Suspension replacement advice for a '73 240z

[Alphabettispaghetti]

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I couldn't get any data off them either, I'm thinking they just rely on the adjustable bit to work round it, and just change the spring rate

But when I spoke to a Koni prototype engineer he was very helpful with data on valving and things,

I think that is very strange. They have only benefits to gain by sharing that data.

A company would only share that data if they felt it was totally repeatable and accurate.

 

[peter_s]

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A company would only share that data if they felt it was totally repeatable and accurate.

A good point that is hard to argue against...

Still a little sceptical against it, It shouldn't be that hard to build a shock with repeatablility...

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

Still a little sceptical against it, It shouldn't be that hard to build a shock with repeatablility...

to build 10000 of them for the lowest cost would be difficult.

 

[Graeme - CZ]

I've asked them for a quote. What do you mean by 'keep your standard topmounts'?

Intrax are around £2,500 - much more than I’m looking to spend for a road car. They will however do the welding / assembly included in that price.


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[Alphabettispaghetti]

Intrax are around £2,500 - much more than I’m looking to spend for a road car. They will however do the welding / assembly included in that price.


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the none adjustable versions are less... I'd look at Leda also.

 

[Graeme - CZ]

For anyone following this thread, I ended up going for the BC coilovers. Just ordered the standard set (4/5). Overall, seemed to be the most cost effective means of replacing the suspension, whilst also protecting my investment and providing future adjustability. Was concerned that ordering springs / shocks gave me little re-assurance over ride height results etc. Will update again when the install is done to let you know how I find them.

https://www.bc-racing.co.uk/applica...-73.html?SID=712f876977065a6ca5d378bd6439d3e7




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[Graeme - CZ]

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[Graeme - CZ]

So I’ve got the fronts installed - what a difference! Only done a short test drive around the block, but first impressions are amazing. No regrets on the BC purchase. The California originals were well past their best; in fact, was a rather odd lowered setup with a squishy spring that did not seat correctly.

 

[uk66fastback]

Good to hear and that you’re pleased with them.

 

[Graeme - CZ]

Ok, so I have finished the installation. All I need to do now is adjust the height, but I will let it settle a bit before I do that.

Note: I left the camber adjusters as they came, as illustrated in the picture. I did not cut out the top strut to allow access, so I believe this setting will work just fine and the adjuster does not foul on the top of the strut.

It's taken me about 2 months from start to finish, working at weekends. I refurbished everything as I went, so all bearing and bushes, including a major strip down at the rear end, replacing spider joints on half shafts etc. Had to get a friend to do the wheel bearings, spiders on shafts, removal of the spindle pin and of course the welding.

Really pleased with the outcome. I did a short test drive after I had done the fronts, what a major difference on ride quality. If it's dry, hope to get her out this weekend for a proper test, now that I have completed the rears.

Uploading some pictures of the finished job.

 

[SeanDezart]

Good news - do we get to see the new ride-height then ?




Just need to change that rusty exhaust line now.....

 

[Graeme - CZ]

Good news - do we get to see the new ride-height then ?




Just need to change that rusty exhaust line now.....

Ha, not just yet. The rear is currently 5cm higher than the front ;-) Exhaust install is happening in a garage on the 30th Nov, so very excited to hear / see your Zstory exhaust on the car Sean. It’s pretty much my final thing, aside from a carb refurbish and of course, your strut bars. Wait no, one last thing...your soon to be stocked towing eye

 

[ALN]

Ok, so I have finished the installation. All I need to do now is adjust the height, but I will let it settle a bit before I do that.

Note: I left the camber adjusters as they came, as illustrated in the picture. I did not cut out the top strut to allow access, so I believe this setting will work just fine and the adjuster does not foul on the top of the strut.

It's taken me about 2 months from start to finish, working at weekends. I refurbished everything as I went, so all bearing and bushes, including a major strip down at the rear end, replacing spider joints on half shafts etc. Had to get a friend to do the wheel bearings, spiders on shafts, removal of the spindle pin and of course the welding.

Really pleased with the outcome. I did a short test drive after I had done the fronts, what a major difference on ride quality. If it's dry, hope to get her out this weekend for a proper test, now that I have completed the rears.

Uploading some pictures of the finished job.

Great work and looking really smart. Just about to embark on the same journey, so really appreciate the post and pics.

 

[SeanDezart]

Wait no, one last thing...your soon to be stocked towing eye

You won't need it !

I almost went BC on my 280Z but couldn't justify the extra - we'll see how she comes out.

 

[ALN]

@Graeme - CZ

Just out of interest, how many turns did you pre-load the springs and what settings did you settle on for the 30 way adjustments on the back on front (Clicks)?

 

[peter_s]

@Graeme - CZ

Just out of interest, how many turns did you pre-load the springs and what settings did you settle on for the 30 way adjustments on the back on front (Clicks)?

The pre load is not that important. I usually just make sure the spring is compressing when the suspension is off the ground, so there isn't any slack. Tighten a full turn after that, that's enough.

The BCs seems a little overdamped for the 4kg option to me, so start soft. For street driving I usually use around 5 clicks from the softest setting, max. I used that now on the track, and it felt pretty good. If you are running 5 or 6 kg you would want more force from the damper.

 

[ALN]

The pre load is not that important. I usually just make sure the spring is compressing when the suspension is off the ground, so there isn't any slack. Tighten a full turn after that, that's enough.

The BCs seems a little overdamped for the 4kg option to me, so start soft. For street driving I usually use around 5 clicks from the softest setting, max. I used that now on the track, and it felt pretty good. If you are running 5 or 6 kg you would want more force from the damper.

That's great, I've got the 4/5kg setup so this gives me a good starting point for tinkering/setting up this weekend!