Nismo struts on convertible

[Fcnismo]

I installed nismo strut kit on the convertible the other day. The ride has been
Rough and bumpy compared to stock. My question is would this hurt the convertible top unit in anyway. The less damping might mess with the mechanics of it.

[SouthArk370Z]

The 370Z vert top is pretty fragile to start with. From what I have read on this site, wire chafing is a common problem - all the added vibration will exacerbate that.

[Fcnismo]

Can anyone confirm this

[Fcnismo]

Should I change back to the regular springs

[Fcnismo]

Ok hopefully someone can answer this, if I replace the springs with original or aftermarket springs will it give me back the softer ride. Also the front feels so loose. Should I wait for the suspension to settle. I just don’t want to fork over
15k for a convertible top.
I bought nismo cause I thought it will feel the same but give me better handling
And won’t void Warrenty.
Little advise please

[Red Voodoo]

I would suspect that if you had a decent ride on the original springs, going back to them would bring improvement. I've heard that there are some aftermarket lowering springs that improve ride comfort, but you would have to accept the moderate drop that they bring. You will just need to weigh the pros and cons of all options. Having owned lowered cars for the past two decades, I've decided that dropping the Z is not high-priority.

I'm fortunate to own a low-mileage older model (2010). I've accepted the fact that the top's mechanics will likely go south in the coming years long before the car hits 100k miles on the clock. When that happens, the car will simply no longer be an all-weather vehicle. As long as I can get the top down and the warning tones silenced, I'll live with it. Not many have the luxury to do the same since their Z is a daily. Your concerns are justified, however. Long live your top!

[Cyber370]

Originally Posted by Fcnismo

Ok hopefully someone can answer this, if I replace the springs with original or aftermarket springs will it give me back the softer ride. Also the front feels so loose. Should I wait for the suspension to settle. I just don’t want to fork over
15k for a convertible top.
I bought nismo cause I thought it will feel the same but give me better handling
And won’t void Warrenty.
Little advise please

Firstly, what year Nismo struts did you use? The 2015+ Nismo shocks/springs were softened a bit to give a better ride without sacrificing handling. My 2016 Nismo does not feel harsh at all. You also need to keep in mind that Nismos also come with chassis dampers and various supplementary braces. Maybe that has something to do with my ride feeling perfect.
Secondly, never heard of a firm riding car hurting the convertible top mechanism. I have a buddy who has a 2010 convertible with a firm suspension and he hasn't experienced any top problems. Of course, it all depends how firm your ride is exactly. If it's teeth jarring, then I'd be more concerned about the fact your chassis lacks the stiffness of the coupe and therefore will flex more with a hard suspension and cause more issues with cowl shake and general handling/feel.

[Fcnismo]

Thanks for the response
I bought nismo suspension strut and spring kit part E3110-1EA00US
It clear states for all 2009-2020 coupe and roadster. I bought the kit so if anything was to happen to the top they can’t say I didn’t use Nissan parts.
Front feels loose and the bumps are harsh but you feel it more driving slow.
I was hoping it needed to settle. I’m just worried it will screw up my top

[Cyber370]

Originally Posted by Fcnismo

I’m just worried it will screw up my top

Where did you get your info? I never heard of a firm suspension hurting the convertible top. Regardless, your car is still under warranty and you did use genuine Nissan parts so I wouldn’t be worried. I’d love to see Nissan trying to void a convertible top warranty due to the ride being harsh.....lol. It’s not gonna happen.

As far as your front feeling loose, are you sure the front struts were installed properly? It just does not sound normal to me. My Nismo suspension is very compliant with zero bump steer.

[Fcnismo]

Unless I’m missing something obvious that needs to be corrected. I hit a bump
And the front shakes a little.
How much time does it take to settle

[Fcnismo]

Put the car on the lift this morning and saw no issues
When you drive the car, the front feels loose and shaky but underneath is clean
Did I install the struts wrong
Any advice