Seeking counsel - refreshing suspension:

confucius

I'm running a conservatively modded '13 sport in coupe form. Very much an exuberant DD. Not tracked. Hitting 100,k and replacing suspension components early this summer.

Have new tires (Mich PSS 275/35-19 & 305/30-19) – [yes I realize that PS4S is out, which is precisely why I purchased these tires on clearance at $100’s reduced & a rebate card because I know that for the few times I might have squeezed out a few more MPH around a turn onto the 40MPH freeway that I mostly travel I’ll have a few more Pina Coladas in retirement!], brake rotors & pads (Stillen slotted - love), to replace current same items in the garage. Already have Eibach sway ft & rr but replacing clanking SPL end links with new ones (also in the garage).

Question is primarily on shocks. Not lowering since I'm a Chicagoland all season road warrior. No Swifts for me... So, at stock height, do I go Koni or OEM sport? I have no complaint with stock - question is am I missing out on better going to aftermarket??

Bonus question! What other parts should get swapped out after 100,k for safety or upgrade (other than shock mounts which I plan on replacing too)?

Thanks for your input!
Highly enjoy our forum and the knowledge from the members within.

JARblue

If you're buying new ... the Koni Yellows are pretty decent from what I hear and reasonably priced. I probably wouldn't want to pay new prices for OEM suspension bits. If you don't mind a lightly used set, you can probably find the OEM stuff pretty cheap. I've seen OEM sets go for just a couple hundred with <10K miles on them.

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confucius

Good insight on the slightly used. Thanks!

B&W_Evader

KYB Gas has always made great replacements for me. Arguably on par but most consider it a step down from the Koni's. Nice and stiff, great for the budget minded.

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|RIP|6spd-sport|OSG-LSD|XP8|RBF600|Eibach Sways|RE-71R|FI-34Row|Gen3-CAI|Yaw P.S.|

confucius

Thanks for the reply B&W, but on the KYB Catalog they only list the Excel-G line for the Z and the notes say Except Sport Package. Looks like options are very limited.

SS_Firehawk

I literally just took off my Nismo springs if you're interested in them. There isn't really much of a drop, if any at all compared to stock. Having the stiffer Nismo spring will work better with an aftermarket damper than a stock spring.

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confucius

Hadn't thought of changing them out, but perhaps a swap to Nismo firm makes good sense. PM me and let me know how many miles they've run and what kind of deal you're thinking.
Thanks!

SS_Firehawk

Sent

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Tractionless

I'm beyond disappointed that Bilstein doesn't make OE replacements for the Z. Hell my '04 Cobra had them from the factory. I'd really prefer not using Koni nor KYB when I replace the OE's on my Sport.

cv129

You can always get their PSS10 or custom Bilstein dampers, assuming budget allows

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

Jhill

Just throwing out there a set of Koni will run you close to 900.00 from when I was shopping and a set of powertrix coilovers which can also reach oem height on sale I've seen for 925.00 (or close to that).

KrnAndy

also, doesn't hurt to upgrade your suspension bushings to tighten things up

confucius

Good ideas all. - Thank you.

Budget - per se- isn't as much of an issue as appropriateness of expenditure. It's a 4 season 100,000 mile DD with another 25,k miles a year to be piled on. My current goal is to get another "quality" 2 years out of this refresh. (I’m just enjoying it so much that I don’t want to have to trade it out yet.)

I've elected to go with a set of Nismo springs (lightly used) from a member, along with my Eibach sways, new SPL end-links, new Stillen rotors/pads, new Michelin PSS.

Now looking for a reasonable set of dampers - which is frustratingly slim pickings.

confucius

I appreciate this suggestion very much. Can you elaborate more about the actual pieces "suspension bushings" is comprised of?

kenchan

from the read, nismo springs are going to raise ur ride especially da front. u are okay with dat?

in ur situation id go with mr.jar's suggestion and go with koni yellows only (add stiffer front sway bar if u havent already). leave everything else stock unless u have worn bushings.

from driving different cars, the Z's suspension has a tendency to wander around over rougher roads (toe changes as suspension compresses). good way to minimize is by controlling the damping by stiffening it up.. i'd just use stock springs in this case.