So, if I'm not looking to autocross, race, drive hard but do want a smoother, stock, glide-like ride, I need to go with the KYB's and not the Tokico's correct? More specifically, the GR2's since there is really no need for the adjustable type.

Thanks,

Guess I need to change the website.

I can't find any info on KYB springs so I'm not sure if they make them. Either way, I'm not sure that I want to lower the Z, I may just keep it stock height. In any case, as far as springs go, any thoughts on brands and ride feel?

I would think adjustable valving would get you where you want to go(different damping rates on the track and the street) when a single damping rate would not. I am going with Illuminas for that very reason.

What have you uncovered about the GR2's that make you thingk otherwise?

Not that I know, only that I want to.

WIll

Oops! The adjustable springs normally let you change ride height, but an air bladder would allow you to alter the spring rate. A stiff spring will make the ride more harsh, and a soft spring would allow more travel for a given interruption-meaning potentially less movement transmitted to the passenger compartment.

Will

Palmer - For what it's worth (my experience of KYB versus Tokico is admittedly on a 280ZXT), I found the KYBs' (Gas-Just model) raised the car approximately 1 inch with the stock springs. The ride was "solid" but not uncomfortable.

I switched to Tokico "blue" (non-adjustable) shocks and changed the stock springs to Eibachs which lowered the car to approximately 1 inch below original ride height. The ride is comfortable, and not overlly stiff Body sway is definitely reduced.

I didn't try the combination of Tokico shocks and stock springs.

Regards

GWGarrard

Update.....Whoops! guess this doesn't apply to a 280Z....nevermind.

For 240Z only

If I read your post right, you're looking maintain the stock ride and NOT concerned with improving handling or anything like that. Basically your springs are shot and you are looking to restore the original feel. If that's the case, I suggest buying a set of OEM spec springs from Courtesy Nissan.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CP&Product_Code=55000-E4104US

I just don't see the need for having adjustables because I'll be only driving on the street and don't plan on taking any corners at 60 mph, especially where I live. So, I'm just in the market for a smooth ride. I thought I read somehwere that the KYB non adjusts have a smoother ride than the Tokico's. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me for this type of driving. I'd like to order the springs and struts all at the same time so I'd rather get this right the first time....aye?

The KYB's are less stiff than the Tokico HP's and I agree that you do not need the Illumina's, major over kill. For a nice ride what Enigma said is great. Imo KYB's are not needed either. You could go with a set of Monroe or Napa Golds or some other good basic non performance shock and retain a nice ride and still have decent control of the suspension around town and they would cost less than the KYB's.

Oops! The adjustable springs normally let you change ride height, but an air bladder would allow you to alter the spring rate. A stiff spring will make the ride more harsh, and a soft spring would allow more travel for a given interruption-meaning potentially less movement transmitted to the passenger compartment.

Will

Que?

Is this thread wandering off to talk about coil-overs? or are there other "adjustable" springs that I don't know about?

I agree with those who suggest a set of the new repro (OEM spec) springs from Courtesy. Gabriel, Monroe, NAPA, or whatever basic, "no frills" struts you can purchase cheaply should do fine for the driving situation that Palmer describes.

got my kyb gr-2's on ebay for $118, $143 delivered to my door.

less than $36 each which i thought was pretty reasonable.

monroe's were $34 fronts, $46 rears online, could be cheaper elsewhere. i don't know how much less napa's would be.

kyb's have a decent rep, so i don't think price is that much of a concern.

tokico's are where the $$$'s are. the performance should be better but you normally get what you pay for.

I had started my first post before he made his second-so our points missed each other...

I have a question for you fellas regarding springs and shocks.

I recently replaced my worn out Koni Reds that are adjustable only by removing first. The set of springs that were in the car are an unknown quantity as in I don't know how firm they are or what they are rated at I do know they are King Springs though. I believe they lower the car by about 1" from stock since i didn't need a spring compressor to remove them.

At the moment the ride is very harsh while driving in the city. To be completely honest I don't like it all that much but take it up in the hills and i love it. Even on a setting of 2 the ride is still very firm, I haven't even tried putting them on 5 yet!!!

I am thinking that I should order the progressive rate Tokico spings that are designed to suit the shocks to get the best of both worlds but again I have no idea what the rate of those springs are.

Does anyone have experience with these springs? Would anyone recommend going for them? I am thinking that those springs would have been engineered for the perfect balance between street and race settings for those shocks.

Suggestions, ideas, tips????

FWIW. I'm the guy with the blown sciatic nerves (pain all the time) who still wants to drive his 73 240. The old Sears Steadiriders were shot so I had to fix it or get rid of the car. I took a chance and ordered the KYB's from Ebay and I am happy with the results. The ride is still firm but there is a certain edge that has been taken off the bumps in the road that really aggravated my back pain before. I think the improvement is due to the fact that the gas in the Kyb has lifted the car a bit and besides riding on the springs it also rides somewhat on the kyb gas. It definitely sits about an inch higher on the wheels. So bottom line. The 240 has become a daily driver again. I hope that gas lasts.

Maybe this all the placebo affect. But for now I don't dread the pain of getting in the 240.

Right now I've got some older Summitmoto 60 profile tires and I'm thinking of going for a set of stock Kumhos. I think a taller profile will give me a little more flex and softness. Then if I want to autocross I can put the 60 profiles back on. I've got all kinds of various Z and ZX wheels to choose from.

Besides that I'm collecting new soft rubber from VBS that I'll be installing. I got some stuff that I'll be sending back. Just because the description says street use doens't mean its soft oem style rubber.

Getting old is a pain but I suppose it beats the alternative.

Hope you enjoy your ride.

Don