Nissan 370Z Forum
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Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Brakes & Suspension (http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspension/)
-   -   Cut OE Springs (http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspension/130286-cut-oe-springs.html)

Tractionless 03-22-2019 03:33 PM
Cut OE Springs
 
Being they're linear and there isn't any progression to change; has anyone successfully anyone cut their OE springs rather than using Swift etc?

On another platform I owned with linear springs it was a very common modification without any repercussions. We were typically dropping 3/4" to 1-1/2" without any harm to even the OE shocks and struts.

I'm surprised I don't see it at all in the Z community.

Senna-F1 03-22-2019 03:41 PM
Who refers to previous cars they’ve owned as “another platform I owned”? Don’t be shy. Tell us about your old car with the 1-˝” drop on cut springs. We won’t hate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tractionless 03-22-2019 04:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Senna-F1 (Post 3836363)
Who refers to previous cars they’ve owned as “another platform I owned”? Don’t be shy. Tell us about your old car with the 1-˝” drop on cut springs. We won’t hate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I do and it's inconsequential to why I don't see it on Z's. If you're only here to :stirthepot: see yourself out.

Senna-F1 03-22-2019 04:17 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tractionless (Post 3836366)
I do and it's inconsequential to why I don't see it on Z's. If you're only here to :stirthepot: see yourself out.
"On another platform I owned with linear springs it was a very common modification without any repercussions."

Yes, it matters because you were the one who used that statement as the basis for wondering why you don't see it in the Z community. It was fine on car 'A', why dont owners of car 'B' do the same?

And you must admit, at some point the question is rhetorical. For example, if I said "When I had a Yugo, we all cut our springs, why dont Zonda owners do this?" The answer would simply be. "Because it's a Zonda, not a Yugo". The answer here could be the same. I dont know. :)

CRiZO 03-22-2019 04:42 PM
You know a car is getting old when people start asking these questions.

Senna-F1 03-22-2019 04:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CRiZO (Post 3836372)
You know a car is getting old when people start asking these questions.


... and cheap


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gomer_110 03-22-2019 05:58 PM
Do things the right way or don't do them at all. If you can't afford a set of lowering springs you shouldn't be lowering your car regardless of model.

YYZ 03-22-2019 06:18 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tractionless (Post 3836358)
Being they're linear and there isn't any progression to change; has anyone successfully anyone cut their OE springs rather than using Swift etc?

On another platform I owned with linear springs it was a very common modification without any repercussions. We were typically dropping 3/4" to 1-1/2" without any harm to even the OE shocks and struts.

I'm surprised I don't see it at all in the Z community.
If I was looking for a .25"-.50'' drop i would think nothing of cutting stock springs. Just don't tell anyone.;)

CRiZO 03-22-2019 07:00 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by YYZ (Post 3836387)
If I was looking for a .25"-.50'' drop i would think nothing of cutting stock springs. Just don't tell anyone.;)
I would buy a $4,000 set of true coilovers. When I roll up to the grocery store people will be like "oh ****, that drop is so precise and tasteful, have my babies". I won't, but I could, and that's the goal.

#babydaddy

Spooler 03-22-2019 08:07 PM
I have done it before and I prefer not too. You can have some issues. It does come at a consequence. When you cut a spring, the spring rates do go up. Test it. If you can't afford springs then no way in hell are you going to buy what is needed to get the alignment back to spec.

Jhill 03-22-2019 09:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spooler (Post 3836409)
I have done it before and I prefer not too. You can have some issues. It does come at a consequence. When you cut a spring, the spring rates do go up. Test it. If you can't afford springs then no way in hell are you going to buy what is needed to get the alignment back to spec.
I think you meant the rates do not go up, only reduces the amount of stroke before coil bind. You haven’t changed the rate which is the issue, constantly hitting the bump stops sucks.

Spooler 03-22-2019 10:17 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhill (Post 3836437)
I think you meant the rates do not go up, only reduces the amount of stroke before coil bind. You haven’t changed the rate which is the issue, constantly hitting the bump stops sucks.
Have you ever tested a spring after you cut it?

CRiZO 03-22-2019 10:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhill (Post 3836437)
You haven’t changed the rate
I understand why you'd think this, but it's incorrect. You're thinking about rigidity of the material. The number of active coils (and in a linear spring, they're almost all active) is considered for spring rate. Remember, spirals are basically a ramp. Cut the spring, and you're shortening the ramp.

CRiZO 03-22-2019 10:50 PM
Found this, pretty neato burrito

https://www.engineersedge.com/calcul...ring_k_pop.htm

Jhill 03-23-2019 12:10 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CRiZO (Post 3836457)
I understand why you'd think this, but it's incorrect. You're thinking about rigidity of the material. The number of active coils (and in a linear spring, they're almost all active) is considered for spring rate. Remember, spirals are basically a ramp. Cut the spring, and you're shortening the ramp.
Ah yea that makes sense. I knew fewer coils is stiffer but I thought it had to be fewer coils over the same distance to be stiffer since then your actually changing the pitch of the ramp

Rusty 03-23-2019 01:35 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spooler (Post 3836409)
I have done it before and I prefer not too. You can have some issues. It does come at a consequence. When you cut a spring, the spring rates do go up. Test it. If you can't afford springs then no way in hell are you going to buy what is needed to get the alignment back to spec.
:iagree:
I have cut springs in the past. Only because I couldn't find the springs I needed. And the spring rate does go up.

Geoff-AU 03-23-2019 01:36 AM
Cutting springs is such a poverty pack idea. Yuck.

bunk 03-23-2019 08:19 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoff-AU (Post 3836501)
Cutting springs is such a poverty pack idea. Yuck.
Please pass the Grey Poupon!

SouthArk370Z 03-23-2019 09:33 AM
When trying to visualize what a coil spring is doing, it sometimes helps me to straighten out the spring (in my mind) and look at it as a torsion bar. YMMV

Asus_ 03-23-2019 12:12 PM
imo i dont think its that great of an idea but at the end of the day OP, you are going to do what you'd like. You've got a Z now not some honda, time to start treating it as such.

Rusty 03-23-2019 12:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoff-AU (Post 3836501)
Cutting springs is such a poverty pack idea. Yuck.
Here, it's trailer park trash.

axmea? 03-23-2019 05:22 PM
I'd rather put bags of sand and pretty much ballasts the 5h!t out of the platform.:tiphat: This way if I'm not happy I can always take it off. No going back with cut springs.

I'm ready for my beer honey.

Trips 03-24-2019 12:04 AM
Op,

Please do us all a favor and not think to treat your Z like a Honda.

Buy some decent lowering springs like Eibachs.

They will give you what your looking for without sacrificing your oem springs. ;)






Next will be hearing about "Can I heat up my springs to lower my Z?" :shakes head:

Tractionless 03-24-2019 10:52 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3836500)
:iagree:
I have cut springs in the past. Only because I couldn't find the springs I needed. And the spring rate does go up.
Did you do it on the 370Z? If so can we PM to discuss?

That way the ones who are too immature to handle the conversation aren't bothered enough anymore to shame someone they know nothing about, other than posting a simple question. :shakes head:

JARblue 03-24-2019 01:40 PM
LOL - I can promise you that Rusty did not cut his 370Z OEM springs; he has thousands of $$ worth of SPL parts installed.

I've seen legit Swift or Eibach springs go for about $200 used routinely on the forum and other local sources. How much did you spend on your Z? How much time will you spend cutting the springs? Get some perspective and stop complaining about the responses you're getting. If you had a legit reason or idea behind cutting your springs, then post it.

Sorry man but you posted about cutting your 370Z OEM springs on a public forum. Should have been wearing flame suit. Or get out of the kitchen if you can't handle the heat. I'd recommend Facebook ... they will have all sorts of positive responses for you :rolleyes:

Rusty 03-24-2019 01:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tractionless (Post 3836793)
Did you do it on the 370Z? If so can we PM to discuss?

That way the ones who are too immature to handle the conversation aren't bothered enough anymore to shame someone they know nothing about, other than posting a simple question. :shakes head:
I don't recommend cutting the springs. It's a lot of trial and error. cut, install, take back apart, cut again. Repeat. Once you find the height you want. The ride goes to chit because the springs are too stiff. And if you cut too much. You got to buy new springs. It's not as easy as some make you believe if you want to do it right. Working with a smaller diameter spring as on the Z is not as easy as working a larger diameter spring.

axmea? 03-24-2019 02:20 PM
Have a beer. Don't be upset. We're just saying no don't do it. How inexpensive are springs anyway? Plus, you'll be driving the car for a while so why not do it properly? But it is your car, your Z so have a go at it.

MaysEffect 03-24-2019 11:59 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhill (Post 3836437)
I think you meant the rates do not go up, only reduces the amount of stroke before coil bind. You haven’t changed the rate which is the issue, constantly hitting the bump stops sucks.
The spring rate does go up..Adversely the spring LOAD goes down. Thus the huge problem with modifying springs.

nis350 03-25-2019 12:39 AM
I was told that it is perfectly fine to hit the bump stops on the track while turning... I wouldn't know since I don't track.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhill (Post 3836437)
I think you meant the rates do not go up, only reduces the amount of stroke before coil bind. You haven’t changed the rate which is the issue, constantly hitting the bump stops sucks.

Spooler 03-25-2019 11:01 AM
Are we really having this conversation?????

NorthStyle 03-25-2019 11:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spooler (Post 3837112)
Are we really having this conversation?????
It was only a matter of time... :rofl2:

CRiZO 03-25-2019 11:49 AM
Throw some turbonators on it

Nixin 03-25-2019 12:19 PM
Do not cut the springs. Do it right or don’t do it at all.

CRiZO 03-25-2019 12:32 PM
whistle tips go wooooooooo wooooooooooooo

Rusty 03-25-2019 01:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spooler (Post 3837112)
Are we really having this conversation?????
:rofl2:

Rusty 03-25-2019 01:20 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nixin (Post 3837137)
Do not cut the springs. Do it right or don’t do it at all.
I think he got the message.

bunk 03-25-2019 04:30 PM
Meh, guys just doing a little teasing. To be fair, the OP probably has a reason why he wanted to go that route, we dont know his situation. But in a way, Im glad he DID post the question, otherwise he wouldve done it and potentially make his situation worse (I really hope he hasnt pulled the trigger and bust out the saw) :tup:

Tractionless 03-25-2019 04:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JARblue (Post 3836824)
If you had a legit reason or idea behind cutting your springs, then post it.
How about every aftermarket spring I've seen opinions of are stiffer than OE and they tend to lower the car more than I'd like?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3836829)
I don't recommend cutting the springs. It's a lot of trial and error. cut, install, take back apart, cut again. Repeat. Once you find the height you want. The ride goes to chit because the springs are too stiff. And if you cut too much. You got to buy new springs. It's not as easy as some make you believe if you want to do it right. Working with a smaller diameter spring as on the Z is not as easy as working a larger diameter spring.
I understand the trial and error and is why I asked if it had been done.

On my latter vehicle and based on others findings there was a set amount from the end of the top coil that one would cut for the prescribed drop. I bought that car with aftermarket springs and the front ride was hellacious. I returned cut OE springs to the front the make it enjoyable again. Never hurt a thing including OE nor aftermarket shocks, struts, mounts etc. Many owners of that car cut OE until they get to the straight line power level and traction that requires a stiffer setup.

Thanks for the input, I didn't realize the diameter came into play!

bunk 03-25-2019 04:52 PM
How much of a drop are you looking for? Swifts will drop just about an inch and the ride quality isnt that much different from stock IMO. Maybe look into coilovers.

Rusty 03-25-2019 05:00 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tractionless (Post 3837198)
How about every aftermarket spring I've seen opinions of are stiffer than OE and they tend to lower the car more than I'd like?



I understand the trial and error and is why I asked if it had been done.

On my latter vehicle and based on others findings there was a set amount from the end of the top coil that one would cut for the prescribed drop. I bought that car with aftermarket springs and the front ride was hellacious. I returned cut OE springs to the front the make it enjoyable again. Never hurt a thing including OE nor aftermarket shocks, struts, mounts etc. Many owners of that car cut OE until they get to the straight line power level and traction that requires a stiffer setup.

Thanks for the input, I didn't realize the diameter came into play!
The other thing about the front springs on the Z. The ends are flattened. You can't cut the spring without flattening the ends for it to work. And you don't have the equipment to flatten the ends.

You can get the springs in almost any spring rate you want to begin with.


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