cut 1/4 to 1/2 coil off front and rear to get it level and slightly lower. What size tires do you have? Are they proper size or undersize? I cut the stock coils on my 280ZX just for fun to slam it. 3.5 coils off the back and 1.5 coils off the front. Its plenty low but very stiff and bouncy... not fun to drive hard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeshow Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Did you end up cutting them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Lowering the S30 two inches pretty much kills the handling unless you're willing to shorten the struts. Cutting progressive springs is basically an exercise in futility because you don't really know what you're going to end up with. I've cut linear rate springs without any issues but the one set of progressive springs I tried cutting ended up with spring rate variance of over 15% from spring to spring. Its a dumb idea, but hey, its your car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shika805 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 yeah progressive springs are meant to NOT to be handled with, if you love your s30, save some money and buy a good set of springs that will bring your car lower, or go the Ground Control route with shorten struts, my $0.02... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsun723 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I have the tokico lowering springs and it is LOW ENOUGH, for me. Holy crap I'm scared to drive to my school parking garage. I totally mangled my Y pipe today going a little too fast on a speed bump. Luckily no extensive damage was done since it was a slip fit and I had it put back on the header but seriously, I don't know how you guys do it. Any lower and I don't think I would be able to drive it on the street. Craziness! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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