Can someone explain what Tokico Illumina Shocks & Springs are and Coilovers? I keep hearing about both and do not know which is better or even what the difference is.

Still trying to learn about the Z's.....

A coilover is simply a name for springs (coil) that fit over an assembly like the Z strut towers. Most race cars -- and many street cars -- use adjustable coil over kits so they can adjust ride-height, corner weights and easily change spring rates. Here's a picture of a Tokiko coil over setup:

Tokiko Illumina are simply a brand and make of strut inserts (shocks). Another (better) brand is Koni.

So then are the adjustable Tokiko Illumina actually coilovers?

What is on the 240Z stock then? I thought that the typical setup for cars was to have the strut in the center of the spring. Is this not the case?

Actually a McPherson strut suspension is technically a coil-over shock suspension. What we are referring to when we talk about coil-overs are actually smaller diameter coil springs with an adjustable perch that replaces the stock non-adjustable spring and perch.

The Illumina's are an adjustable strut cartridge (or technically a shock absorber), not coil-overs per se....

Many US cars use a coil spring that is sandwiched between either two control arms or one control arm and a frame mount, yet you can change them to a coil-over that is bought as a unit that replaces the coil spring and the stand alone shock absorber.

So are the 5 way adjustable Tokico Illumina Shocks & Springs a good way to go or should I hold out for the McPherson coilovers? If yes, then is $564 (including shipping) a good price for all four corners?

Car use will be some street driving and autox if this helps answer my questions.

Anyone..............anyone.............???

Please see prior post for my questions.

564 isn't a bad price with shipping... have you tried shox.com?

The adjustable coil-overs will cost you about double that, plus require a lot of welding and labor to install, so this would be the best solution if you don't plan on making any permanent modifications...

Adjustable coil-overs are only really necessary when you are trying to fit wheels with a lot of backspacing and need the room for the wheel and tire to clear by using a smaller diamater spring, or going to be doing some more serious racing.