Springs, Bushings, Misc Suspension Upgrade Options

Prothane makes Z31 subframe bushings
84-89 300zx rear subframe bushings - 14-101
84-89 300zx rear control arm bushings - 14-303

I created this thread because this info is commonly asked for.  Please keep discussion to a minimum.  I will delete any unnecessary comments.  If you post something, please make it about any product that isn't in the list, or any corrections for the info posted, or any general info on the products.  

I will try to keep updating this first post as much as I can as the thread grows.  

Springs:
1) Tokico/Eibach lowering springs. (you need to use 280zx for the front, 1984-1989 300zx for the rears)
2) King Springs (same as above)
3) Suspension Technique (same as above)
4) AVO (35mm drop: part#:AV60-002) http://www.needforspeed.co.uk/
5) Superior Sport Chassis/Canuck Motorsports (designed and build on an S12) http://www.canuckmotorsports.com
A) These are the stiffest springs for the S12 on the market at 325lbs/in front and 275lbs/in rear.

All springs are between 1" and 2" drop.

The first three sets aren't as stiff as the SSC/CM springs. the stiffest of those three is the tokico/eibach race springs which are, I think, in the 225lbs/in area.

As you noticed, the SSC/CM springs have a heavier front spring than the rear. This will lean the car more towards understeering. However, the 325lbs/in spring up front supporting the VG30E which you have is going to make sure the front doesn't dip down too low. With this setup, you will get a rake, about 5/8's on the second lightest model S12. your rake will be more.

Although the springs are setup to have understeer, you can offset it by getting a heavier rear swaybar by Addco. IF you can find one, there is an adjustable rear swaybar made by Whiteline. This adjustable bar is now discontinued, so you will have a hard time finding it.

Shocks:
1) Koni Red 3 way adjustable bound/rebound
2) Koni Yellow 3 way adjustable bound/rebound you need to use 280zx for the front, 1984-1989 300zx for the rears)
3) Tokico Illumina 5 way adjustable bound/rebound you need to use 280zx for the front, 1984-1989 300zx for the rears)
4) KYB GR2
5) KYB Gas-A-Just (only available in the rear. you need to use 1984-1989 300zx for the rears)

Coilovers:
1) S13 conversion (I dunno much about this, so you'll have to do research)

Sway Bars:
1) Addco Front and Rear
2) Whiteline Adjustable rear sway bar (discontinued)

Control Arms:
1) S14 Control Arm conversion to get more steering lock (you have to do a search)

Strut Tower Bar (There might NOT be enough room under the hood in the SE):
1) Custom made
2) a FULLY adjustable front S13 strut tower bar (length, and mounting plate angle must be adjustable for it to fit)

Bushings
1) Prothane complete kit for 1984 - 1989 300zx (includes bushing for turbo and non-turbo models) (only 90% of the bushings are needed on the S12)
2) MMR Tension Rod Bushings, Front Control Arm Bushings(Nylon or Derlin), Rear Control Arm Bushings(Nylon or Derlin)

Does anyone know the inside diameter of the springs? stock length? I wana order some universal springs from Ground Control to raise my car a bit. I'll report findings.

mmr makes strut tower bars for both the back and the front. Also the fronts come in triangular design, or normal strut to strut design. They also have some bushings for parts of the suspension i belive you did not list. Check my future suspension setup thread for the list of mmr products i wanted to use. BTW The r180 pathfinder diff i listed in that thread apparently wont work.

Looks Real good indy!
 
AS far as the Gas-A-Just\'s for the rear, you CAN order them by asking for rear shocks for a 198* 200sx (provided its IRS, i cant speak for solid axle!). from Summit Racing. Thats where i got mine. Just trying to help!
 
Same thing goes for the front GR-2 Strut Inserts.

hey does anyone know where to get some front camber plates at a decent price? ive seen the Techno Toy Tuning (T3) ones but not too many others.

 I was also wondering how these would work with Tokico Illuminas and SSC Springs, do i need an [URL=http://www.technotoytuning.com/t3_site_pages/products/upper_hat.html] "upper hat system" similar to the ones from T3 to go between the top of the coil and the camber plates?

 And anyone know anything about [URL=http://www.technotoytuning.com/t3_site_pages/products/rca.html] roll center adjusters?

{Sterling edits}

Any S13 camber plates will work.

The upper hat system is needed when building coilovers, so the spring can pivot independently of the camber plate when the steering wheel is turned.

The roll center adjusters are basically bump steer spacers, machined spacers that are designed to eliminate bump steer by returning the control arm to its original angle AFTER you've lowered the car.

hrmm that looks like an interesting setup, you might have to explain that one to me sometime...

I suppose the solid axle info is coming?

not by me...if you guys want solid axle info, post it up yourselves cause the stuff I posted was what I knew about.

MSSC (MeanStreetSpeed&Custom) will be making adjustable oil or gas filled coil overs for the S12... Testing has started on a few completed sets; Gas filled with 450 lbs sprngs and oil filled with 350 lbs springs for the front.
 
We also have access to 2 inch drop springs for the rear for solid axle cars with a 285 lbs spring rate up to 500 lbs. Prices vary.
 
Designs for "bolt in" rear coil overs are in prototype stage and testing will comence soon (next two weeks or so).
 
The fronts will range in price from 450CDN(+shipping) for a pair of basic steel constructed gas filled, 450lbs spring coil overs to 2800CDN(and up) for race sets; oil and gas charged, external resevior, stroke adjustable, valve adjustable with custom to client spring rates with full aluminum construstion.
 
There are always exceptions and some things can be done cheaper... contact AlexFrost or Mr200/DoriToad or myself with any questions.

[sterling edits, I don't think this ever went anywhere, try contacting Alex Frost, as he is still active}

Dan, I like where your going, but instead of adding a third bolt for adjustment, why not just use eccentric bolts (cam bolts) on the control arms? I dont know if you have access, but the newer GM trucks have the setup im mentioning. The bolts that attach the control arms to the "frame" are eccentric bolts.

im having a hard time picturing how your gonna be hooking that setup on tho..

Jsvob03Dan, I like where your going, but instead of adding a third bolt for adjustment, why not just use eccentric bolts (cam bolts) on the control arms? I dont know if you have access, but the newer GM trucks have the setup im mentioning. The bolts that attach the control arms to the \"frame\" are eccentric bolts.
 
im having a hard time picturing how your gonna be hooking that setup on tho..

Mr_FuriousMSSC (MeanStreetSpeed&Custom) will be making adjustable oil or gas filled coil overs for the S12... Testing has started on a few completed sets; Gas filled with 450 lbs sprngs and oil filled with 350 lbs springs for the front.

Designs for \"bolt in\" rear coil overs are in prototype stage and testing will comence soon (next two weeks or so).

The fronts will range in price from 450CDN(+shipping) for a pair of basic steel constructed gas filled, 450lbs spring coil overs.....

I prefer this method. Cam bolts are limited to around 1.5 degrees, this can adjust a lot further. I had Cam bolts in my Altima, they worked but they seized in the hole after a year.

Jsvob03Dan, I like where your going, but instead of adding a third bolt for adjustment, why not just use eccentric bolts (cam bolts) on the control arms? I dont know if you have access, but the newer GM trucks have the setup im mentioning. The bolts that attach the control arms to the \"frame\" are eccentric bolts.

im having a hard time picturing how your gonna be hooking that setup on tho..

ok, i can see your point.

Mr_FuriousMSSC (MeanStreetSpeed&Custom) will be making adjustable oil or gas filled coil overs for the S12... Testing has started on a few completed sets; Gas filled with 450 lbs sprngs and oil filled with 350 lbs springs for the front.

We also have access to 2 inch drop springs for the rear for solid axle cars with a 285 lbs spring rate up to 500 lbs. Prices vary.

Designs for \"bolt in\" rear coil overs are in prototype stage and testing will comence soon (next two weeks or so).

The fronts will range in price from 450CDN(+shipping) for a pair of basic steel constructed gas filled, 450lbs spring coil overs to 2800CDN(and up) for race sets; oil and gas charged, external resevior, stroke adjustable, valve adjustable with custom to client spring rates with full aluminum construstion.

There are always exceptions and some things can be done cheaper... contact AlexFrost or Mr200/DoriToad or myself with any questions.

We should be able too... Soon.

eccentric bolts also tend to lose their settings after you hit a few bumps

im not trying to argue, especially VIA a forum, but the 200sx has eccentric Toe adjustments in the rear, and they seem to hold just fine.

I also installed a set of aftermarket cams in my Malibu (made by SPC), they are for camber adjustment, and again, no changes.

granted, i dont drift, but i drive my cars on the harder side...thats just me tho. everyone has their preferences.

i'd just like to know of a good brand an price range for a complete kit (the cheaper the better)................lol

For Z31 rear springs (ride heights are for Z31, not 100% sure about S12):

Z31 88SS 224lb/in
Stock height

Tokico 165lb/in
.75\" drop

Eibach (progressive) 183-254lb/in
.75\" drop
 
ST 226lb/in
1.0\" drop

MSA: 168lb/in
.75\" drop

The illuminas/konis will hold all of these. KYB/ Tokico Blues(HP), etc won\'t hold ST/SS springs in my experience.

just felt like adding this so that when poeple read it easier isntead of finding it in the search button...

\"The MMR subframe bushings will not fix excessive negitive camber, but they will reduce it. How much? Well that depends on the condition of the original subframe bushings and how much the car is lowered. There are two ways to install them. You get four pieces with the bushing kit. Two bushings with a thick lip and two with a thin lip. If you install them with the thick lip on top of the subframe then the subframe is held in its original position. If you install them with the thin lip on top then the subframe is moved up, closer to the floor pan. The higher the subframe is in relation to the axle center, the less negitive camber there is. The bushings can\'t compensate for a car that has severly sagging springs or has been lowered a lot, but they help.\"

here\'s how to slot the subframe as well:

[url]http://www.az-zbum.com/modification.adjustable.camber.shtml[/a]

Hallo

I am reading that the white-line sway bar is only ad the rear and discontinued but way can i buy them ad there site :biggrin:  FRONT AND REAR

partnr: BNF37Z Sway-bar-heavy duty Blade adjustable = for the front

and BNR34Z Sway bar-heavy duty Blade adjustable   = for the rear.

And both adjustable. mmm i don\'t get it  :confused:  :smile:

the koni rallisport rear springs are 12.5" free height, and much stiffer than stock, somewhere between 300-400lbs

NemisisWhich bushings out of the Z31 kit won't fit? I'd like to know so I can order the correct ones, as I am doing a full bushing replacement upgrade soon.

I got Summit Racing to add prothane eurethane bushings to their online catalog for us.

These are the front bushings for the 280zx:
PTP-14-1202    STRUT ARM BUSHINGS      $23.69
PTP-14-203     CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS    $20.69

It takes a week or two for them to send them though.

They also have the rear control arm bushings for a 300zx (z31) that should work for us too.

I haven't installed these yet, but I bought them with the intent of doing so.

** UPDATE ** I couldn't figure out how to get the front control arm bushings to work. I tried pressing them in to the metal collars on the stock rubber bushings, but they do not fit. Some people said to install the bushings without the metal collars... I just got some fresh Moog ones instead, non-poly, but at least they were new rubber.

I want my S12 low like the white one  
http://www.geocities.jp/silvia_gazelle/s-series.htm

Red_Z31For Z31 rear springs (ride heights are for Z31, not 100% sure about S12):
Z31 88SS 224lb/in
Stock height
Tokico 165lb/in
.75" drop
Eibach (progressive) 183-254lb/in
.75" drop
 
ST 226lb/in
1.0" drop
MSA: 168lb/in
.75" drop
The illuminas/konis will hold all of these. KYB/ Tokico Blues(HP), etc won't hold ST/SS springs in my experience.

the kyb oem replacements(GR2 and gas-a-just) are designed for a stock system.  same with the tokico blues.  They will blow out fairly quickly with the lowered spring and increased springrate.  

If you go to a performance oriented shock/strut insert, they'll last much longer since they are geared more toward this type of application.

can someone who has these springs on their car post a picture of it for me??thx

Superior Sport Chassis/Canuck Motorsports (designed and build on an S12) http://www.canuckmotorsports.com

Canuck springs on a:

4cyl car
 

V6 car

 

edited by sterling 1/7/09

i emailed whiteline about the front and rear adjustable swaybars...

"Our new online part catalogue (located at www.whiteline.com.au ) is constantly being kept up to date and is the best source of product information.
The listing for Nissan Gazelle (with IRS) still has the front and rear sway bars catalogued as being the part numbers that you are enquiring about, so I would have to say that these sway bars are still available."

to get these bars in the us, we have to go here....

Global Performance Parts
4554 - 128th Ave
Holland. MI 49424.  USA
Ph: [phone removed]
Fax: [phone removed]
Web: www.globalperformanceparts.com

s1nt3k-s12Ok so I was just on Summit and the only bushings for the 300zx I saw were rear sway bar, not whole kit...

*****

an r200 rear subframe (turbo/V6) WILL swap no problem into an r180 equipped (CA20) xe model

BUT

the driveshaft flanges are different. so consider a custom shaft into the swap cost

Empedocles99If you want to order those parts, you have to enter the part numbers in manually in the search field.

However, I don't think that the control arm bushings for the 280zx I listed fit our cars (I tried to install them today, they look like they're the wrong size and shape). The strut arm bushings appear to fit though (I won't know for sure till I put the suspension back together).

I believe though that PTP-14-2004 is the whole-car kit for Z31s at Summit that others were talking about.

- Chris

You may have a few more options for springs out there, now that there are custom winds for the Z31 on the market.  Here is a link... http://www.z31parts.com/developments.html

FYI I am running the type 1 springs with poly seats that are also available from the same place.

this is how my car currently sits with the canuck springs on the back 15'' rims
(the frint is BC coilovers  s13/14 conversion)


i think they are fine i have had no problems with them.  they are quite solid. i have nothing bad to say about them and i would recommend them to anyone!

Edit: oh and i think its cool when people are talking about parts in the car etc and they ask how the springs are. i tell them there good and to push down on the back of my car. (it moves about an inch if they push really hard lol)

Oh and i have a question  MMR?  i'm on their site now for the rear bushings. Should I get them?

NO!

CROOKS! Do a search on here for "MMR" and "Mr. Bob" and you're gonna find out how they screwed a number of people. Some people ordered shit from him and got their parts, some in a reasonable time, some it took forever but got their stuff, but others got out and out screwed, and thus far a number of disputed transactions have never been resolved.

So no, stay away from Bob Montgomery a.k.a. MMR unless you like risks.

It's a 50/50 if you order from MMR. Either you get the parts or you don't. You won't get your money back that's for sure. If you are dead set, use a CC so you can chargeback him like I did. They sent me wrong mounts, I try to contact(everything I could, mail/email and tried to search for a number too) but no reply. I just said fuck it and did a chargeback. Once I had my money back then they wanted to talk. They emailed me to the same email that never got a response from. I sent back the wrong mounts and he shipped them back to me and settled the chargeback and redid the transaction. I got my parts, but it took me 3 months fussing and yelling. I wasn't even in CA(home) for 2 of those months. You'll see more stories. Good luck.

I just wish we had someone else that could make us parts like that. They actually have some really nicely machined products, even for the FC, which could even be redone for the s12, Now because of the way they do business I will never support them until I know things have changed(no way of knowing that).

I am finally to the point where I have saved enough to start looking at springs and shocks.. I am wondering now, if I get SCC/CM springs, will KYB GR-2 shocks be able to support them?

PURPLEââ,¬Â¦OGââ,¬Â¦KUSH
I am finally to the point where I have saved enough to start looking at springs and shocks.. I am wondering now, if I get SCC/CM springs, will KYB GR-2 shocks be able to support them?

well shit, I guess I ordered KYB's for nothing... hopefully I'll be able to get my money back. Any tips of where to find Koni's that will fit? Everything is either out of my price range or won't fit on my car..

PURPLEââ,¬Â¦OGââ,¬Â¦KUSH
well shit, I guess I ordered KYB's for nothing... hopefully I'll be able to get my money back. Any tips of where to find Koni's that will fit? Everything is either out of my price range or won't fit on my car..

Will these work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Acces...p4506.m20.l1116

LOL gabriels are shit.... the basicaly stock... opt for koni yellows or tokico hp blues at the least.... or get the 5 way adjustable illuminas

i have hp's from 300zx in the rear work good but when i get my ssc's im gonna run koni yellows 3 way adjust or possibly illuminas

pffff. hp's are stock replacement too

hmmm

agx
illumina
or koni yellow$

Where have ppl gotten just their front coilovers? I want a set that has the adjustable camber plates.

I just did a massive overhaul of this thread, and deleted about 3/4 of the posts.  if there are questions about any of the info here, please start a new thread and link it, lets keep this one clean for reference only.  Thanks

lvDave

When you do a search for PTP-14-2004 on summit it gives you two choices PTP-14-2004, and PTP-14-2004BL, both the same price and without description.  Is there a difference between the two?

200sxkitcar
I just did a massive overhaul of this thread, and deleted about 3/4 of the posts.  if there are questions about any of the info here, please start a new thread and link it, lets keep this one clean for reference only.  Thanks
This was never resolved, anyone have any ideas?  I think its just the color.

so the full prothane z31 kit wil mostly fit our cars? i wil order a set soon

did someone fitted the prothane z31 irs rear subframe bushings yet?

greetings,