I just read the sticky for changing the suspension. If I get in on the GC group buy can I (the home mechanic) install coilovers the same way as springs?

Thanks.

 

GC coilovers are height adjustable springs.

Yes you can install them yourself.

 

Perfect - Thank you.

 

adjustable coilovers have a sleeve that moves up/down, thus, allowing you to change the ride height to a certain extent: http://www.eatricezone.com/images2/gc01.jpg

normal spring/shock combos have a spring perch that is not adjustable, so the ride height is based upon the spring length and spring perch location: http://www.eatricezone.com/images2/53059.jpg

side by side (300ZX parts): http://www.eatricezone.com/images2/gc02.jpg

 

hey with coilovers do you need to buy anything else.. i heard that if you get coilvoers or springs you'll have to upgrade some other parts.. or it will wear out quick or something..

 

ok im noticing that people are upgrading their spring/struts when they get coilovers.. do they only upgrade the front spring/struts? or all around?

 

all around

 

also with the coilovers.. would i be getting new shock and shock absorbers? and what are struts? im still al ittle confused

 

Ground Control coilovers = Sleeve type. They are just regular lowering springs with an adjustable perch so you have height adjustability. They are NOT true coilovers and you still need a set of performance struts. These are relatively cheap since they are just "springs" and you will need your own set of struts to go with them.

Coilovers = True coilover. These are performance springs paired with a performance strut from the same company. These will run you atleast 750 a set (TEIN basics). Normally they have full height adjustability and the more expensive ones also have full adjustable damping (strut stiffness).

Or you can get any normal spring + strut combination separately.

For simplicity reasons, you can just think of struts and shocks as being the same thing since they basically perform the same function (absorb the spring's bounce after compression), although they are slightly different in how they are designed.

 

oh ok gotcha.. cuz i was lookin at the ground control coils.. so if i get those and a set of shocks or struts all around ill be fine right?

 

yea u'll be find but ur ride is going to be bumpy

 

Be warned that the Ground Control "coilovers" (they're just adjustable spring preches) are crappy in terms of both ride, noise, and build quality.
You're much better off getting a set of springs that will lower the car to the height you want it, or better yet go for true adjustable coilovers as they're just a little more $ than the lowering springs and struts, but the performance is light years ahead.

 

hmm whats the cheapest "better" set of coilovers that i can get? also are the ebay ones worth getting?

 

I know that If you dont drop it 1.5" you have to get a camber kit. But other wise you need a spring compressor to install them on the strut

 

there is the group deal on the KSport for $740

 

man im too cheap/poor for that *sigh*..

 

Then don't lower your car yet. Seriously, it's just far too much of a headache to do unless you have a good $600 or more to spend. If you go cheap, you'll end up with a horrible ride and shocks that will blow out faster than you can blink.

The only possible exception is the Tokico HP kit ($400, give or take), but that kit uses Tokico's OEM replacement struts. They probably won't blow out that fast with those springs, but the ride will still be pretty harsh (just cuz the struts can barely handle the springs).

BTW, those eBay "coilovers" are inconceivably bad. The price says it all.