Shocks & springs vs coilovers

[MONKEYSOCKS]

I appreciate that this is a topic that's been done to death, but could really do with some feedback before I splash more cash out.

 

Currently running Tein springs with standard shocks with tarmacsportz rear camber arms which were fitted in January, whiteline arbs and droplinks fitted as well. Alignment was done at the same time.

 

Car now is ridiculous bouncy on motorway and getting knocking from rear, guessing my shocks have gone now. I've researched this a bit now, but can't decide whether to get bilstein b6 shocks to go with the tein springs or go coilovers?

 

I've read some people saying that a decent spring and shocks setup is better than any midrange coilovers on the 350z, but I know people run BC's and are very happy with them. I know Ohlins and kwv3's are quality as well, but thought that might be a bit extreme for just road use.

 

I know all opinions are subjective but would really appreciate some help in which direction to go in, before I make an expensive mistake.

 

 

 

[Ekona]

Actually stuff like Ohlins and the higher KW stuff is better for road usage as it’s better quality and properly damped: the budget stuff will always be crashier on the road (and I say that as someone who’s run BCs before!). 
 

Matching sets would be the way to go, and if budget allows then I’d go KW probably over BC/Tein etc. Bilstein top stuff is good too. 

[Azurez33]

Whoever told you springs and Oem shocks are better than midrange coilovers probably didn’t know what they’re talking about, with the weight of the Z not really being on its side it’s fair to consider that updating the suspension will change the car drastically- it all depends on your budget and application- 800+ is where I’d roughly say the lower limit is for these cars and dependant on the manufacturer ie meister, hsd, teon, yellow speed brc are all in this price range- do your research and compare to what you think you can afford 

[Ekona]

As an option, i found that running full OEM suspension with uprated ARBs gave an excellent compromise between good road manners with improved road holding. Well worth considering if compliancy is a major concern. 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

2 hours ago, Ekona said:

Actually stuff like Ohlins and the higher KW stuff is better for road usage as it’s better quality and properly damped: the budget stuff will always be crashier on the road (and I say that as someone who’s run BCs before!). 
 

Matching sets would be the way to go, and if budget allows then I’d go KW probably over BC/Tein etc. Bilstein top stuff is good too. 

I'll get budgeting for the kwv3's then if that's the case. 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

37 minutes ago, Ekona said:

As an option, i found that running full OEM suspension with uprated ARBs gave an excellent compromise between good road manners with improved road holding. Well worth considering if compliancy is a major concern. 

Already have whiteline arbs and droplinks mate. 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

1 hour ago, Azurez33 said:

Whoever told you springs and Oem shocks are better than midrange coilovers probably didn’t know what they’re talking about, with the weight of the Z not really being on its side it’s fair to consider that updating the suspension will change the car drastically- it all depends on your budget and application- 800+ is where I’d roughly say the lower limit is for these cars and dependant on the manufacturer ie meister, hsd, teon, yellow speed brc are all in this price range- do your research and compare to what you think you can afford 

Think it was on the US forum? Something about the 350z was always meant to run on shocks and springs and never coilovers and that uprated shocks/springs are a better option unless you're paying for High end custom coilovers. So much information was making my head spin in the end, so thought I'd pose the question on here. 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

11 minutes ago, MONKEYSOCKS said:

I'll get budgeting for the kwv3's then if that's the case. 

Happy with current drop from the Teins at the moment though, would I have to go lower with the KW V3's? 

[Azurez33]

2 hours ago, MONKEYSOCKS said:

Think it was on the US forum? Something about the 350z was always meant to run on shocks and springs and never coilovers and that uprated shocks/springs are a better option unless you're paying for High end custom coilovers. So much information was making my head spin in the end, so thought I'd pose the question on here. 

What is your current goal? main reason I don’t generally tend to advise springs on Oem dampers  is that people often go too crazy and more often that not the old dampeners aren’t capable of holding up and usually end up needing replacement sooner. I believe usually you’ll find Oem dampers are capable of a 20mm drop without an issue, some aftermarket shockers actually say they are compatible with lowering springs- the main thing you need to do is figure out your budget and why you are going down this road- much easier to narrow down your options - I had hsd true mono pros on mine and thought the value for money was good, I have had cabin the past and had issues with their setups 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

Basically want something that I feel confident in when driving, currently feel like I'm on marshmallows at the moment, but if the shocks are definitely gone then anything will be better. Don't want a massive drop, had 1k in mind, but if it means a bit more saving to get it right I'd rather fo that than dump a grand on something that feels inadequate on the road. 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

11 minutes ago, MONKEYSOCKS said:

Basically want something that I feel confident in when driving, currently feel like I'm on marshmallows at the moment, but if the shocks are definitely gone then anything will be better. Don't want a massive drop, had 1k in mind, but if it means a bit more saving to get it right I'd rather fo that than dump a grand on something that feels inadequate on the road. 

Currently sitting 17mm front, 15mm rear. 

[harrison140]

I got some BC ER,s fitted this year very pleased with how the car drives now . I decided on these because of the adjustability as I do a few track days. The original shocks had done 105k so I suppose there had to be an improvement. Also I've noticed less tyre wear on the track. I should add that this my first experience of coil overs 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

8 hours ago, harrison140 said:

I got some BC ER,s fitted this year very pleased with how the car drives now . I decided on these because of the adjustability as I do a few track days. The original shocks had done 105k so I suppose there had to be an improvement. Also I've noticed less tyre wear on the track. I should add that this my first experience of coil overs 

Cheers for that mate, I know alot of people run them and are happy with them. 

[Azurez33]

On 27/04/2024 at 21:08, MONKEYSOCKS said:

Basically want something that I feel confident in when driving, currently feel like I'm on marshmallows at the moment, but if the shocks are definitely gone then anything will be better. Don't want a massive drop, had 1k in mind, but if it means a bit more saving to get it right I'd rather fo that than dump a grand on something that feels inadequate on the road. 

If that’s the case then you pretty much have your choice of the picks, most reasonable brands and products you can get at this sort of cost, in reality they will all probably be more than suitable, some offer more adjustment than others, some have longer warranty and some have a better feel to them, I’ve personally had meister, brc and hsds can say they were all good products, I guess some of its research vs preference- 

[MONKEYSOCKS]

17 hours ago, Azurez33 said:

If that’s the case then you pretty much have your choice of the picks, most reasonable brands and products you can get at this sort of cost, in reality they will all probably be more than suitable, some offer more adjustment than others, some have longer warranty and some have a better feel to them, I’ve personally had meister, brc and hsds can say they were all good products, I guess some of its research vs preference- 

Okay mate, I'll get saving and see how much I can scrape together. 👍

[MONKEYSOCKS]

Cheers for all your help guys, it's much appreciated. 👍

[davey_83]

Also worth noting coilovers for £500 or £5000, correct setup is key. A correctly set up budget set of suspension will always perform better than a poorly setup top end kit.