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First off, kudos to you for owning a Nissan 350Z! You've got a real gem there. This sports car isn't just a head-turner—it's an iconic machine with a potent VQ35 V6 engine under its hood and rear-wheel drive for that extra bit of fun. But hey, as a 350Z owner, you know the joy of owning your Z33 isn't just about driving it, but making it your own, right? That's where the enjoyable part of upgrading your Z comes in. While some owners may choose to focus on adding an exhaust or wheels first, we recommend focusing on the suspension to get things started on any project car. And when it comes to transforming your 350Z, one of the biggest game-changers can be installing a set of quality coilovers!
Before we talk about coilovers it's important to have a fundamental understanding of your 350Z's suspension system. The stock suspension underpinning your Z has been expertly crafted to strike a balance between handling and comfort.
We're talking about a harmonious combination of components, each playing a crucial role as you roll down the road. The control arms, often referred to as wishbones or A-arms, keep your tires aligned, ensuring a smooth and precise turning action. Shock absorbers and struts are also a crucial piece of the puzzle – diligently absorbing the energy from countless road bumps and imperfections to provide a smooth ride. And last but not least, we have the springs and struts, the linchpins that manage your car's body movement in relation to various road conditions.
Understanding this intricate system isn't just about appreciating the engineering marvel that your 350Z is. It's also about understanding how the right upgrades can improve your Z33, making it truly tailored to your unique driving style and preferences.
If you're on the fence about the benefits of purchasing a set of coilovers for your Nissan 350Z, there are a few things to consider that may be worth considering. The first benefit of a set of quality coilovers is the fact that you’ll have the ability to adjust your Z’s ride height.
This is a big improvement over stock suspension because by adjusting your Z33’s the ride height with your new coilovers you’ll be able to recalibrate your vehicle's dynamics, orchestrating a tangible shift in its handling characteristics. This change can be felt in the way it can take corners more aggressively with a new confidence itself, or even in just the responsiveness that reverberates through your steering wheel that wasn’t there before with stock suspension.
Coilovers aren’t a random suspension component of your upgrading, but a crucial part that helps you feel and react to 350Z's interaction with the road, helping you understand what’s going on with the suspension with a new appreciation.
Whether you're leisurely navigating city streets on the way to work, burning up a set of tires on the track or pushing your Z on your favorite local touge, the right coilovers can significantly improve your driving experience, adding a new level to your 350Z's overall performance.
So, what constitutes a 'quality' coilover, you might wonder? The answer lies in a combination of features that are offered to improve your Z33's performance.
First up, let's talk about the ability to adjust a variety of settings on the coilovers in question. Generally, a quality coilover offers a variety of adjustments, allowing you to fine tune your coilovers settings. You should be able to adjust settings like ride height and damping, and sometimes even the camber with an adjustable top hat, tailoring the behavior of your car to your driving style and the demands of the road.
Secondly, the durability of your coilovers is another crucial thing to consider. Your coilovers are in for a demanding service life, bearing substantial loads and in a state of constant motion, so they need to be built tough.
But the secret ingredient is balance between performance and ride comfort. You don't want your coilovers to be too rigid, sending every bump and crack in the road straight to your spine. They shouldn't be too soft either, causing your car to wallow and float, disconnected from the road you're driving on. Striking the sweet spot between firm and forgiving is the key to ensuring a driving experience that is rewarding, engaging, and just plain fun.
Now let's talk aesthetics. You know those 350Zs that seem to have that extra 'oomph', looking meaner, lower, and breaking necks wherever they go? That's all thanks to coilovers. They can transform your car's stance, turning an already sleek looking 350Z into a real head-turner.
But a word to the wise: while slamming your car lower than a limbo stick might score you style points, going overboard can spell trouble. Yes, a lower stance can add a whole lot of edge to your Z's look, but push it too far and you risk damaging your ride and potentially stifling its performance. It's all about finding that sweet spot between style and functionality.
Now let's take a look at some of the best coilovers for your 350Z. We're showcasing a selection of different coilovers that span different budgets but don't compromise on long-term performance and reliability.
From the top-tier options to the more affordable yet reliable alternatives, we're about to delve into these coilovers' unique features and benefits. Each of these coilovers offers something different to their competitors, and we'll go through them in detail to help you find a set that suits your needs.
BC Racing's BR Series is more than just a crowd favorite - it's a customizable, durable, and performance-focused game-changer. With the BR Series from BCR, you don't just get a coilover system, you get one of the most wallet-friendly high-performance suspension upgrades for your 350Z, all without compromising on comfort, build quality, vehicle height, or handling.
How do they do it? With extensive vehicle-specific testing and continual refinement of coilover characteristics. The result is the finest balance between comfort and performance. The BC Racing BR Series ensures you'll never have to deal with an oversprung suspension, a common downside with many other brands.
And let's talk about adjustability - with 30 simultaneous clicks of compression and rebound adjustment, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile setup. Factor in the thoughtfully chosen spring rates, the state-of-the-art damper valving, and the innovative mono-tube shock design for better heat dissipation and quicker response, and it's clear why the BR Series has such a strong reputation. Additional features like standard front camber plates on specific setups, optional rear camber plates, available custom spring rates, optional Swift Springs, and fully rebuildable custom valving make thes coilovers a complete package for your 350Z.
At the heart of Tein Flex Z coilovers, you find an intricate blend of comfort, performance, and technology, both for street driving and circuit use. These coilovers come equipped with advanced features like full-length ride height adjustability and a 16-step damping force adjustment. All of this ensures that you're purchasing a coilover set that’s not only tuned for optimum damping force but is also easily adaptable to your driving style.
But that's not all. Tein has breathed new life into their Flex Z coilovers with advanced needle technology for fine-tuning damping force adjustments and updated internal components for a longer service life. These coilovers also allow for independent spring preload and ride height adjustments, thanks to their shortened shell case design. Made in Yokohama, the Flex Z coilovers are your ticket to experiencing top-tier suspension technology without burning a hole in your pocket. Remember, it's not just a coilover system - it's a complete, customizable suspension solution that offers a seamless blend of quality, performance, and affordability.
Enter the world of Fortune Auto with their 500 Series coilovers - a brilliant fusion of high-end construction, customization, and longevity. Renowned for their quality, these coilovers feature custom spring rates, a 24-way damping adjustment, and the capacity for rebuild and revalve services. The allure of the 500 Series goes deeper, as it's the result of Fortune Auto's relentless pursuit of improvement with its current Generation 8 iteration.
Incorporating High Flow Digressive Piston technology, the 500 Series provides a perfect equilibrium between performance and comfort, ultimately offering an upgradeable and rebuildable coilover system that promises to be a long-term suspension upgrade that you can rely on.This coilover isn’t just about performance—it’s about the harmonious blend of everyday driveability and occasional track use, giving you unparalleled control over your 350Z’s driving dynamics. With Fortune Auto’s 500 Series coilovers, you’re investing in a high quality suspension upgrade that is built to last.
If you're an experienced driver with a discerning taste for suspension control, you'll find a worthy ally with a set of KW Variant 3 coilovers. These state-of-the-art coilovers take customization to the next level with their independent compression and rebound damping options, giving you the keys to an incredibly individualized driving setup. The heart of this system is its unique tri-component design that enables low-speed compression adjustments, while the high-speed settings, crucial for comfort, are already dialed in by expert engineers.
The KW V3 coilovers are more than just adjustable - they’re tailored to fit your Nissan 350Z like a glove. And it's not just about performance; this set of coilovers boasts "inox-line" stainless steel technology and top-quality components for longevity. The infinite rebound damping adjustment and the 14-level compression damping allow for even further fine-tuning of your ride, turning your 350Z into an extension of yourself when you're on the street or at the track. When it comes to the KW Variant 3 coilovers, It's not just another suspension upgrade; it's a perfect blend of engineering precision and customization for your Z33.
Experience superior control and unparalleled ride comfort with ISR Performance Pro Coilovers—your ultimate budget friendly upgrade to transform your 350Z’s suspension setup. These aren't your everyday budget quality coilovers; they are the result of years of ISR Performance’s experience with designing and testing the latest coilovers technology, culminating in a high-performance suspension system that offers impressive dampening control and improved performance.
The ISR Pro Coilovers provide a harmonious blend of comfort and handling for both street and track use. With 32 levels of damping adjustability, these coilovers allow you to fine-tune your Z to your personal preferences. A distinct feature of the Pro Coilovers is the mono-tube design, offering exceptional durability and response. They come equipped with a spring rate of 14K/12K, striking an optimum balance between rigidity and flexibility. The package also includes front pillowball upper mounts, improving the smoothness of your ride and the precision of your handling. Gear up for an extraordinary driving experience with ISR Performance Pro Coilovers.
The Megan Racing EZII Series Coilovers combine affordability, flexibility, and top-tier performance, making them a perfect choice for budget-conscious 350Z owners who refuse to compromise sub-par upgrades. These coilovers are not just about cost savings, but about improving your driving experience, featuring 15 levels of damping adjustment, height-adjustable spring perches, and conservative spring rates. They've been designed to cater to a range of driving scenarios - whether you're commuting or hitting the track occasionally.
The EZII coilovers for the Nissan 350Z offers a comfortable suspension setup for DD duty and improves suspension performance with increased grip and control. These coilovers are relatively easy to install and they bring together high-quality build and long service life thanks to shocks specially designed for lowered vehicles. Each coilover set incorporates a 10kg front and 8kg rear spring rate for your Z33 to ensure the optimal blend of ride comfort and handling prowess. With the Megan Racing EZII, you get more than just a coilover - it's a comprehensive suspension upgrade tailored for the street, optimized for performance, and easy on your wallet.
APEXi N1 EXV Coilovers are the ultimate answer for those who want a blend of comfort, performance, and affordability. With these coilovers, you're not just getting a simple suspension component but a comprehensive, high-performance suspension setup meticulously engineered for the US market. They boast a full-height adjustment system and a staggering 32 levels of damping adjustment to give you control over your ride like never before.
But that's not where it ends - APEXi has optimized the internal components of the N1 EXV coilovers for increased durability, making them a reliable choice for everyday street driving, and they've been fine-tuned to provide excellent ride quality for sporty driving. The icing on the cake? These coilovers are very budget-friendly, debunking the myth that high performance must come with a high price tag. So whether you're looking for a suspension upgrade for your drift build or just need to replace the stock struts and springs on your daily driver, the APEXi N1 EXVcoilovers have got you covered.
Distinguished for their impressive performance and affordability, the Stance XR1 coilovers are built for 350Z owners who appreciate spirited daily driving and the occasional track day. A noteworthy feature of these Stance coilovers is the 16-way damping adjustment paired with an inverted monotube design, promising superior handling and durability. But the magic of Stance XR1 goes beyond the surface, with a blend of premium materials, advanced technology, and meticulous tuning rooted in a rich motorsport heritage, spanning drift, drag racing, and hill climb.
The piston is designed for broad yet responsive adjustments, offering both compliance and responsiveness at your fingertips. The standout feature in the XR1’s is the 'digressive damping' feature, delivering high damping forces at low speeds and softer damping at high velocities, improving both chassis control and feedback to the driver. This innovative coilover from Stance ensures a smooth response to large bumps, improving chassis balance for maximum grip no matter the road’s surface. With all these features, the XR1 isn't just a coilover—it's a comprehensive, adjustable suspension system devised to improve every aspect of Nissan 350Z’s driving dynamics.
Treat yourself and your Z33 to the seamless blend of everyday practicality and improved performance with the Silver's NEOMAX Coilovers, the perfect upgrade for your Nissan 350Z. These coilovers features include a monotube shock design and 24 levels of damping adjustability, ensuring unrivaled performance whether you're cruising through town or sliding around your local racetrack.
The included adjustable front camber plates make these coilovers a perfect fit for your Z’s McPherson style strut configuration, guaranteeing supreme handling and control. And with height adjustability offered via lower coilover bracket, you won't ever have to worry about meddling with the spring perch or preload settings. Silver's NEOMAX Coilovers also come with powder-coated steel brackets for straightforward installation, perfectly aligning with all factory brake lines and ABS wire tabs. Get ready to take your driving experience to the next level with a set of Silver's NEOMAX coilovers!
The Feal 441 Coilovers have been designed with a competitive edge in mind for Nissan 350Z owners that want nothing but the best. With an impressive 30 clicks of adjustment and custom spring rates, they ensure an ideal balance between comfort and control, making them suitable for both track days and daily drivers. But where these coilovers really shine is in their unique design features. With about 20% more suspension stroke than most of their competitors, Feal has managed to create a coilover system that combines improved ride comfort with superior performance.
Feal’s success in top-level international motorsports and years of experience tuning different shock brands is reflected in the design of these coilovers. The 441 series offer a single knob that controls both rebound and compression, making it easier than ever to tune your 350Z's firmness, dive, and roll. These coilovers also boast corrosion-resistant coatings and anodized aluminum parts for longevity. Moreover, they also feature a true-style rear coilover design, which replaces the stock rear spring bucket, adding an extra layer of adjustability. The Feal 441 Coilovers are not just a product; they are a testament to Feal's dedication to innovation and performance.
Once your new coilovers have arrived, it's time to throw 'em on! This process can be a bit tricky, so if you're unsure about it, it's always a good idea to visit your local tuning shop and have them do it. After the installation, make sure to check the alignment of your 350Z to ensure optimal handling and reduce tire wear.
Regular inspections for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage are essential to maintaining the lifespan of your coilovers. Remember, proper care equals better performance and keeping your Z on the road for more seat time!
Picking the perfect coilovers for your Nissan 350Z is more than just an upgrade—it's a game-changer that can completely change your vehicle's performance, comfort, and overall drivability. Throughout this guide, we've explored the ins and outs of coilover setups, from their impact on handling and comfort to key features to look for when choosing a set.
Whether you're cruising the freeway on the daily or tearing up the track on weekends, this guide aims to support you as you make your choice. We're hopeful that you’ve found our guide informative and we’ve given you a better idea when it comes time to choose a set of coils for your Z33.
And don't forget, there's plenty more where this came from! Feel free to check out our other 350Z-centric content, including our comprehensive tuning guide and our other guides covering things like exhausts, intake plenums, turbo kits and more. Here's to the joy of driving—thank you for joining us and happy cruising!
Coilovers can significantly improve your 350Z's handling characteristics by allowing you to adjust your car's ride height and damping. This can result in improved cornering abilities, increased responsiveness, and a more dialed-in feel when you're behind the wheel.
It depends on the coilovers you choose and how you adjust them. While a stiffer setup can improve handling and performance, it can also make the ride harsher. Fortunately, many coilovers offer adjustable damping, which allows you to find a balance between comfort and performance that suits your driving style.
While coilovers are popular in the racing world due to their high adjustability and performance benefits, they can also be an excellent upgrade for daily drivers. Quality coilovers can provide a smooth ride for daily use while also allowing you to tighten things up for spirited driving or occasional track days.
While it's possible to install coilovers yourself if you have the right tools and mechanical know-how, it can be a complex job. If you're not confident in doing it yourself, it's best to have them installed professionally to ensure they're fitted correctly and safely.
Yes, like any component of your car, coilovers require regular maintenance. This can involve checking them for signs of wear or damage, ensuring they're clean and free from dirt or grit that can damage seals, and making occasional adjustments to maintain optimal performance and comfort.
Yes, one of the main features of coilovers is that they allow you to adjust your car's ride height. This means you can lower your 350Z for a more aggressive look and improved aerodynamics. However, it's important to not lower your car too much, as this can negatively affect performance and even risk damage to your car.
Not necessarily. While more expensive coilovers often offer more features and higher-quality components, the best coilovers for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It's important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your 350Z and your driving style.
Photo Credits
Feature Photo - "Milt's 350Z: Equip" by Jordan Adkins is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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