Nismo struts + lowering springs on a base SP Z. (pre 13's)
 

Been looking for some postings about this and what to compare it to. There are similar threads but johnnydrama's big F'n youtube link on every post he makes irritates me and didn't want to look at it again.

So I was planning on doing Tanabe Z40 coilovers but just couldn't justify paying for coilovers in general. I don't track or auto-x nearly enough to justify it. Then I was thinking about Koni yellows and for that price with some lowering springs, I might as well get BC's. So instead, I compromised with Nismo struts and lowering springs. I'm still debating between Swifts and Tanabe GF210's.

Anyways. I haven't ridden in a Nismo to really know how much firmer they are with the Nismo springs or lowering springs. I live in Vegas so roads are generally glass smooth. Sway bars will be upgraded as well. So taking all this into account, what should I expect? I don't want a drastic change, just tightened up... you know, less pitch, dive, roll, better turn in, slightly stiffer, and close the fender gap to about 1/2-1"

Nismo springs are incredibly stiff.

I had a Nismo Shock + Swift spring combo and found it to be a perfect compromise of performance and ride comfort.

Thanks for the reply, a fast one at that. Any other insight on this? I'm thinking it's a good value for $600-$700.

Courtesy parts used to advertise Nismo S-tune struts AND springs for about $800...

I'm buying from private seller, only the struts. springs will most likely be new.

Edit: To reclarify, I am not buying Nismo springs, only the struts.

The Nismo springs have a very kidney crunching ride. Plus you will not lower much at all with the Nismo shocks/springs. I installed them on my Z and it actually raised the front a tad and the rear was the same. I instaled Swift Spec R and have been very happy with the 1.2" front/1.0" rear drop.

So how would you compare the improvement from a base Z?

Are the struts $600~??? Becuase I was assuming that... And I'm saying that the whole S-tune set up is $800

No, I was including struts and springs price.

I have the S-tuned springs and struts, and Hotchkis sway bars F/R and they tightened up my sport/touring. Takes the curves nice and flat. On bumpy roads, it can get a little stiff, but nothing too bad.

I wouldn't mess with S Tune. Just the OEM Nismo dampeners (there are no struts on a Z, fyi) plus Swift springs and you'll be in business.

The ride quality in my case was better than stock and the control was loads better.

It rides a little lower but not too low to be ridiculous.

What else do you wanna know? :)

Well then excuse my noobness :P The dampeners from a Nismo. Awesome news though. Do you have aftermarket sway bars as well? I'm thinking of trying the Motordyne sways. Should I spend the extra cash on end links? Damn things cost as much as the sway bars.

I still have the stock bars, but that'll change before it hits the street again in a month or so.

I'm ordering Whiteline sways, personally.

Endlinks can certainly help if your stockers have a lot of play in them, and they help with fitment if you're using an adjustable bar.

I know Swifts are the forum favorites. But what's the consensus on the GF210's? So far I've liked the quality of Tanabe's products and that they don't push for extremes. They are generally more expensive too. Is it because Swifts have the best compromise between comfort, drop, and performance?. Also, are the Swifts linear or progressive? I keep seeing pics of both.