Another Standard Shocks + Springs Or Coilovers?

[LNah]

Hi guys. Got a noob question for all. I recently replaced my standard shocks and springs with another standard set that I got off a forum member as I thought they were busted. Got the mechanic to swap them over whilst it was on the hoist for a service. But after the swap, I found that the car was bouncing all over the shop like a boat on choppy waters whenever I went over uneven roads. Previously, this didn't happen. Now whenever I went a little too quick over the bump, my front bar will go smack on the tarmac. *Ouch* Had a look at the shocks and found 3 of them leaking pretty badly and the mechanic also confirmed that they were shot, though he was surprised as he said they looked ok when he put them in. Being money tight, I thought of getting another replacement standard set from the wreckers. But because the standard sets out there could possibly be on their way out as well due to being 17-19 years old, I'm also considering second hand coilovers as well. So, just like some opinion from the experts here on which option is a better choice. Feeling a little stupid as I'm probably better off not getting a replacement in the first place as the original ones were pretty ok except for one of the rears which was leaking.

Edited May 24, 2012 by LNah

[Crazy Xav]

It all comes down to money and what you want out of the car TBH.

A new set of shocks will be alot cheaper than a DECENT set of coilovers

what kind of power is it putting out? where do you want to go with the car? is it being driven daily or does ride comfort not bother you?

[LNah]

The engine's stock standard at stock boost. Only real mods are the catback and intercooler as the current power output is quite sufficient for me on the streets. Since I only use it on the street daily 100% of the time, I can say that ride comfort is quite impt though I don't want it to be too soft as I kind of feel that the stock spring rates are quite soft for me. The previous set of springs are fine with only one rear shock being busted. Have you ever come across aftermarket shocks with standard springs in them? Apologies if this question sounds nooby.

It all comes down to money and what you want out of the car TBH.

A new set of shocks will be alot cheaper than a DECENT set of coilovers

what kind of power is it putting out? where do you want to go with the car? is it being driven daily or does ride comfort not bother you?

[LayneGXE]

You'll eventually go Coil overs anyhow, may as well save your cash and get the coilovers straight away.

You'll be very impressed, you can never have too much performance when it comes to suspension.

[89CAL]

Go some BC Coilovers (V1 Model) in 8kg/6kg. This is what I have and there pretty bearable on the street and not overly expensive

If your not interested in racing/drifting one day then these will do fine for every day driving + occasional drag day.

[R32Abuser]

What are you using the car for? Street? Track? Drift? Drag? All of the above lol?

Where is the car lacking? Roll? Ride (pitch/squat)? Yaw?

If its for the street, then I suggest the following:

Step 1: Replace un-serviceable shocks

Step 2: Upgrade front and rear sway bars.

Step 3: Enjoy.

Reason

For arguments sake, assume the car is either in perfect roll or ride situations.

Let the right components control the aspects of vehicle dynamics they were intended to control. Shock/springs manage ride aspects of the car (absorbing bumps, pitch/squat etc.) whilst also adding some roll stiffness. Sway bars control the roll aspects of the vehicle when cornering. Don't compromise your ride comfort by running too stiffer springs to make up for a lack of roll control. Alas, upgrade your sway bars to decrease the level of roll which will in turn yield better cornering performance.

The factory shock/spring combo with some upgraded sways bars is more than enough if all you're doing is street duties with some light occasional hill runs. Sway bars are, by far, the best bang for your buck suspension upgrade. Id suggest upgrading sway bars first, then bushes (the car is getting long in the tooth and probably hasn't seen replacement bushes), then shocks and springs matched to one another. Most people do this in the reverse order!

Another point: your suspension is only going to be as good as your tyres allow. On the street, even the grippiest of cheap semi slicks (Federal RSR's etc.) would require some stiffer spring rates over stock. Even then, not to the extent which most Jap "coil overs" run.

Edited May 25, 2012 by R32Abuser

[sydking]

Picked up cusco zero 2r coilovers all round for $500, though if they dident pop up bc br for sure, pretty intrested to try these jap coilovers, spring rates will prop be way to stiff

[LNah]

Thanks guys. Like I said, car's only for street use 100% of the time and I was under the impression that the original factory shocks needed replacing. Right now, either I get a decent replacement or I fit the original ones back on and live with it till I have enough dough for a full replacement of everything. But one more question. Will the factory bushes be good enough or urethane ones are better for the street only? I understand that many of you folks use the urethane ones for your track cars, but since I only street it 100% of the time, probably factory Nissan ones?

[R32Abuser]

Urethane is perfectly suitable for the street. It offers increased rigidity over stock rubber bushes which improves suspension/handling predictability whilst still retaining good ride characteristics. Bare in mine, it will increase vehicle NVH which is felt in the cabin but only by a small amount.

I would NEVER replace my suspension components with OEM replacements when the Urethane equivalent is of equal value if not cheaper.

[simpletool]

All standard shock will be farked 3 times over by now. You're doing it wrong.

If I gave you cylinder full of oil and gas which was sealed by a sliding rubber grommet over a metal rod that had been used for 15 years and slide up and down 5 thousand times a day......how much oil and gas to you think would be left inside ? And how would that rubber grommet be looking by now?

Replacement original rubber bushes isn't such a bad idea. Polyurethane bushes on everything would noticeably increase NVH (I have about half mine done) but you get performance benefits.

Edited May 30, 2012 by simpletool