Best coilover brands for street use?
 

I'm looking for a coilover that will be used for 100% street use. Basically, just want to lower the Z and would like something reliable. I don't want something that needs to be modified, rubs, or any other annoyance.

Looking for a setup that will bolt-on hassle free and is a quality piece.

I think springs would be better for your application.

A lot cheaper too. I just don't want to ghetto rig my ride.

Recommendations?

You wont be ghetto rigging your ride at all. Springs are an accepted alternative to coilovers for people who can deal without the adjustability.

I would recommend Eibach or Tanabe. I don't know much about Tein's offering.

I'd recommend the Eibachs as well.

Edit: Actually, how much are you looking to lower your car? The spring rates are slightly different as well if I'm not mistaken.

Maybe an inch or so. I Just want to close the gap a little.

Springs will be fine, but remember with coilovers the shocks and springs are matched (or at least they should be). In coilovers, the shocks are designed (valved for compression and rebound) around the spring rates vs with just springs, you will use the oem shocks or aftermarkets (koni, kgbs, etc), and since they aren't designed together, they will either fail earlier (can't handle the difference in performance), or won't feel exactly right. I have had springs with aftermarket shocks on many sports cars, and it is an affordable way to go, but they are usually not as smooth or comfortable (sometimes even jittery). I lot of design goes into the way shocks and springs work together, and when mismatched, they don't work exactly like they should. On the otherhand, an affordable coilover, of which I have been looking at, and others on this forum have talked positive about is the BC Racing BRs (under 1k). Good luck with whichever route you go. For what it is worth, I think the Eibachs or H&Rs are the best.

:iagree:

I bought just springs (H&R) for my Audi S4 and absolutely hated the result. That's why I assumed I would buy the whole deal. To me, 1-2k for a drop that looks good and is comfortable is better than $300 for something that feels cheap. The Z is only a 30k car but I don't want to do just springs if it's going to ride like a 10 year old DSM.

Hey man if you can afford coilovers and want some do it. If I had the $ right now I would get some - I got the eibach springs instead (haven't received them yet but won't put them on until the spring). Most here seem to be happy with the eibachs so I'm looking forward to it. May get some c/o's down the road, time will tell.

I did put c/o's on my Titan and it was a HUGE improvement. GL finding the right setup for your Z.

Oh yeah, KW V3's seem to be a popular choice for street.

get springs then wait for stock style struts with adjustable dampening like AGX's?

I've gone this route many times before, with the AGXs, and they never work out exactly right - they just never match up, and you already have 600-700 into the suspension. Whats another 250 to get a matched set.

HKS has the perfect balance of street/track.

From my personal experience I have had better luck with the tanabe's. I've just had some friend's that have had their springs starting to sag and underperform after a long period of use.

not cheap to replace either!

Tein S-tech springs would be the best way to go.

-Options Auto Salon

I prefer a good coilover system with springs and valving to match. This way, you have a long term solution that will not deteriorate over time. For a comfortable ride, and great adjustability without noises....I would suggest the KW Variant 3. Forged Performance, LLC :: G37 :: Suspension/Brakes :: Coilovers :: KW Coilover Variant 3 370z/ Infiniti G37

All of you recommending KWs I think are missing his predicament. If he could afford 2k, sure that would be great, but if he is looking at springs only, I'm sure $$ is an issue - so he really needs advice on affordable coilovers. There are roughly 5 brands in the 1k range, and I am presuming this price range would work for him. If $$ is not the case, then I stand corrected.

KW's are less than 2K but more than 1K. I know opinions may vary, but I would rather take my chances with springs, rather then the 1K coilovers over the market.

Thanks for looking out but I originally posted for a good street coilover system because I don't track my car. Springs are really cheap but I would rather spend $2,300 if it's going to ride properly and last a long time.

I guess there's really no other option than to buy a pair in the $2k range.

Is there a clear cut winner between...

HKS and KW?

For full street use, the KW Variant 3's are the way to go. They are less expensive, and more compliant for street use. They make noises at all, and you will love them for daily driving and spirited mountain runs.

Sorry, my bad - listen to those that have the pricier coilovers.

It's not about who has "pricier coilovers".

From what I've gathered in the limited research I've done...

1. 1K coilovers have QC issues.
2. Buying just springs results in a jittery ride and increased wear on OEM shocks/struts.

Is this incorrect?

I'm by no means rich but if it comes down spending 1k for something I will regret or replace in a year and spending 2k for something backed by a good warranty and will last at least three years is there really a debate?

I think you can get a good setup for 1k. Check out the BC Racing setup. Some of the users have it on their cars. I am actually looking into it, because for street use, I think it will provide what I want (lower the car, provide a slighter stiffer suspension/car, and provide a designed match between the shock and spring). The more expensive setups are probably better on a track (personally haven't reviewed any data), but aren't needed for the street. Honestly, how often will you adjust your shocks or ride height if all you do is drive on public roads? Every adjustable suspension I have had, I only adjusted it when I was at the track - now that I have a dedicated racecar, I won't be doing it for the Z. Therefore, I think BC Racing will perform better then springs (Eibach, Tanabe, H&R) matched to (Koni's, KYB, Penske's etc), and I don't have to pay roughly double for performance that I don't need or will use.

I wouldn't trust all $1K coilovers by default, but the BC Racing coilovers to appear to be built with good quality. Like speedworks stated, they are going to perform a heck of a lot better than just spring upgrades because the rates are tuned together, plus they are adjustable in both height and compression/rebound. Mike Bonanni has been using them on track for a year and hasn't broken them yet.

And I absolutely agree with this - you will have to research, which is what I am still doing, to confirm.

ksport
 

how is ksport kontrol pro?

Maybe look into the Stance GR+ coilovers.... You can get those for around 1100 from some vendors here.

Did tanabe release the coilovers yet?

yes, i have had them on my car since august, last year

they are horrible for street use IMO.

I am switching to KW V3's next month.

KW V3 is the best street coilover.

KW seems to be the popular vote

Agreed, for 95% street use, and the person that does 1-2 track events a year. If you can live with a little firmer ride (but not harsh), and you plan on doing more track work with the car, I would suggest the TEIN Flex or TEIN Monoflex.

kw coilover plug
 

Shamless plugs deserve a discount! KW have a good rep.

We'll beat anyone's prices, and we have some of the most experienced technical people in the business....everything installed, tested, and given the Forge seal of approval. No questions shall go unanswered. :tup:

Penke coilovers for 370Z
 

I always had great luck with penke's. I'm not sure if the have a suspension spec fror the 370Z. Any infor?

Penske doesn't make anything in this range for the 370Z.

for best and most performance, do u need to purchase front and rear camber kits along with the coilvers?
thanks

Yes.:driving: