bpilati, what springs are you running? How long have you had the GR-2's

-Ken

A question to some of the old timers sort of related to the topic. My son and I are just getting starting on a restoration/upgrading of my 75 (sitting in storage for the last 23yrs). We have a set of Suspension Techniques springs, linear with 1 inch drop, as well as an NOS set of mullhuland brand inserts. In your opinion would these inserts be worth using or would it be more wise to opt for the newer technoligy in todays shocks such as the ones mentioned in this thread. The car will be used mainly on the street as a weekend toy. If you think new tech is the way to go which would you recomend for use with the afore mentioned springs?

The KYB's will be here today Summit Racing, free UPS 2nd day air! It'll be a while before I can comment on them because the engine will be comming out soon after the new stuff goes on. I also ordered the ST springs and complete Hyperflex bushing kit. I'm replacing the front and rear brake assemblies as well. I don't think the grease under my fingernails will ever go away....

Are the ST springs only "slightly stiffer than stock"?? I'm hoping to upgrade my suspension before summer on the 71,but I want good performance. I want to go with Tockco shocks, maybe not the illuminas, but I have been hearing here that the tockico matching spings are progressive and Id like to steer clear of that. Im still trying to get feedback on a good combo for twisty two lane driving. i want performance with smooth ride secondary.

I was told or read that the ST are 10 to 15 percent stiffer than stock (1 inch drop, couldn't get away from that) and the Tokico's are more progessive than the KYB's. I opted for the ST springs and KYB-GR2's because that combination seemed to be the best way to go for me. I don't plan on driving the car hard at all so I wanted an as close to original feel with 'something' there if I wanted it....

www.project280z.com

Has anyone ever heard of these Tokico's.

tokico rear PRODRA-G shocks?

Are they an old version? adjustable?

OK, so I wonder which non-progressive springs are a bit stiffer than the ST's?, and would work well with the tockicos?

OK, so I wonder which non-progressive springs are a bit stiffer than the ST's?, and would work well with the tockicos?

Maybe Arizona Z's?

http://www.arizonazcar.com/springs.html

FYI to all, here are the spring rates I've found through my research as of February '06:

Name: Front/Rear - drop in inches

-------------------------------------------

Stock: 83/104 - N/A

Euro: 101/112 - "slight"

Tokico: 120(progressive)/140(linear) - 1"

Eibach: 69-183 (prog)/86-212(prog) - 1"

ST: 125/182 - 1"

AZ: 180/200 - ?

MSA: 182/205 - 1.5"

-Ken P.

I just did this last fall...Eibach Pro-Kit springs with Tokico blues...I originally had KYBs and a set of Contour Springs ...the springs were a little too stiff for the KYBs and blew them out ultimately...consider the performance of the spring you buy and the strut cartridges as a set...this set up is sweet for me, mine is a daily driver so a smooth ride is a necessity. It's smooth in normal driving conditions but take a sweeper exit ramp or quick switch back and the progressive spring rates with the damping of the Tokicos kick in...it's almost too good ... like on rails... I have to remember to watch my speed. The drop is not too aggressive only 1" but with 15" rims and 60 profile tires the wheels tuck into the arches nicely - snip

Thanks man, your response made up my mind for me. I just ordered the Eibachs from MSA, they had them for $190, down from $325?!? For the Tokico HP's I tried a company I haven't used before, so we'll see how that goes. SCO (sport compact only) anyone heard of them? They cater to those tuners!!! :eek: !!! :surprised Hope they don't think I'm one of them. Anyway $246 for the struts. Less than $450 for the set, I'm happy with that. I can't wait to get them in, as of right now the rear squats a little while sitting and A LOT under acceleration and she handles a bit like a soggy marshmallow. Does anyone have comments about Urethane vs. Rubber bushings for spirited street driving?

There have been several discussions about Rubber vs P/U bushings. I'm not too good at searching, but they should still be there, somewhere.

I like PU bushings for my Z.

Well I bit the bullet 2 weeks ago and ordered the Tokico HP set from a dealer on e-bay (not jdmwerks): strut inserts and springs for $350 shipped. My local club's Tech Guru is installing them for me and dialing everything in. He had me order bump-steer spacers from MSA as well, and my front diff mount was crumbling so that's getting replaced too. Called last night and told me he had the suspension buttoned up and took her for a spin. Said the ride was smooth yet firm, though not for the track (his car is set up for the track). Soaks up small bumps, even railroad tracks pretty well. Since my car's a 73 and had the rear sway bar mounts, he took an old bar off one of his parts cars, cleaned it up and put it on too. All in all, I'm imagining a significant departure in ride and handling from my sagging-springs, worn-out-shocks, disintegrated-diff-mount, scraping-on-the-ground Z that I remember... I guess I'll see as soon as the weather improves and I can go pick her up :-)

-Ken