Tokico HPK251 Suspension Kit (springs and struts)

[Miles]

While searching the web for a good price on Tokico Performance struts for my 240Z I came across two dealers that sell Tokico suspension kits. Each kit includes a set of Tokico Performance struts and a set of Tokico springs. I emailed each dealer and asked them to comfirm the type of struts included and the spring rates. If they are the same springs that MSA sells then they should be 140#/in. front and 160#/in. rear. Here are the dealers and the prices for the kits:

Direct Source Outlet located in San Diego, CA. 1-800-877-1911

HPK251 kit with non-adjustable struts: $380.97

ILK252 kit with adjustable Illumina struts: $591.97

Link: http://www.ajusa.com/cgi-bin/tokico/products?ajr_skey=f46b4ed5b716e6cc2ffdabbc02b1cff0

Spliting Imagez located in Irwindale, Ca. 1-866-358-8799

HPK251 kit with non-adjustable struts: $363.38

ILK252 kit with adjustable Illumina struts: $541.78

Link: http://www.splittingimagez.com/contact.htm

Has anyone bought this kit or done business with these dealers?

Miles

[bartman]

The HPK251 kit is $359 including shipping using 'Buy it Now' on eBay. The ILK 252 is $519 including shipping from the same guy. I purchased the HPK251 kit from him a couple of months ago and they arrived quickly. The problem was that the front springs are progressive, and I didn't want that.

[PrOxLaMuS©]

what does progressive mean?

[bartman]

Normal springs are linear, which means the spring rate is constant throughout its useable range. This type of spring has all the coils spaced the same distance from each other.

A progressive spring rate is one that increases it's rate as the spring is compressed. For example the first inch of compression may take only 100 lbs, but the next inch will take 200 lbs. Progressive springs have a spacing that is closer together on or both ends than the rest of the spring.

[Miles]

I just confrimed with the dealers that the front springs in the kit are progressive.

Progressive = springs are wound such that they are softer initially, but become more firm as they compress. Spring rates will be advertised like 65# / 140# indicating that the spring rate starts at 65 #/in. and then becomes stiffer at 140 #/in. as the spring compresses. They are supposed to give a soft ride until you need stiffer support for aggressive driving. A linear spring starts off at, for example, 140#/in and stays there throughout its' travel. 140#/in means that the spring will compress 1 inch for every 140# loaded onto it.

On my V8 240Z used 180#/in front and 200#/in rear. For my stock Z I plan on installing a less stiff spring rate like 140 front and 165 rear.

Miles