Are Replacement Hatch Struts / Shocks Necessary for New Spoiler?

jtt

Hello,

I recently purchased a genuine Nissan spoiler for my base model 370z from Courtesy Parts. Beware: spoilers purchased from Courtesy Parts and most dealers DO NOT come with instructions, the installation template nor replacement hatch struts.

My question is this: Are the replacement hatch struts really necessary for the added weight? Have any of you added the factory spoiler without replacing the struts? I noticed that many people selling the genuine spoilers on eBay are including replacement struts... it also appears that the base model Z and sport model have a different part number for the struts. If upgraded struts are required, can I avoid the dealer and purchase something cheaper that will get the job done?

I'm hoping I don't need the upgraded struts, because the dealers sell them for over $140 each, and I'm already $550+ into this spoiler... I can't return it to Courtesy Parts because I would have to pay a 20% re-stocking fee + $25 shipping. I should have just purchased the damn thing on eBay for $500 and it would have included everything I needed! Sigh...

phelan

Depends. For example I use the sport struts with my amuse wing, which is heavier. I have to lift upwards to open the hatch, i.e. it doesn't really open by itself anymore.

I've gotten used to it, so I don't care about different struts. Once the hatch is open, it'll stay open; the spoiler isn't heavy enough to send it crashing shut or anything.

If you want a 'one touch open' hatch then you might have to fork out the money for a new strut. If you don't mind pulling upwards on the spoiler a little bit to open the hatch...leave it alone. That's just my opinion though.

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凛 ('Rin') - 2009 Nissan 370Z
With silence comes peace. With peace comes freedom. With freedom comes silence.

ClemsonWill

I think you will be fine with your stock struts. The spoiler can't weigh more than a few pounds. I would be more worried about the installer getting it perfectly straight without a template. Where are you taking it to get installed?

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kenchan

have you contacted courtesy about the template? kinda werd they dont include that.

bullitt5897

I have the stock sport touring struts and they work just fine with my insanely large APR GTC-500!

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Shop Cars: 2013 318whp Nismo VspecII 370z *SOLD*, 2009 1000hp+ 93oct 4.0L TT 370z Fast Intentions STAGE 4 #054

jtt

Thanks for all of the feedback. I tried resting the spoiler on the hatch to see how its weight would affect its operation. When I click the hatch release button, the hatch doesn't pop up nearly as well and requires me to hit the button a second time while pulling up on the hatch. But once the hatch is up, it seems to function normally, and doesn't come crashing down at all. I'm also taking the Z to the dealer this weekend to get them to upgrade the hatch springs under warranty - I've been having problems with the hatch releasing anyway, and there is a TSB posted for upgraded (longer) hatch springs. Hopefully this will help once the new spoiler is installed as well!

As for the installation template, I called Courtesy Parts and they said it's a replacement part therefore there are no instructions or template - they told me to call my local dealer. I've been on the phone with my local Nissan dealer all week and they've called Nissan corporate multiple times - yet nobody at Nissan seems to know where to locate one! This is absolutely frustrating.

I'm considering taking it to 20/20 Auto Body in City of Industry, or Elite Auto Performance in Lawndale for the installation. They both said they could install it w/out the template, but it will take them longer and cost me more as they would have to first make their own template.

Do any of you have any other recommendations on where I could have the installation done in the LA area?

kenchan

woah, did you steal that wing from a sesna?

kevr6

My NISmo S-tuned rear spoiler came with new struts. I don't think you'll need them for the sport rear upper spoiler.

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wilsonp

Who would have an installation template besides the factory anyway?

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2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black
Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon
Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

bullitt5897

No I stole it from NASA! Lmao

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Shop Cars: 2013 318whp Nismo VspecII 370z *SOLD*, 2009 1000hp+ 93oct 4.0L TT 370z Fast Intentions STAGE 4 #054

Mike

you don't need struts, you need new poppers. There are springs in the hatch area, and they have upgraded ones available. I don't know the part number, but it is the same as for the 350z. I have the GTC300, which is just a crunt hair smaller than Bullitts, and don't have the upgraded poppers or struts, so I need to hit the button and manually lift the hatch. It stays up just fine though.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

daisuke149

yeah the hatch not opening when you hit the button isnt really related to the spoilers etc. its just a general problem

my car had the issue. Went and had the TSB done, had the same problem next day.

phelan

Try K&W Autobody or DTM Autobody too

__________________

凛 ('Rin') - 2009 Nissan 370Z
With silence comes peace. With peace comes freedom. With freedom comes silence.

bullitt5897

You can also support a forum member... ASk Jamaica if his shop can do it... I would go there first! He is going to be doing my work

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Shop Cars: 2013 318whp Nismo VspecII 370z *SOLD*, 2009 1000hp+ 93oct 4.0L TT 370z Fast Intentions STAGE 4 #054

jtt

Thanks. Do you have Jamaica's contact info? Also, are you installing your spoiler there? Or what kind of work are you doing?