I want to lower my 280z using the original springs. I want a softer ride than the Eibachs but a lower stance. Ill be using Tokico struts. Question is how much will it lower the car if i cut one coil? What about 2 coils? Any one have feed back with this?

Cutting coils is never suggested, it's just wrong. Cutting coils will stiffen your springs too. 1 coil about 3/4 of an inch. You going to compensate for the longer passenger side front spring?

I'm not recomending it, but if you do cut the coils start small. You don't want to ruin your set of springs by taking too much off. I would start with a quarter of a coil at a time. How low are you wanting it to get?

Bryce

Edited August 12, 201113 yr by bluezcrazy

You stated that they were the original springs,well I would replace them,if it were mind. As suggested in post 2,3, don't go cutting coils. Bad Idea.

I think cutting springs is a really bad idea. I don't know much about using Eibachs, but I do use S/T springs and they have always offered a really nice ride along with the lowered stance. I have a set of 280 S/T springs that I would highly recommend. I got an extra set available also Shox.com offers S/Ts at a great prices.

Cutting springs is not a bad idea.

However, I would not cut stock springs, they are too soft to begin with. By cutting them, the car will drop but the ride will not be pleasant, likely bottoming out on large disturbances.

Ride comfort is determined by the combination of springs and dampers, with the dampers affecting comfort more-so than the springs. I think Eibachs with Tokico Illuminas should give a comfortable yet sporty ride, plus the Illuminas have adjustability so they can be set for cruising or racing. You say you'll be using Tokico dampers, but which ones?

From your sig pic, it looks like your Z is already lowered. Are you trying to lower it more?

You can use 240z strut insulators on the back of a 280z to lower it.

You can also heat up, remove the rubber, cut it down, then glue,bend metal surround to shorten the front towers.

I have two Z's. A 240 (the one in the pic) and a 280. The 240 is the race car with Eibachs and Tokico adjustables. The 280 is the cruiser. Tokico non-adjustable and softer stock springs. Just dont like the car being so high off the ground.

Cutting coils is no big deal but I agree that the stock springs are too soft to do much cutting with. One coil at most and you still might have a problem bottoming out.

I decided to cut one coil off each of the springs. In combination with the Tokico struts, the car rides great, no bottoming and at the desired ride height. For a bonus, it was easier to install. Less spring to compress and shove into the strut well.

Did you add bump stops on all four corners. Idea for the future. I would at least consider them for the rear.

Yes, i kept the bump stops. Cutting the springs was perfect for this car.