Lowering Further

[bullzed]

Hey guys,

 

I was looking at lowering my 280ZX to the lowest legal height (100mm) as I'm going for a nice stance. I still have 40mm to lower it before it reaches that height but I already have SL King Springs on it. I was wondering what would allow me to lower it further.

 

Is it possible to have the spring perches professionally cut and re-welded 3.5cm lower, or would it be a better idea to have shorter/firmer springs made up?

 

I realise it will need a firmer ride so it doesn't hit the bump stops, and I'm soon upgrading to KYB gas adjustables.

 

What would be my best option?

[nizm0zed]

how long do you plan on keeping the car?

 

If its just for a bit of fun, then sell it on, just cut the springs.

If you are planning on keeping it for longer than a few months and actually want to drive it around, then i would reccomend doing a proper coil over conversion on it.

You can buy weld on coil over sleeves from Otomoto.

Have a search around here for the same thing on the 240/260z, its VERY similar to what you'll be doing.

You will probably also want to look at sectioning the struts and fitting shorter inserts, that way you can 'lower' your bumpstops too, and have some decent suspension travel.

Yep, you'll definately want stiffer springs too, but you'll get that with the coil overs.

The advantage to doing it that way is that when you get defected you can rasie it up for inspections.

Also, as you get older and more mature, you'll appreciate having some suspension travel

[bullzed]

Cheers for the advice!

 

I was just wondering, seeing as the springs themselves seem to level out at each end to sit in the spring perch flat, how is it possible to chop them? If I chop them, they won't sit on the spring perch correctly, don't want them dislodging while it's driving  :-\

 

Are you talking about the HSD HR type DIY sleeve kits? I would be totally lost trying to install them on my Z 

 

Another question is, is it possible to alter camber on the 280ZXs? I know the rear is trailing arm, is that possible?

[MaygZ]

Don't cut your springs!!!!!

 

Whislt I'm not familiar with the ZX springs, many cars have a progressive coil.  They have a softer section that compresses first then a firmer section to prevent full compression and impact.

 

If you cut them, you can obviously only cut from an end  therefore, depending on design, you may only be left with the soft section.

 

Cutting springs can also lead to a hardening of the metal near the cut, which can break.  Now that would be a bad day as they only break under load!

 

It will cost some more in the short term, but get some coil overs and have your struts sectioned and add stiffer springs to reduce travel.  Remembering you will lose ride comfort for a sportier feel.  This mod will be safe, look good and more than likely add value to your car.

 

Just so you are aware, shockers/gas inserts don't, or shouldn't provide you with suspension support.  They are there to absorb the intial suspension impact and to prevent spring occillation only.

[bullzed]

Yeah, I thought cutting springs would be risky. Do you know any places that would section struts and do all the needed prep/welding?

 

It'd be really nice to have coils on it, looks like something I'd like to look into. Do the ZX's have adjustable camber or would they need the strut camber tops?

[bryan3976]

u can buy coilover kits for the 280zx https://www.dragtimes.com/parts/78-79-80-81-82-83-84-280ZX-Ksport-Racing-Coilover_320604436317.html