Hey everyone,
I’ve got a ’79 280ZX that I’m slowly restoring and want to improve the ride and handling without making it harsh it’s mostly for weekend drives, not track use. I’m debating between just doing new shocks and springs or going with a full coilover setup. I’ve heard mixed reviews about lowering too much or going too stiff for street use Any recommendations from those who’ve done this? I’m not looking for show-car stance, just better cornering and less float.

Some stuff I’ve been reading/watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP0d8-Fo3RE
https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2023/05/car-suspension-system-basics-components-types.html
https://zcardepot.com/collections/suspension
https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/classic280zxsuspension

Couldn't find much for the ZX...

Here's the Zx man. Maybe he can add some info.

@dutchzcarguy

There is a spring upgrade, Japanese I believe, for coil overs that allows you to run softer feeling springs than their effective rate. A good solution to prevent harshness. I can't remember the name currently

10 hours ago, siteunseen said:

Here's the Zx man. Maybe he can add some info.

Hahaha, site, thanks! Yeah, What can i ad.. My 280zx has still the original shocks, springs as it has a registered Dutch NAP of only 120000km on it! (It's also a 1979 280zx)

If i needed some new shocks/springs i would contact KONI. I know that they make a very nice (Yellow??) shock absorber specially for the 280zx's.. springs i don't know.. i never really investigated it as my car is still 95+ % original.

There is a big topic somewhere on here about KONI, use the search option..

Do you have a t-bar car.. i had 2.. and made a triangle under the hood so the chassis would be stronger, with a t-bar your windscreen breaks especially with the 2+2 chassis. The car body exhibits excessive torsion because of the length of the body. As my car is a slick roof it's not that neccessary to put a triangle in.

Motorsport Auto | Z Store

Has the complete set shock absorbers and springs. For 625 dollar. when you see costs for a "today modern car" this is VERY VERY SHEAP !! I don't get todays cars they are stupidly expensive and brake down all the time.. and just to change a bulb the whole bumper has to come of???!! Welcome to todays technology it's crazy!!!

And then all those stupid gadgets,, what? a auto windscreenwiper?? I DECIDE WHEN TO WIPE .. stupid car.. auto lights? going into a little tunnel.. the light flicks ON, and stay on for about a minute. pure waist of energy..

i know.. but if a million cars do this it's a LOT of waisted energy..

Lights on all day.. stupid waist of energy.. are people blind these days.. lights on should be there for motorbikes only during the day.. just my opinion.

If your interested, here is my topic about the restore of my 280zx.

At first i could not find it my own started topic, under "my started topic's" @Mike i had to do the search option?

280zx 1979 2+2 slick roof restauration - Classic ZX - 2nd to 4th Generation - Classic Zcar Community