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Hi Randy: With the older KYB gas pressure shocks, no one reported, nor did I notice any increase in ride height when they were installed. However it "seems" that the newer KYB GT-2's as well as the Tokico's do result in an increase in ride height if only the shocks are changed. The OEM front springs in the 240-Z are rated at about 83lbs/in.. and the load on the front strut is about 562lbs to 602lbs. So a high pressure gas shock that had a positive pressure of 83 lbs.. would unload the spring and lift the car 1 inch. If they are installed with aftermarket springs - that have a shorter Free Length to begin with, and which have a higher spring rate - the effect would not be as great. If the after-market springs have a spring rate of say 125 lbs./in. then lifting 83 lbs off the load, would result in about a 1/2 inch increase in ride height... ( but the shorter springs would hide that effect to an extent). The original gas filled shocks... used an inert gas (nitrogen) to reduce foaming in the oil in the shock when the shock was pumped rapidly. However they had a very low positive pressure. From what I've read and been told by people who are supposed to know - the new Gas Pressure Shocks do have a very high positive pressure. The Racing Shop that measured the spring rates for me (on the OEM and re-production springs), told me that the cars they more normally deal with - like Camero's/Firebirds.. high pressure shocks can have a positive pressure as high as 100 lbs. I guess we'll have to get a couple of the newer KYB's and Tokico's and actually measure the amount of upward force they produce. Then take the matter up with the manufacturers... FWIW, Carl B.

Any kind of paint requires adhesion via one of two methods: Chemical or Mechanical. Chemical is where the paint can bond to the surface via some form of chemical reaction. Whether it's Epoxy Primer bonding to metal due to the self-etch properties in it's composition, or a second layer of paint on top of a previous and still "wet" (meaning fresh) coat of paint. Mechanical is where the paint can bond to the previous surface via irregularities in the surface that allow the paint to flow into those surface scratches and irregularities such that when it dries (sets) part of the new paint is imbedded inside those scratches and the rest is outside. POR requires the use of Marine Clean to ensure that the surface to be treated is free of grease, and other oils that would prevent proper surface contact. The Metal Ready is the portion of the preparation process that etches the metal to accept the POR. While the Metal Ready would probably not be of much use on the paint, the Marine Clean would at least ensure that the surface is free from grease. So in order to ensure that the POR adheres to the prior paint, you'll find that you are left with only one option....mechanical adhesion. That means you'll have to scuff up the paint, and scuff it up enough for the POR to "bite" into it well enough to stick. The few times that I've had POR drip onto a previously painted surface that was NOT prepared....it didn't stick. In fact, you could PEEL it off like if it were a sticker. FWIW E

Hello Mohammed: I do not have any specifications for the aftermarket "ST" springs, so I can not answer your question directly. I can however tell you that the OEM/Stock springs for the 240 have: Front Springs 10 Coils Rear Springs 10.65 Coils Right Front Spring Free Length = 15.2 inches (386mm) Left Front Spring Free Length = 14.7 inches (373.5mm) Rear Springs Free Length = 14.5 inch (369mm) So the free length of the OEM/Stock Front Springs is longer than the rear. The Rear Springs have more coils, in a shorter distance... so their spring rate is greater than the front. The Spring Rates for the OEM/Stock Springs are: Front = 83 lbs/in. (1.48 kg/mm) Rear = 103.6 lbs/in. (1.85 kg/mm) I agree with John - almost everyone I've heard from reports that the new gas shocks, being sold for the 240-Z's will raise the ride height of the car between .75 and 1.25 inches. I believe that this is an issue we need to take up with KYB and others... Looking at the picture you provided - the front of the car looks about right to me - but the rear is sagging. With a stock 240-Z, with stock wheels/tires - you can normally place three to four of your fingers, with your hand held vertically - between the top of the tire and the wheel arch. Stock Ride Height for the 240-Z, if you measure from the bottom of the rocker panel to the pavement - is 8.00 to 8.25 inches. Measured at the notch in the pinch weld seam, where the car's jack is supposed to be placed... Note - measure to the bottom or underside of the rocker panel... not to the pinch weld seam that sticks down below the bottom of the rocker panel. Wheel/tire size can increase or decrease ride height... so you have to take the effect of larger or smaller diameter tires/wheels into account - when using the 8 / 8.25 inch measurement. Remember that the 240-Z's were Sports/GT's... with all independent suspension. Lots of ground clearance, lots of spring/shock travel. In stock form they aren't supposed to be sitting on the ground.. Note Picture of Stock 240-Z below - see the ground clearance in front.... see the tire/wheel arch clearance in the front. FWIW, Carl

I think Ed might disagree with being in the top 50 with worst reputation. Then again, he might not care. Because he's in the top 50 with the best reputation too. But "reputation" factor doesnt bother me one way or the other. Can't judge a persons character on an internet forum. If you know me personally then you know me. Wink wink!! FWIW, Chris A.

Whatever....BIG GRIN Hey...as long as we're sharing info and trying to help each other out (I.E. - Moral support, Kind words when needed...etc...etc) who gives a hoot..... webdawg1

Ian are you spraying single stage paint? I paid more in materials than $150.00.

Metal Ready is just phosphoric acid. Marine Clean is just a degreaser. You do not necessarily have to buy them as long as you get their equivalents and do the same steps. Remember, if you are going to do something, do it right (especially the first time). A few extra hours stripping the old paint will be worthwhile.

Have you tried fish oil? Wattle make a decent product the water beads straight off the paint when it dries, but it takes a couple of days to get rid of the smell

Dude, are you just trying to pump up your post count? Waking up these old threads just clutters the front page. I understand that you're fairly new here but most of this stuff has already been answered or forgotten about.

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO HERE ! THIS THREAD IS FROM MARCH , IT IS OVER AND DONE WITH . If you have a question start a new thread of your own. Entering into an discussion that took place several months ago is useless drivel unless you found that it was totally wrong information and it needs to be corrected. GARY