Is Moton also AST?

GeauxTigers1

Hey There All,

Been doing some searching and literally nothing comes up for "AST" keyword search, but I do get some for Moton. I'm a bit new to the suspension world other than my 09 that I had purchased used that already had BC's. Looking for an overall upgrade with the new Z. I really feel I've narrowed it down to these two:

Moton 2-Way Sport

AST 5200 Series : AST 2-Way 5200 - Nissan 370Z/Fairlady Z

But when I look on a few sites, Moton and AST are advertised the same, but will have dif sections for their shock obsorbers. So am I really comparing relatively the exact same system? Interested in who all has experience with either. The Z is not my daily, but is going to be 70% street to events and date night and such and 30% track. Nothing competition wise, but looking to have fun and learn. It seems these two are right on the cusp of racing, but still streetable. Thanks for the help everyone!

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Fast Intentions Kit Stage 2 #076 2017 Twin Turbo 370z Nismo. JMS Built Block, Closed Deck 874whp, 803lbs Tq e85 Ecutek Tune

cv129

I think AST bought Motons a few yrs ago. From what I read before, they still contain different internals.

Fwiw, a couple of moton main guys left and created MCS, they also have 370z application.

Curious, why not also consider JRZ?

Are you ok with some downtime every 10k or so miles? Don't know the exact frequency, but periodic rebuilds are supposed to be needed with these shocks.

That comment about not being able to put 648whp down must've gotten you a bit hot haha.

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Setrab | RE-71 | SPL | JRZ | Nismo | ARK | Whiteline | RacingBrake | CJM Oil Pan | Ti shield

cv129

I believe there is one existing member running a custom set of AST shocks. AST didn't have 370z application before, must've been a recent addition.

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Setrab | RE-71 | SPL | JRZ | Nismo | ARK | Whiteline | RacingBrake | CJM Oil Pan | Ti shield

gomer_110

iirc they used to be separate companies but joined forces some years back.

I actually have the AST 5200's on my car with custom valving for the higher spring rates I run.

The upside is the AST's come with the upper mounts while the Moton's require you buy them separate. Also be prepared to wait, when I ordered mine I waited somewhere on the order of 6-8 weeks.

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'11 370Z Nismo #528 Fast Intentions | Stillen | Motordyne | Uprev | CSF | Zspeed | Z1 Motorsports | AST | Swift | SPC | SPL | Whiteline | Hotchkis | Bride | Schroth | Robispec | Cusco | Nismo | Volk | Forgestar | Hoosier | RJM
'17 Titan Bone Stock

Jhill

My buddy has AST on his BMW m3 and they are very impressive. I am now considering some 4100series with the ddp option. First looked at KW v3 but the no spring change option and coming with progressive rates is a deal breaker for me. Then thought the BC dr series since they have swift options and are linear but their min drop of somewhere around 1-1.5 inch drop is too much for street use for me. The AST sound like everything in after. Adjustable, spring options, min drop of .5-.75. Talking with them they seem very knowledgable of the Nissan suspensions which is surprising since I've only known about them through the BMW crowd. Also something interesting is they run an 8k front with a 6k rear rate. So same as Oem front but they feel through their testing they actually get more mechanical grip through the softer 6k rear spring. With all the users on here running the softer stock rear sway kinda makes you wonder if they are on to something? Look up Chris Harris in the new Ferrari and how it softens the rear end to regain mechanical grip, of course that's a dynamic suspension so it can change on the fly.

GeauxTigers1

JRZ seems to be even pricer. I believe their entry level set up was somewhere in the 7500+ range. I had been reading and quite a few people on the forums said they didn't see the gains justifying the cost. These ASTs are right where I was hoping to be. Quick question though, where did you find the info on needing to rebuild the shocks? Is that bc people with this suspension are usually tracking them or do they truly need to be rebuilt that often?

Fantastic! I'll be sure to save you if we come up with any q's. Any recommendations when ordering? Items to pair it with, sway bars etc? I was looking at Stillen bc as mentioned below they talked about that "softer" sway. Also 6-8 weeks aint bad! Shoot anything over seas and I automatically think it'll be JDM all over again which 2 months is the minimum! LOL.

Thanks for the great detail! Repped. The min drop is also huge for me. I hate the gap in the fender well but REALLY hate if I'm scrapping everywhere I go. I'm really leaning towards these shocks over Moton but it sounds like you really can't go wrong either way. I think the KW and BCs are in a whole different category from these. At least when I was researching I found some info that mentioned the KW and BC are good for group events, street, and slight track, but these you are truly upgrading the suspension with an entry level track racing setup. At least that's the info I've found so far.

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Fast Intentions Kit Stage 2 #076 2017 Twin Turbo 370z Nismo. JMS Built Block, Closed Deck 874whp, 803lbs Tq e85 Ecutek Tune

gomer_110

As far as other things to do at the same time I'd plan on doing front control arms, rear camber and toe arms (assumes using truecoilover setup in rear), eccentric lockout kit for rear arms, stiffer front sway bar, and front sway bar end links. Use SPL for the suspension parts when possible.

As for the rear sway bar, leave it stock.

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'11 370Z Nismo #528 Fast Intentions | Stillen | Motordyne | Uprev | CSF | Zspeed | Z1 Motorsports | AST | Swift | SPC | SPL | Whiteline | Hotchkis | Bride | Schroth | Robispec | Cusco | Nismo | Volk | Forgestar | Hoosier | RJM
'17 Titan Bone Stock

Jhill

Yea the BC DR sound like a great option and the concept of raising/lowering the whole strut keeping the stroke length the same is a really cool concept and I would be very tempted to try them, especially at their price point. However after already scraping some areas at Oem height I just can't see myself enjoying daily driving at 1.5 drop. The AST "street" option 4100 series sounds very nice for my use, same oem front rate so no worry of harshness, actually a softer rear rate so maybe even smoother and then a double digressive option (comp and rebound not just comp). This is how my off-road bikes are setup and it's great because you can have a more firm chassis stability through firmer low speeds but then open up on a bigger hit and rebound faster from a bigger hit so the suspension doesn pack up. Sounds like a really good system for uneven road conditions etc. a review below.

AST 4150 Shocks Have Arrived At Vorshlag - SCCAForums.com - SCCA

cv129

Quick question though, where did you find the info on needing to rebuild the shocks? Is that bc people with this suspension are usually tracking them or do they truly need to be rebuilt that often?

My 2 cents...maybe I used the word "rebuild" too loosely. What I meant was servicing the shocks. It can be as simple as changing out the shock oils. And in the longer run, especially if shocks are exposed to high heat (engine heat + lots of rapid movements from aggressive driving), I think seals and shims have to be replaced. On nitrogen filled shocks, you should service when shock does not return to its original position on its own (test when shock is off the car, simplify push in and see if it goes back on its own).

I am unsure just exactly how often a service should be performed. Pro race teams check them as often as every session. Some say race tracks usage is the most punishing. Some say uneven road is equally bad. Some says a service is warranted when the adjustment knobs no longer provide the desired changes (like turning it a few position and car still feels the same).

I've seen pictures of high end shocks with oil all gunked up. I think it's best to raise this question to the manufacturer, and also get opinion from rebuilds shop. I just wanna make sure you factor this into your long term expectation.

Best of luck. I feel excited even tho I'm not the one buying haha.

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Setrab | RE-71 | SPL | JRZ | Nismo | ARK | Whiteline | RacingBrake | CJM Oil Pan | Ti shield

DEpointfive0

JRZ starts at... $4500~ or $5500. Probably $5500

That's all I can add... I'll go back to my hole now

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Slartibartfas

Y'all might look into Aragosta, too. They have A G/Z application and say their damper can be serviced by Moton USA.

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2011 Journey Sport sedan 7AT | SPL front, SPC rear camber arms | ARK Grip cat-back |

Spooler

Sorry man, I know I am slow. Life has a way of doing that to you sometimes. Only a couple more pieces and my Aragosta suspension will be on my car.

OptionZero

Ordered my Aragosta Type-S mid March from Bulletproof, still waiting. Not unexpected, just anxious since i got a pile of SPL parts sitting around . . .

IIRC Aragosta can be serviced by whoever does ASTs due to shared components, even if the companies aren't "the same." Heck, I think there's even a special rebuild shop at Infineon which isn't too far away from me.

Ape Factory

Wow, I ordered my Aragosta Type S directly from Japan through KTS and already have them and will be installing on Monday. I also paid about $1000 less than what Bulletproof had them listed at. Just PM me and I can send you contacts and info. I believe I ordered mine on April 7th.

AST can indeed rebuild these here in the states. All the parts are not 100% the same as what's offered on the AST website. Better or worse? I can't say as I don't have the knowledge to make that determination.

My setup:

GeauxTigers1

Beautiful bro! Have them installed? How much do you enjoy it over stock?

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Fast Intentions Kit Stage 2 #076 2017 Twin Turbo 370z Nismo. JMS Built Block, Closed Deck 874whp, 803lbs Tq e85 Ecutek Tune