shock absorber insert options

[jonbills]

Hi - looking for some input on shock absorbers for my '74 260z.

My KYBs are shot, and I need to replace them.

The car is lowered a fair bit - certainly a couple of inches.
rear spring rate is approx 200 lb/in, front about 170.
I think the strut ID is about 43mm.

Has anyone got a recommendation for something that would be good for this?

The KYBs I've taken out definitely can't handle it - they're only a few years old.
Tokico Illumina seem to be the recommended performance fitment, but I've also read that even they aren't designed for significant lowering.

I've read an old thread on here and elsewhere that Z31 inserts work, but https://www.amazon.com/Koni-8641-1060Sport-Sport-Front-Nissan/dp/B009EPR2JY this seems to suggest the diameter is about 60mm, so wouldn't fit in my strut.

I don't want to replace with coilovers. I want to retain the original setup.


help!

 

[status]

Tokikos should be ok,I've had them in my 260 for about the last 10-15 years and still going strong,my 260 is probably lowered about 2 inches,I have the adjustable in mine,running Eibach springs,

 

[datsfun]

Give GAZ shocks a call, they will make you replacement inserts taking into account your intended use, spring rates etc.

 

[Mr.F]

I favour Tokico Illumina - Tokico are the only company I know who approve moderate lowering with both HP and Illumina shocks.
On an Illumina level 2 is great for road use and 4/5 really solid for track. Couple with uprated anti-roll bars for best roll resistance.

 

[racer]

This is an old post from JohnC on Hybrid. He new his stuff.



9739 posts
LocationLa Habra, CA, USA


Posted 05 December 2003 - 10:50 PM

The issue with Tokico (and most other single adjsutable shocks) is that rebound and compression damping are tied together. Rebound damping controls spring rebound (spring extension) which is all the stored energy in the spring as a result of a hitting a bump.

The Tokico engineer's figures are a bit conservative but they are essentially right, but remember, the Illumina application we use (for shortened struts) are Toyota MR2s in front and 240Z fronts in the rear. If you crank up the Tokicos to 5 to control rebound from 250 to 300 lb. in. springs the compression damping becomes stiff enough to reduce grip. The Tokico Illuminas have a real adjustment range on our cars of from 2 to 4.

I have run 300 lb. in. rear springs with the Illuminas but that was only for a smooth surface autocross setup. I would not exceed 250lb. in. in spring rate for the Tokico Illuminas and would try to run a bit softer if I could.

The Koni 8610s do fit in the 240Z strut tubes and I've done an installation recently for a customer. These are more track oriented shocks and require spring rates over 200 lb. in. depending on what valving you specify when ordering.

For a compromise street/autox/track car I would run the Illuminas with 200 f and 225 r springs and a 1" (25mm) front and 3/4" rear anti-roll bar.


The whole thread is here
http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/23504-coilovers-illuminas-vs-konis-spring-rates-please-help/

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

just ring somewhere like protech for dampers to suit. loads of places offered to do a damper to fit the original strut and setup.

 

[jonbills]

Thanks everyone - lots to think about. The Illuminas looks like a safe bet, but I'll give Gaz a call - the prices look very reasonable.
My head hurts thinking about the choices with spacers, sectioning, travel of the suspension & travel of the insert.
Is it better to set it up with a shorter damper working in the middle of its extension range, or is it OK to be using a longer damper but working more toward the end of it's range? or does it make no difference as long as it's not bottoming out?

 

[Dyst]

Hi, sorry, I know its an old thread but I don't want to make a new one and be annoying lol, anyways, I have a 1975 280z and have ordered 50mm lowering springs but my questions are: - Would the shocks from a 240z fit?
- Are all s30 shock inserts the same size?
- Where should I get them from?
- What should I keep in mind when buying shocks?

Thanks

 

[AliK]

Hi, sorry, I know its an old thread but I don't want to make a new one and be annoying lol, anyways, I have a 1975 280z and have ordered 50mm lowering springs but my questions are: - Would the shocks from a 240z fit?
- Are all s30 shock inserts the same size?
- Where should I get them from?
- What should I keep in mind when buying shocks?

Thanks

- Are all s30 shock inserts the same size?

No, they are different between years.

- What should I keep in mind when buying shocks?

What do you do with the car? What do you want the car to be? How much do you want to spend?

If you want to keep the strut tubes then Koni adjustables.

My z (and other I know of) is utterly transformed with the Koni adjustables only available through MSA! Can’t recommend them enough for the money.

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/classic20b04

Others like Franky have gone coil over with brands like intertrax(?) which are an awesome bit of kit and priced accordingly.

If you want to control the ride height and damping rates then go coil overs but that would involve cutting the strut tubes and welding.

TTT and Bc racing do a nice set of coil overs but you have to ask if they do a set for or can be made to fit the 280 ...


https://technotoytuning.com/nissan/240z

https://www.bc-racing-coilovers-at-track-dynamics.com/datsun-240z-bc-racing-coilovers-249-c.asp

 

[Dyst]

Thanks for the reply

- would you know the size of 1975 280z/260z shock inserts?

- I would like to squeeze just a little more hp out from the L28 about 200ish would be nice lol, just for street use so I don't think i need to go for coil overs.

And howmuch do the koni adjustables cost? I'm basically still an apprentice so im not exactly making the most money lol

Thanks again

 

[AliK]

Thanks for the reply

- would you know the size of 1975 280z/260z shock inserts?

- I would like to squeeze just a little more hp out from the L28 about 200ish would be nice lol, just for street use so I don't think i need to go for coil overs.

And howmuch do the koni adjustables cost? I'm basically still an apprentice so im not exactly making the most money lol

Thanks again

Not sure about the size for the years you mentioned as the early 260z has closer DNA in parts to a 240z than my late 260. I can measure the ones I didn’t fit next time I am in the garage. The early S30s had a smaller diameter and the rear shocks are longer as they have a spacer at the bottom.

If you look on the Zstore link I shared above, they are $150 a corner + shipping and import duties. So depending on exchange rates they will be around £600-£650 delivered.

I’ve only done about 40 miles on my new Konis but the first 4 miles told me everything I needed to know about how good they feel. They are imho worth the money if they last well.

BTW Jonbills has a theory that I agree with - I was surprised how they weren’t as hard as I had anticipated on full hard setting. We think they probably feel very hard on US springs but euro springs having more “spring” is probably the reason the rebound at max setting doesn’t feel unpleasant on the public road.

 

[Dyst]

Oh nice, and i found out 1974-78 260z and 280z share the same shocks, the 2+2 model and 2+0 coupe too seems like, i found a cheap set of good brand ones, not adjustable though but I'll make sure to do some research lol

 

[Dyst]

Small update lol, My cheapo lowering springs came, they had a german name on them (I forgot what it was) seemed like the same stiffness as the factory springs, maybe a little stiffer, my shocks seemed like they'd been serviced just before I got it and the bolts and nuts were shiny too XD, Thanks for the help man, really appreciate it. I only managed to instal 3 out of 4 lol but I'll get around to the last spring this weekend, also, would you know what brake hoses would fit the rear mine seem a bit damaged lol.

 

[Healey 12]

Just picking up on this thread.
I need to replace my rear shock absorbers inserts and just wondering what people are using now that Tokico Illumina are not available.
My car is on standard struts but with lowered springs. GAZ don,t list anything , nor do Bilstein even though AUTO DOC list a set but the ends dont look correct .
Are KYB the only options ?

 

[jonbills]

Theres zstore Konis these days.

Motorsport Auto - The Z Store - Koni

Koni

www.thezstore.com

 

[Healey 12]

Theres zstore Konis these days.

Motorsport Auto - The Z Store - Koni

Koni

www.thezstore.com

Thanks > does anyone else need a set before I order just mine, they are listed on The Z store $330 for a pair plus shipping and import duty .

 

[johnymd]

I do have a selection of 240z dampers.

KYB excel-g 361001 and 361002 (set of 4)
Tokico illumina BZ3012 (4 off)
Tokico HZ3016 (2 off)

All NOS

Haven't checked what these are worth but open to offers.

 

[Ian Patmore]

nor do Bilstein

Bilstein for rear can be done, I have pair revalved (new) from another model sitting to go in. I had them done in the US by a Bilstein specialist, who rebuilt my front pair (P30'S) as well. Don't forget, the old Bilsteins P30's for the S30 can be rebuilt, and probably the better option as Bilstein probably the best shock maker out there. I have a spare pair of P30 rears waiting for rebuild.

There is also the old adjustable period Koni's, which is suspect differ than the US marketed newer ones, as I suspect they were made for the stiffer European setup back in the day.

 

[Healey 12]

Bilstein for rear can be done, I have pair revalved (new) from another model sitting to go in. I had them done in the US by a Bilstein specialist, who rebuilt my front pair (P30'S) as well. Don't forget, the old Bilsteins P30's for the S30 can be rebuilt, and probably the better option as Bilstein probably the best shock maker out there. I have a spare pair of P30 rears waiting for rebuild.

There is also the old adjustable period Koni's, which is suspect differ than the US marketed newer ones, as I suspect they were made for the stiffer European setup back in the day.

I have PM you . D

 

[dcrobbo]

I do have a selection of 240z dampers.

KYB excel-g 361001 and 361002 (set of 4)
Tokico illumina BZ3012 (4 off)
Tokico HZ3016 (2 off)

All NOS

Haven't checked what these are worth but open to offers.

Hi john, do you have any full sets available, that is dampers and matching springs that aren't too low? Pm me if you do, with what sort of price you would like.
Thanks, Dave