Hard Suspension

[chaseincats]

Hi gang,

Question for you which I think I know the answer to (that's how it is).  I refreshed my suspension with all new rubber bushings except for the strut bar end links which came in poly form when I got the beefier strut bar.  I replaced the shocks with the only ones available (KYB) and you feel every bump.  Granted, Dallas doesn't have the best roads, but it should be smoother than this I'd think.

I have 205 width tires on 280zx wheels at 28 psi.

[jfa.series1]

Hi Jase,

I suspect you are experiencing possibly two effects of your updates. The first is likely more of a "new car" ride where everything is nice and firm and no longer the 47-year old squishy. Add on that the second item which might be the age of your tires which become harder over the years. Old (and larger) tires will certainly transmit road issues thru fresh and firm bushings and shocks. Last year I swapped out my 12-year old tires (still with lots of tread) for new ones and the difference in the ride quality was significant.

Jim

[chaseincats]

Hey Jim - my tires are from 2018 so they definitely aren't the newest, maybe that's part of it. 

[dutchzcarguy]

On 2/26/2025 at 4:46 AM, chaseincats said:

I replaced the shocks with the only ones available (KYB) and you feel every bump.

I know KONI makes brand new shocks for the 280zx, I don't know if they also make them for the S30 series? But they do for the S130.

Does anyone know? (I got a nos set they are numbers 1801 and 1802 i believe)

[w3wilkes]

@dutchzcarguy MSA sells Koni's and KYB's for the S30.

Motorsport Auto - The Z Store - Koni

Motorsport Auto - The Z Store - KYB