Idiots Guide to Suspension Parts?

dP3NGU1N

There are a lot of threads regarding the general question of "which coilover is best". While those questions are all well and good I'm curious what else is necessary to actually make the suspension WORK?

I'm a complete suspension noob. Short of knowing that coilovers are, generally, better and more adjustable than just a spring replacement I know very little about the other major suspension components that hold the wheels to the car. All of this is to say please forgive me if I get terms mixed up

Other than buying coilovers I know of only a few components that one would need to set the car up right: Camber arms, tie rods, toe adjustment arms, etc etc.

Does anyone know the exact parts needed to properly set the car up for the track and allow both camber, toe, and (if necessary) caster adjustment?

Also, which are the best brands for these applications for track use? I know SPC offers front lower control arms or something like that but I've heard horror stories from other members of these things failing on the track. However, until SPL comes out with their alternative, SPC is has the only solution for us right now.

Lots of questions, hopefully I've articulated this clearly enough for everyone. I will do my best to clarify if there is any confusion. I hope any suggestions made in this thread will help others interested in getting coilovers because it's never quite as simple as getting the core part.

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cv129

Regarding the front arms, if you don't already know about it, make sure you follow the below thread

370z Camber Arms and needed Track Settings

You can always get the Doran arms if you really can't wait and are willing to pay the high price

dP3NGU1N

^Ah yes, I think those are the SPL arms that are suppose to be in development right now. Seems rather exciting.

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kenchan

easy. just keep it stock.

dP3NGU1N

Not only is this post not helpful, it also completely ignores what is being asked and goes off on its own tangent. It's not that I don't appreciate a little bit of ribbing from other members but atleast attempt to be clever about it.

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kenchan

I don't think you understand how helpful my post actually is.

Haboob

Have you tracked it stock yet?

Do you know that you for sure need any of these additional parts and adjustments for your current setup (power and skill-wise)?

cv129

Valid point and agreed Z is a competent car as is

However, if one must have the full skill set before purchasing the tools, then by the same logic, many members here then shouldn't even drive a Z, let alone doing any upgrade.

Op, if you are looking for different levels of suspension setup, check out the frequent guys in the track/autocross section.

dP3NGU1N

I haven't done any time attack events yet but I've been on the drift track multiple times at WSIR balcony. So far the stock suspension has been fine but I'm exploring options for the future since drifting is particularly hard on your suspension and drivetrain.

I'm information gathering here. My question is geared towards track suspension and maintaining a reliable setup which is why I'm asking about everything other than the coilovers themselves.

Your post is unhelpful in this context.

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alcheng

You want to know more about coil-over? You can google search it... there are TONS of information on coil-over and you will know what are they and how they work, inside-out.

You can also search the "Tech Section" in this forum, there are also TONS of information on this subject.

You want to know which one is the best?? Then you better clarify what do you need the coil-over for then you find out which brand to buy.

You want to know something? Go search the info yourself and find out what you need.

When we look for a mod-part, that's what we do, Search & Learn.

Don't just start a thread and ask a question which you can get the answer via 10,000 source through the internet and the forum.

People gonna laugh at you, not because we look down on you, but because you are too lazy to do any homework yourself...!!!

No offense to you but just trying to point the right/correct way to you.




Look how many people "like" Mr.kenchan's post, not because we laugh at you, just we agree you really don't understand the real meaning/purpose of his post.



I got some mods on the Z too, Intake, CBE, Sways, HU, VentureShields, Tires&Wheels, shift-knob... I never have to start a thread to ask anything, because I know I can find more than enough information by just search around different section in this forum.


So please.. it's not we don't want/like to help, but go to do your homework....

gomer_110

IMHO at a bare minimum you need front camber arms. The almost complete lack of negative camber the Z has from the factory is pathetic. Nissan should be drug out in the street and shot for not making the front camber factory adjustable.

Personally I went from -0.7 to -2.1 when I got my arms installed. It was like driving a whole new car afterwards.

Edit: Here's a couple links that explain suspension setups etc. (not Z specific but still informative)

Autocross to Win

Rapid Racer Suspension Tuning

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'17 Titan Bone Stock

dP3NGU1N

So here's the thing. I'm NOT (read: NOT) looking for what the best coil over is. I've gone through the search feature. I'm just not familiar with the rest of the parts that go along with the suspension. Seriously did you guys even read my first post?

I'm aware of the theory of how toe and camber affect drivability and the dynamics of the car, just not familiar with the parts necessary to control those specific characteristics. Trust me, I have done my research and am still reading up on the topic. If you think saying some bullsh*t like "best option is not to touch the suspension" is, as you say "pointing me in the right direction" then you're seriously misguided in your attempt to "help". You guys just all seem to be answering questions that I'm not asking.

cv129's post regarding SPL's latest front control arm was help ful and it was a thread that I was already aware of because, like I said, I have been searching. What I was hoping for by starting this thread was that more people with experience with these parts might offer some explaination because not a whole lot of people ask about these suspension components specifically.

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Haboob

Okay, was just making sure you've at least gotten the feel for the car.

I haven't yet, and I bet I know less than you about the suspension and what's needed. I was just thinking from what my own approach would be - test it stock first and see if I'm even good enough to start tweaking things yet.

dP3NGU1N

Yeah, I've read that on the various posts regarding SPC product. Quick question: are camber arms and control arms the same thing or is there something different about them? Sometimes the terms seem interchangeable, other times I wonder if one is a more basic form of the other (ie: as springs are to coil-overs).

Thanks for your input.

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Highway

I bought a used stance of Stance coilovers that came with Stance rear camber and toe arms. Definitely needed both of those bars in order to get the rear close to stock spec. I haven't put anything up front, but I'm only slightly out which is good enough for me right now. I'm not planning on doing any track time with my car this year.

If you get a true set of coilovers than the rear toe arm is nice cause it gets rid of that bulky basket where the stock spring was located, plus enhancing all of the possible adjustments.

I'm glad I got the Stance package for my starter set...probably upgrade it in the next year or so.