I am updating the suspension of my 77 Z.

My goal is to have a comfortable, well mannered, reasonably quiet ride. Firm but not harsh. This car will go cruising on the highway and go to the grocery store. It will not be raced.

At present, it has the original springs and shocks. They are weak.

I don't want the car lowered much. Maybe less than 1 inch, if necessary.

What springs and shocks make sense here???

Well, IMO the best spring for what you want would be the Eibach progressive rate springs. I believe they only lower the car about an inch and the highway ride should be close to stock. The rates rise on the springs the more they are compressed so unless you are cornering hard they should ride as well as the stock springs. Stock springs that are cut will give you the same ride but when you do that you lose too much suspension travel and IMO that isn't acceptable in that a Z suspension doesn't have too much travel to begin with. The progressive springs cost quite a bit more than a single rate lowering spring but if highway ride is the most important quality then the extra price will be worth it. The single rate lowering springs usually cause a bit harsher ride in daily driving.

Struts are a matter of preference and budget. I have used KYB gas struts and have no problem with using them again. The Tokico's and Koni's might be better but you will pay a bit more for them. Adjustables really aren't necessary on a street car unless you plan on autocrossing it or just want the adjustability.

Ditto 2ManyZs on the adjustable strut inserts - they're an unnecessary expense for a non-track Z. (I have non-adjustable Tokikos on my '71 Z.)

You may want to consider replacing all of the old rubber suspension and steering bushings with polyeurethane. The poly will give a slightly stiffer ride, but the overall handling improvement is more than worth the trade-off - and IMHO they will meet your "firm but not harsh" criteria. Once installed, you can forget about replacing them for years and years and.......

JIM DOZIER