Installing coilovers...
 

What does one need to swap coilovers, tool-wise?

My primary concerns are:

1) If I remove the OEM front coilover, can I (easily) get the new one installed (ie, without having to compress them?)

2) With regards to the rear springs - how do those go in?

I've changed shocks before, and I changed the rear coilovers on my motorcycle, and I remember they weren't that easy to do, but, also weren't that bad.

That's on a 700lb bike - obviously the Z weighs more, so, I'm just wondering what kind of headache I'd be setting myself up for if I go in blind, and don't have all the needed tools, such as a spring squisher or something - lol...

for safety sake have a shop do the work, and see how they do it, that way you can judge for yourself on if its something you'd want to do on the car later on...

If you're installing coilovers then it's as simple as swapping out oem suspensions and installing coilovers. If you're talking about changing springs then you will have to use a spring compressor, sears will charge about $50. I created a dyi for coilover install. Take a look at the dyi and see if you have the tools. I've Installed coilovers and springs and it's pretty easy to do alone. It takes about 4 hrs to do the install.

I took mine to the shop only cause I don't have a spring compressor for the front.
Rear take a floor jack to put the rear on stands. Loosening the bolts that hold the rear control arm in place with the jack stand to support the cup.

What would a typical shop charge for installation?

I'd probably do camber arms and have a 4-wheel alignment done afterwards...lol

google "g37 coilover install" and the first link is to nicoclub.. Thats what I followed when I installed mine.

For the rear you just need the jack to hold what I call the plate. You then remove the inside bolt and then slowly lower the jack. The Service Manual shows it pretty easily.
I ollowed the manual when I upgraded to Nismo suspension.

For the front, IF you are changing the springs, which I don't think you are, go to AutoZone. They Loan the spring compressor.

I am upgrading again from Nismo suspension to Tein.

Do it yourself and save the dollars from corner balancing and alignment.

Good luck.

I'd be swapping for KW V3's...so I'd be swappint it all out.

PM sent ;)