I need new shocks..it makes me mad!

[BuDavid]

listen guys, I did a long search on Z forums about this matter, and it really sucks, coz some guys give thier own opinion about the term "soft" or "stiff" ride while every person considers it differently, I need a smooth ride (but not like riding a bout) because I have a stock 280Z and as u know the 2 seater really shackes u up when the road is rough since u are sitting between the rear whells

I need an asnwer with numbers, from my search I saw the recommendation of KYB GR2 361002 for front and GR2 361003 for rear..

and tokico THZ 3012 and HPK 253

since Tokico is stiffer as people mentioned..

as I said, I'm not a racer type, I just enjoy the ride without feeling the "road unperfection" I dont go much above 80mph I dont even drift so much (dont think that I'm an old guy)

so?:stupid:

cheers!

[Palmer]

I went with the KYB-GR's front and rear with suspension techniques 1" lowering springs. But, I have yet to drive the car since the engine is about to be removed so I really can't comment on the ride, yet. But, I did a few months of research and figured this would be the 'least stiff' way to go. I really didn't want to lower the car but I couldn't find any springs that didn't. I did want to replace the springs just because they were original and had almost 200K miles on them. I'll let you know how it rides....some day.

www.project280z.com

[Montezuma]

I am running the Tokico non-adjustables on my old 78 now for over 10 years with the ST lowering springs just like Palmer. I think this set up has done very well over the years, it is firm yet not stiff. I have spent some time in Bahrain and I have seen some of the off the main drag streets, some of them can be real ruff, like the streets near the U.S. Navy base. There is not much you can do to your car to make it smooth on roads like them. By the way, Bahrain is real nice to visit, I like Dubai a little better....both have great night life.

[Arne]

I used to sell and install both Tokico and KYB for a living. The KYB GR2 will definitely be closer to stock ride. When I get to that point in my project, I will probably use the KYBs with my Euro Stage 1 springs. The other thing I have considered is a set of Koni hydraulics, which can still be found for the 240Z. Don't know if there are any left for t he 280Z though.

[Pop's Z]

I just changed out my old Koni struts for KYBs. The ride went from hard/harsh to smooth,yet firm. No more kidney pounding for me. I'm very satisfied with the KYBs. I did this work myself and found that it was not that difficult. I got the struts as a package from shox.com...great people to deal with. That being said, shipping to Bahrain might be a tad on the expensive side. Cheers, Mike

[Arne]

I just changed out my old Koni struts for KYBs. The ride went from hard/harsh to smooth' date='yet firm. No more kidney pounding for me. I'm very satisfied with the KYBs. I did this work myself and found that it was not that difficult. I got the struts as a package from shox.com...great people to deal with. That being said, shipping to Bahrain might be a tad on the expensive side. Cheers, Mike[/quote']Mike, do you have any idea how old the Konis were? Or how stiff they were adjusted? Standard Konis on the low valve setting should not be very stiff.

[jmortensen]

Arne, if you can find Konis for a 240, you've got them for a 280. The fronts are the same, and all you'd need to do for the rear is make a 3" spacer for the rear.

[Arne]

Arne, if you can find Konis for a 240, you've got them for a 280. The fronts are the same, and all you'd need to do for the rear is make a 3" spacer for the rear.

Ahh, didn't know that. There are several places that still have Koni stock for 240Z: 86-1811 and 86-1812. They are just normal hydraulic cartridges, that have to be removed from the car to be adjusted. But I was thinking they might be a nice choice since I'm not big on gas charged units on cars (and spring rates) that never came with gas.

[ZSaint]

First of all, what's wrong with being "an old guy", BuDavid?" (Heh, heh!) I understand your need for a smoothe but controllable ride. I just came back from a trip to Seattle. (450 miles) The freeways in Washington are not that smoothe. My kidneys are still hurting me. I have my Tokico Shocks set at 1.5 and they beat my bride and I to death. I too have always liked the ride of a soft shock. I wish now that I had purchased a set of Koni shocks. I love their firm but smoothe ride. My Motorsports springs are supposed to be soft with a 1" lowering effect. It sure feels like my old CP 280Z! But then, I was a lot younger then.

[beandip]

listen SNIP

GR2 361003 for rear.

THE NUMBERS I HAVE ARE THE SAME FOR THE FRONT BUT FOR THE REAR I HAVE #361001 IS WHAT I HAVE .

SNIP

as I said, I'm not a racer type, I just enjoy the ride without feeling the "road imperfection"

I am an old dude and I do appreciate a good ride . I want a firm ride but I don't need to feel every crack in the road. I recently rode in a Z with Tokicos and set on the low setting . The car rode like a truck. For a track car it is great but for a driver this is no where what I want. I am using KYB G2s with euro stage 1 springs. If your Z was originally sold in Europe it most likely has these springs already . All the best to you , Gary FOR SOME REASON I MUST ADD MORE VERBAGE BEFORE I CAN POST

[ZSaint]

Now you tell me!

[nwcubsman]

Mohammed,

I installed the Tokico Illuminas in my wife's 240Z. I thought the adjustability would be great. We are riding on the softest setting and I still believe it was a mistake. I will probably replace them, when I find the time, and use them on my car since it isn't going to be a daily driver.

Good luck!

BTW Beandip, you'll have to ride in your own car for awhile. LOLLOL