Airlift Suspension??

Ketchi

I've been looking to lower my z and want to go with an air system because the roads here are the worst. Being able to raise my car back up would be excellent because I already scrape at stock height in some places. I've been looking into the airlift system, but I haven't found anything really on the airlift system (struts and management) for z's. If you could give me some insight to the drawbacks or pros of running air it'd be appreciated. I do daily drive my z and only a little spirited driving.

OptionZero

Pros:
Height adjustment
Can go much lower than static

Cons:
Ride quality doesn't match quality coilovers
higher initial cost of entry
need space in trunk for tank
keep some spare fuses in your car, if something blows ur stuck?

if ur scraping at stock height i got a real solution for you
drive your Z on the weekends
buy a daily driver

trying to make the Z some all around daily comfort car is stupid to me, but hey, ur $$$ and all

you can also look into a coilover setup + cup kit but that may actually exceed the cost of an airlift system

__________________
OptionZero Build Thread

Ketchi

Going over railroad tracks and bumps is already something I have to watch out for but if I did coils I wouldn't be able to make it at all. I'm looking for something that will lower my car and let me raise if I do need to go over something. I'm looking for more of the performance part of the airlift kit and not comfort and such. I never said anything about making it a comfort car because the z is not that.

I guess let me clarify. I want to know if the airlift system would still be able to perform well and improve over stock height/springs. Is it floaty in turns, how does it feel at higher speeds, and does it require upkeep or anything like that?

NorthStyle

Yes, the AirLift (I'd recommend the 3H as it does both height- and pressure-based adjustments) can perform as well as most entry-level coilovers, but they do need to be setup properly. However, if improperly setup they can be floaty in corners unless that's how you want them to be.

What is your definition of "higher speeds"? For anything legal in the States, you'll be fine as there are cars here in Germany that cruise at what I'll label "autobahn speeds" without issue.

Air suspension systems do require a bit of maintenance, but nothing too serious. Mainly checking your lines every now and then for leaks as well as making sure they're in good condition; emptying your tank as water can accumulate in it and cause havoc on your valves (I have an electronic purge on my cup kit so I can do it at the press of a button); and the last major thing I can think of is checking the bags every now and then for rubbing/leaks/etc (same as previously with the lines).

The best source of information I've found for air suspension is AirSociety.net. A few people here are experienced with it, but EVERYONE there has it so obviously, the pool of knowledge is much deeper.

acorona370

Airlift Performance

I just had mine installed over the "winter". i live in Chicago and with all the salt they throw down our roads are probably some of the worse ones in the US.. and on top of that we are broke so no money to fix them... ANYWAY

My drive way is on on incline and my neighbors already hate me with my tomei test pipes and exhaust. so keeping wood boards at the bottom of the drive they would probably file complaints. The bags allow me to clear my drive way, train tracks, high drive way entries exc.

Ride quality does chance a bit but unless you track your car alot i don't think it should effect you. my buddy is on coils and his whole front bumper is destroyed. Also when i invite him to meets he rides out days prior to check the area to see if he can make it to the meet... loll

I got bags and im happy with them. One thing i do recommend is getting 2 air compressors if your budget allows you too. it speeds up filling the tank and you don't have to listen to that annoying sound for too long. plus if one ever breaks down on you you're not stuck at whatever height your at.

DPE G

Lots of bad info here,

Ride quality is more on par with OEM suspension, and much smoother than and coilover or spring cars I've rode in. I've also had KWv1 & v3 on cars in the past that I am comparing too. They are also adjustable so you can tune them in for what you are doing.

Cost, yes can be more expensive, but not when you are considering the repairs/repainting he will incur if his roads are as big of an issue as he is saying.

If it is wired correctly with proper gauge wire and fuses then there should be no reason for it to blow a fuse. Do you blow your normal fuses on a regular basis? No different as long as you know what you are doing.

If space is your issue, again that lies within the install. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

__________________

Ketchi

Appreciate all of the info. For sure feeling more comfortable going with an air system. What other supporting mods would be good to get when I do go air?

DPE G

Camber alignment parts if you want them. Other than that it's all included.

__________________

acorona370

Wrap the tank B]

z_nation

Where is your tank here? is it tucked away somewhere down there?

Spooler

Now that is a proper install. Awesome.

nomodsjk

Steve Wiggins is selling his airrex system with management and a kick arse A-pillar from jason gale (galeforce) that holds the remote for easy adjustments. I think steve's forum name is wiggins337 but hit him up on here or Facebook and you will get an amazing deal on the best air ride parts available and you will be helping a fellow forum member who is in the process of parting out one of the most recognizable builds in our community. Its a damn shame to see him leave the scene but if you're in the market for an air ride system he is as trustworthy as it gets in terms of buying and selling on the forum. Good luck with your build.

DPE G

z_nation. It's hiding in the back

__________________

Jayhovah

Slick.

__________________
2013 Gun Metallic Sport - Gamma V3 Twin Turbogized
DIY Gamma V3 TT Install * Jayhovah's Gamma V3 TT Install Pic'Z and Vid'Z * DIY: Washer Reservoir for the Boosted

SouthArk370Z

I'm not a big fan of air suspensions (cost, complexity) but that is a great looking setup.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma