Shock upgrades

BrianMSmith · 04-11-2012, 10:22 PM

I am interested in doing a shock upgrade, same springs, for a higher quality damping. Everyone knows that OEM shocks are low budget and can be improved greatly with a better than average aftermarket.

Has anyone done similar, can testify as to results on handling and ride quality, and recommend a purchase?

TerribleONE · 04-12-2012, 10:41 AM

look into some koni yellows

kenchan · 04-12-2012, 12:59 PM

the stock dampers aren't necessarily bad for street use with its stock springs.

as terrible mentioned, look into the koni yellows.

ResIpsa · 04-12-2012, 01:35 PM

I replaced my stock shocks (w/ 70,000 miles on them) with Koni Yellows last week. At full soft they don’t feel any softer than stock but the ride is buttery smooth. All the strange undulations and disconnect from the road are completely gone.

Initially, I only installed the rears and my wife was so impressed with the improved ride she insisted that I do the fronts as well (always good to have the wife suggesting that I spend money on the Z).

For comparison, I installed Tokico D-Specs on my previous G35 and did not have the same experience. The Tokico’s were spongy at full soft and vomit inducing (per my wife) when firmed up.

The Koni Yellows really are that good.

BTW-I am still on the stock springs. No alignment needed FTW!

kenchan · 04-12-2012, 01:40 PM

meh, the d-specs with prokits feel fine on my G35C. firm yet not harsh at all.

sounds good on the yellows though. still undecided if i want to get it on my Z or not. the Z's suspension feels fine in stock form imho for street. my car's still 8400miles. by 70K that'll undulate like a honda with cut springs lol

ResIpsa · 04-12-2012, 09:17 PM

No question, my stock shocks were dead.

04-11-2012, 10:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
BrianMSmith Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: secret Posts: 267 Drives: 370Z, Ducati 748S Rep Power: 16	Shock upgrades I am interested in doing a shock upgrade, same springs, for a higher quality damping. Everyone knows that OEM shocks are low budget and can be improved greatly with a better than average aftermarket. Has anyone done similar, can testify as to results on handling and ride quality, and recommend a purchase?

04-12-2012, 10:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5850	look into some koni yellows __________________ 638WHP 541WTQ @ 13.5PSI Build thread

04-12-2012, 01:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	I replaced my stock shocks (w/ 70,000 miles on them) with Koni Yellows last week. At full soft they don’t feel any softer than stock but the ride is buttery smooth. All the strange undulations and disconnect from the road are completely gone. Initially, I only installed the rears and my wife was so impressed with the improved ride she insisted that I do the fronts as well (always good to have the wife suggesting that I spend money on the Z). For comparison, I installed Tokico D-Specs on my previous G35 and did not have the same experience. The Tokico’s were spongy at full soft and vomit inducing (per my wife) when firmed up. The Koni Yellows really are that good. BTW-I am still on the stock springs. No alignment needed FTW! __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

04-12-2012, 09:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	No question, my stock shocks were dead. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hood strut-shock install	MY1STZ	Exterior & Interior	10	09-09-2013 07:24 PM
Shock replacements	Bster	Brakes & Suspension	8	12-02-2010 07:50 AM
Nismo Shock question	pgrmstr	Brakes & Suspension	1	12-23-2009 01:25 AM
Nismo Spring/Shock Pricing	jaxchuck	Brakes & Suspension	19	09-01-2009 06:42 AM
shock removal	racerxj17	Brakes & Suspension	10	06-11-2009 07:25 PM

04-12-2012, 12:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	the stock dampers aren't necessarily bad for street use with its stock springs. as terrible mentioned, look into the koni yellows.

04-12-2012, 01:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	meh, the d-specs with prokits feel fine on my G35C. firm yet not harsh at all. sounds good on the yellows though. still undecided if i want to get it on my Z or not. the Z's suspension feels fine in stock form imho for street. my car's still 8400miles. by 70K that'll undulate like a honda with cut springs lol