ride problems

[Boomer]

There is a 15 page thread at my 350.com about the poor stock ride on our Zs. It appears more than one of our brethern in Europe have been reading all the complaints about the bounce, harshness and other characteristics so near and dear to my heart. I have always maintained the ride on the Z was unnessarily harsh, poor, etc. Well, the upshot of this collaboration has given the Continentals enough ammo to demand the ride characteristics be changed. Lo and behold, a Nissan Engineer, for Europe, has developed a supple, not harsh, suspension that utilizes stiffer springs and much softer struts for a great ride w/o losing the handling. Nissan is so pleased with the result, he says, those changes will be implemented worldwide!

So, the problem some of us started griping about is fixed! Problem: How many think it will be retroactive to all 2003s sold in this country by people who want it? I'm betting 0, because it will cost Nissan money to retrofit our Zs. Feel free to browse that thread, it is titled, "Ride Problems" under Repairing, I believe, if not, do a search. I will be monitoring the thread, I encourage you to do the same if you have a problem with the stock ride as I and some others do.

P.S. I would like to have Nissan's guts for garters, but thats just in support of the Euros. Haha

[jtree007]

ya know I I never had a ride problem with mine before I changed my suspension in either cars. Now I am not saying that a problem does not exist.. I jsut would really like to get in to a car that is having the problems to compare it to what I expreenced at stock and my new setup and ne setup by nissan.

[Dr Bonz]

Exactly. I might be having this "problem" and not even be aware of it. To be honest, my 92 Stealth rode pretty much like my Z. I don't really know if what I am feeling is a "problem" since I just assumed that that is how sports cars drive.

Mine feels OK to me. Boomer, can you try and explain exactly what this problem feels like?

[Steve Zzz]

Originally posted by Boomer
... How many think it will be retroactive to all 2003s sold in this country by people who want it? I'm betting 0, because it will cost Nissan money to retrofit our Zs. ....


I think you're exactly right. Of course Nissan won't fix it, nor should they in my opinion. It's not like something is broken or a safety issue in the current suspension. It's just that Nissan found a better way to do it, and they'll improve the future models by maing this change.

Every car built has changes during it's lifetime. Whether it be styling, features, safety, handling or whatever. It's just the natural progression in the lifecycle of a car. Really it's the natural progression of any product.

[riceburnz]

I don't have any problem with how my Z rides. The suspension feels stiff, doesn't bounce like any other car I've ever had, and the handling is hard to beat. This is just my opinion, but I kinda feel like some like to complain too much sometimes. I mean no machine is ever going to be perfect. All of my friends that have ridden in my Z have told me how smooth the ride is for how powerful it is. If you didn't like how the Z rides then why did you guys even buy the car? Anyway, just my opinion.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Exactly. I might be having this "problem" and not even be aware of it. To be honest, my 92 Stealth rode pretty much like my Z. I don't really know if what I am feeling is a "problem" since I just assumed that that is how sports cars drive.

Mine feels OK to me. Boomer, can you try and explain exactly what this problem feels like?

Its a low level bounce over most surfaces. It just continues to move up and down all the time. It crashes over large bumps, which a lot of sports cars do, but I've never experienced a ride that doesn't have a smooth ride over some surfaces. It does it regardless of load, but is much worse the lower the gas tank level gets. It still does it, but under a 1/4 tank, it is unbearable.

Koni is bringing out struts for the back first, it seems to need them first, and will bring out the fronts later. Bonz, its come to this, my artificial hips can't tolerate it much longer and it bounces till I hurt and the only relief is to get out of the car. If the Konis don't work, I can't keep the car, it just that simple.

If you read the thread at my350z, you will notice there are several people who have the same issue. The ride makes them too uncomfortable to drive for any extended period of time. A couple of hours is all they can stand. This jibes with the recent review in Road and Track where 2 editors will no longer drive the long term Z because of the harsh ride and interior noise. No one on the thread seems to mind the noise, but the ride is another thing. Speaking only for myself, if the Konis don't work, and I know how abominable my roads are, I will not be able to drive it much longer. You are an orthopedic surgeon, you know what I'm up against.

I will hate it, but I will have to sell the Z if changing struts doesn't work. My health comes first. I have kept my reasons for my displeasure with the ride to myself until now, when Nissan brings out a "fix" for the improved ride we preorderers won't get. I have no faith Nissan will ever retrofit their solution to our cars.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by riceburnz
I don't have any problem with how my Z rides. The suspension feels stiff, doesn't bounce like any other car I've ever had, and the handling is hard to beat. This is just my opinion, but I kinda feel like some like to complain too much sometimes. I mean no machine is ever going to be perfect. All of my friends that have ridden in my Z have told me how smooth the ride is for how powerful it is. If you didn't like how the Z rides then why did you guys even buy the car? Anyway, just my opinion.

I preordered the car w/o ever seeing one except in pictures on Nissan's website, after waiting 7 months and 26 days for it, how thorough do you think I might be after anticipating it so long? Stiff ride soon turned into harsh and switching tires helped, but not enough. Now, at 7200+ miles and one 1500 mile trip I was finally able to drive, it has become very clear my roads bring out the worst in the stock suspension.

I won't be moving and I won't make payments on a car that I can't drive because of its terrible ride. My VIN# is 001434, I took delivery 11 days after the first Zs were delivered in this country. When did you get yours? Running changes could have been made at any time after I took delivery. I have no idea when or what may have been changed in the last year and Nissan isn't talking to any of us preorderers that feel the same way about the ride.

Are we clear? No offense, but my patience is almost at an end with this car and Nissan.

[Steve Zzz]

I'm in the "no ride problems" camp. I just got my Z in June, so maybe something has changed from the pre-orders, but I doubt it. The longest trip so far has been about 300 miles over mostly interstate and I was pleased with the ride.

Boomer, I can certainly feel your pain but I think you have to accept some of the "blame" yourself. After all, making a $30K investment sight (and drive) unseen would be risky for anything.

You bought a car that just doesn't suit your preferences. I'm not sure that's Nissan's fault, though. Early adopters always tend to pay the highest price and often get the least value when compared to those that wait a bit.

Anyway, I hope you're able to resolve your problem somehow. Good luck!!

[steach]

Boomer,
This does not appear to be a pre-order issue. My Z was born May 24th, 2003 and I took delivery Aug. 1. Also, the roads in the North East are terrible. The combined effect reminds me of the old childs toy with a handle attached to a large ball that you sit on and bounce. (I now have 4200 miles)

To make matters worse I recently pinched a nerve in my hip...I drove my truck this week.

If you have any luck correcting the bounce (short of selling the car) please post.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by steach
Boomer,
This does not appear to be a pre-order issue. My Z was born May 24th, 2003 and I took delivery Aug. 1. Also, the roads in the North East are terrible. The combined effect reminds me of the old childs toy with a handle attached to a large ball that you sit on and bounce. (I now have 4200 miles)

To make matters worse I recently pinched a nerve in my hip...I drove my truck this week.

If you have any luck correcting the bounce (short of selling the car) please post.

You seem to misunderstand the term "Preorder". 8500+ individuals put down a $1000 before the first Zs were built. The process began January 15, 2002, the first cars were delivered August 26, 2002. The first Zs came off the assembly line in June,2002. We trusted Nissan to deliver us a sports car in the spirit of the old 240Zs from 1969. Many cars were delivered way out of alignment which started the cupping tire problem 1000s of us have now and they still haven't been fixed.

Thanks for your concern , but you were NOT a member of the 8500+ who "preordered", so you have no idea of the history on this issue. Trust me.

[Dr Bonz]

Boomer, I feel for you man but I just don't think I have this bounce. As you know I AM one of the few, the proud, the preorderers! My VIN is right after yours at 1596 and I took delivery on mine Sept 24th 2002. I have driven on three long drives of 350 miles plus and had no trouble. I am approaching "old man" stage like you too :) I'm far from one of the young whippersnappers that are members on the Z boards!

I will pay close attention to this next time I'm on the highway. I should have a little less than a quarter tank by the weekend and I'll give it a try.

Good luck with the hips!

[Pooh]

Boomer,

Sorry to hear that your ride problems are bad enough to make you consider getting rid of your car. Especially sorry since you and I have essentially identical cars and surfered through the long preorder ordeal together. I certainly wrote my share of complaints about the "bounce." I am lucky enough to be able to avoid the few specific stretches of highway that cause my suspension to go nuts. The car rides well on most of the roads out here.

One good thing about the news from Europe is that the problem can be fixed - if Nissan can do it by changing components, we should be able to get after market components - like the Konis - that do the same thing. It is frustrating that it will cost a chunk of money to fix a design that doesn't work on a wider variety of surfaces.

Now I have to get the TSB's for "excessive tire noise" and Bose "lack of clarity" done.

[2003z]

Originally posted by Boomer
You seem to misunderstand the term "Preorder". 8500+ individuals put down a $1000 before the first Zs were built. The process began January 15, 2002, the first cars were delivered August 26, 2002. The first Zs came off the assembly line in June,2002. We trusted Nissan to deliver us a sports car in the spirit of the old 240Zs from 1969. Many cars were delivered way out of alignment which started the cupping tire problem 1000s of us have now and they still haven't been fixed.

Thanks for your concern , but you were NOT a member of the 8500+ who "preordered", so you have no idea of the history on this issue. Trust me.

Boomer, I think you misread his post and owe an apology. He was saying it's not a preorder issue because his non-preorder car has the same symptoms as yours.

[NSANY]

Originally posted by Boomer

Thanks for your concern , but you were NOT a member of the 8500+ who "preordered", so you have no idea of the history on this issue. Trust me.

That's a little harsh... Ditto to what 2003z said. The point was that there are ride bounce issues being raised on cars which were produced outside the pre-order window.

[TCL]

Here's my take on it (based on a Track model VIN #14xx and having owned 4 sports cars in the past). On smooth roads there is no issue (i.e. ride is acceptable for a sports car). On roads with a long stretch of a bumpy/uneven surface, most sports cars will be somewhat uncomfortable but I've owned a few that are more composed and comfortable than the Z under these conditions.

The car I use for the benchmark of fantastic handling while maintaining reasonable ride quality is the BMW E36 series M3 (1995-1999 in the US). The suspension on that car was magic.
It maintained more composure through bumpy corners than the Z. I think with a little tuning, the Z can meet or exceed that benchmark. Sounds like Nissan will be doing that tuning for future models.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Boomer, I feel for you man but I just don't think I have this bounce. As you know I AM one of the few, the proud, the preorderers! My VIN is right after yours at 1596 and I took delivery on mine Sept 24th 2002. I have driven on three long drives of 350 miles plus and had no trouble. I am approaching "old man" stage like you too :) I'm far from one of the young whippersnappers that are members on the Z boards!

I will pay close attention to this next time I'm on the highway. I should have a little less than a quarter tank by the weekend and I'll give it a try.

Good luck with the hips!

Doc, your car has 18" wheels, the bounce seems to be a 17" wheel problem. I wouldn't think you would have it at all. Thanks for the hips luck, after 33 years, I'm used to having one or more, but you know something can happen and you have to do it again. I'm on my 5th now, right side.

[Boomer]

offlogic at my350z just posted in the Ride Problem thread that the 2004s all have the European Suspension! A reprsentative at NNA just told him so and said she/they didn't know anyone was dissatisfied with the 2003's suspension. Go read it for yourself, offlogic almost had a Grand Mal seizure when this tidbit was served up to him. I was thinking Class Action Lawsuit, myself, but to each his own. I

I would expect Nissan to deny this now, but the cat is out of the bag, just from an underling who didn't know admitting it would send owners over the edge who have suffered with this for over a year and said so, to NNA and everyone else. To hear this now, is the ultimate irony. After a year, Nissan can say too bad, the warranty period is over, screw you owners, you should have brought it up sooner. This is not honorable, Nissan.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Steve Zzz
I think you're exactly right. Of course Nissan won't fix it, nor should they in my opinion. It's not like something is broken or a safety issue in the current suspension. It's just that Nissan found a better way to do it, and they'll improve the future models by maing this change.

Every car built has changes during it's lifetime. Whether it be styling, features, safety, handling or whatever. It's just the natural progression in the lifecycle of a car. Really it's the natural progression of any product.

The process you are describing is NOT a "normal" progression. You seem to be unaware of the fact that Z sites have had this near the top of their list of defects for a year and Nissan has pointedly ignored them. To leave their biggest fans out of the loop and lie about not hearing anything was wrong with the suspension was heinous and deliberate, IMO. If you don't agree, fine. You weren't there, so I don't need to hear from you again, thanks for your input.

[Steve Zzz]

Originally posted by Boomer
If you don't agree, fine. You weren't there, so I don't need to hear from you again, thanks for your input.

For whatever reason, you've really got stick up your butt thinking you have been wronged by Nissan because the car doesn't ride the way you and some other members of a VERY small minority think it should.

I'm glad there making continual changes to the car. Committment to a product only helps the popularity and value of the car.

Attacking me or any other forum member doesn't do anything to help your cause. Good luck on a class action lawsuit. It won't happen!! Perhaps though you'll be enough of a pain in the *** to NNA that they'll just give you whatever you want just to shut you up. If that will do it, I hope NNA gives you the moon.

[WilboZ]

Certainly NO one, but the individual enduring the pain or discomfort, can understand their particular situation. For that reason, I sympathize with you, Boomer.

However, I've had my '04 LemansSunset Touring 6MT for FOUR WEEKS starting tomorrow, Friday 10/24! Yes, the ride is stiff, but not uncomfortable. I've taken several 200-300 mile rides (I love to drive this car!) and although I can feel some fatigue, it's not unbearable.

By the way...I had my 3rd neck surgery (in two years) in late May this year...C5-6, C6-7 D&F with hardware!
If the ride on MY car was too rough, I'D KNOW IT! :bonkers: I guarantee it!

Enjoy the ride.
:rocking:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Steve Zzz
For whatever reason, you've really got stick up your butt thinking you have been wronged by Nissan because the car doesn't ride the way you and some other members of a VERY small minority think it should.

I'm glad there making continual changes to the car. Committment to a product only helps the popularity and value of the car.

Attacking me or any other forum member doesn't do anything to help your cause. Good luck on a class action lawsuit. It won't happen!! Perhaps though you'll be enough of a pain in the *** to NNA that they'll just give you whatever you want just to shut you up. If that will do it, I hope NNA gives you the moon.

What attack? Your comments were noted and I explained why they were not relevant, IMO. I'm not angry at you or any other Forum member, I'm fed up with Nissan. That is my right and your immature reply is not needed nor does it have any relevancy to my issue with Nissan.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by WilboZ
Certainly NO one, but the individual enduring the pain or discomfort, can understand their particular situation. For that reason, I sympathize with you, Boomer.

However, I've had my '04 LemansSunset Touring 6MT for FOUR WEEKS starting tomorrow, Friday 10/24! Yes, the ride is stiff, but not uncomfortable. I've taken several 200-300 mile rides (I love to drive this car!) and although I can feel some fatigue, it's not unbearable.

By the way...I had my 3rd neck surgery (in two years) in late May this year...C5-6, C6-7 D&F with hardware!
If the ride on MY car was too rough, I'D KNOW IT! :bonkers: I guarantee it!

Enjoy the ride.
:rocking:

Glad you are enjoying your ride, I wish I could say the same.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by 2003z
Boomer, I think you misread his post and owe an apology. He was saying it's not a preorder issue because his non-preorder car has the same symptoms as yours.

You are right. steach, I apologize for my remarks. I was so angry at NNA's garbage, I neglected to read your post correctly. You are absolutely correct. Boomer

[Boomer]

Originally posted by steach
Boomer,
This does not appear to be a pre-order issue. My Z was born May 24th, 2003 and I took delivery Aug. 1. Also, the roads in the North East are terrible. The combined effect reminds me of the old childs toy with a handle attached to a large ball that you sit on and bounce. (I now have 4200 miles)

To make matters worse I recently pinched a nerve in my hip...I drove my truck this week.

If you have any luck correcting the bounce (short of selling the car) please post.

Sorry for the bad post steach, 2003 pointed out I screwed up on my reply to you. I'm going for Konis as soon as they come out. Several knowledgable people have warned me against coilovers, NISMO, etc. Konis, Tokiko, other adjustable struts are the answer in their opinion and I share their opinion. I know its more money, but its that or the car is history and I don't want that, I had planned to keep it for a long, long time. Also, replacing just the struts is the least expensive fix and maybe the best, for me anyway. When I put them on, I'll post a review if you're interested.

[pitlizard]

Boomer, I believe that you are on to something here. I have pre-order vin# 258 with 17". I had a bad right pull which was fixed, and no noticable feathering at 11,000 miles, and a great ride until she hit around 10,000 miles.

Something now has changed and the ride is very harsh and bouncey, It is not a sport car ride. I plan to limit any trips in this Z to 30 minutes. I would love to put this motor in my 82 280ZX and go back to a very good handling and riding Z. I am not complaining, the 350 handles and is a great car, but the ride is not comfortable.

[riceburnz]

I think the thing you guys have to remember is that 2003 is the first year this car was made. The first of anything is going to have it's problems, it's inevitable. And if you thought that Nissan would be able to make this car absolutely perfect the first time around, you guys were living in a dream world. I would like to know if anyone here can name a car that had absolutely no problems the first year they were produced. I would bet the answer is no. So I say either get rid of the car if you hate the ride so much, fix the suspension to your liking (what most logical people do when they want to improve something), or stop complaining. Nissan isn't perfect and in my opinion shouldn't retroactively fix a suspension so that it's not "bouncy" or whatever. If a bunch of people think that the Z doesn't have enough power do you think that Nissan would say "hey, I guess we should throw a turbo kit on the car since everyone isn't happy", no they wouldn't.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by pitlizard
Boomer, I believe that you are on to something here. I have pre-order vin# 258 with 17". I had a bad right pull which was fixed, and no noticable feathering at 11,000 miles, and a great ride until she hit around 10,000 miles.

Something now has changed and the ride is very harsh and bouncey, It is not a sport car ride. I plan to limit any trips in this Z to 30 minutes. I would love to put this motor in my 82 280ZX and go back to a very good handling and riding Z. I am not complaining, the 350 handles and is a great car, but the ride is not comfortable.

It may be a long shot, but some people's cars have had some rear suspension bolts get loose and tightening them up has been the answer. Otherwise, I'll have a review on the Konis when I get them installed. They are designed to work on the stock springs, so you don't have an extra expense.

[DAERICKS]

Boomer, Just a thought; The pain you are feeling may not be entirely from the suspension. If the length of time you can drive without pain has been decreasing, it may be that the seat padding in breaking down and you are sitting lower in the seat. Tthe sides of the seat may now be holding you tight and you are not able to shift around to relax the pressure. I have broken both hips and have found that some seats "lock" me into a single position. I have found the best satisfaction with leather seats because I can more easily shift around. Airliner seats are the worst for me Before giving up, try placing a stiff pad on the seat to see if this helps. If this helps the situation, the real fix will be to have different padding installed. The bouncing and crashing over bumps is definitly suspension. My experience with hip pain has always come down to being locked into one position by the seat. Broken hip #1 over 30 yrs ago. Broken hip #2 20 years ago. Three years ago I put slightly over 1000 miles in 24 hours on my 2000 Harley Fatboy with a Corbin Hollywood Solo seat. Both the seat and the bike are style first, function last. I hurt all over, but my hips hurt less than after a 4 hour flight. Two final thoughts:
1) You gotta suffer for fashion (women in thongs)
2) Every time one of my toys starts to cause pain and discomfort, it can usually be traced to having spied a new toy I need NOW. What have you been looking at?

[steach]

I am interested in the Koni review and an appology is not nessecary.

The coilover shocks are for max performance, not comfort. I find the handling to be enough for me I just want to eliminate the bounce. Although, I am also considering an adjsutable sway bar setup.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by DAERICKS
Boomer, Just a thought; The pain you are feeling may not be entirely from the suspension. If the length of time you can drive without pain has been decreasing, it may be that the seat padding in breaking down and you are sitting lower in the seat. Tthe sides of the seat may now be holding you tight and you are not able to shift around to relax the pressure. I have broken both hips and have found that some seats "lock" me into a single position. I have found the best satisfaction with leather seats because I can more easily shift around. Airliner seats are the worst for me Before giving up, try placing a stiff pad on the seat to see if this helps. If this helps the situation, the real fix will be to have different padding installed. The bouncing and crashing over bumps is definitly suspension. My experience with hip pain has always come down to being locked into one position by the seat. Broken hip #1 over 30 yrs ago. Broken hip #2 20 years ago. Three years ago I put slightly over 1000 miles in 24 hours on my 2000 Harley Fatboy with a Corbin Hollywood Solo seat. Both the seat and the bike are style first, function last. I hurt all over, but my hips hurt less than after a 4 hour flight. Two final thoughts:
1) You gotta suffer for fashion (women in thongs)
2) Every time one of my toys starts to cause pain and discomfort, it can usually be traced to having spied a new toy I need NOW. What have you been looking at?

Some good thoughts, but being locked into any seating position is the story of my life. I'm 6'5" and 288lbs, I don't have any leeway in the seat at all. Its not the seat, I'm really quite comfortable in the seat, its just the bouncing and crashing I can't get away from with this suspension. I can't add any padding to the seat because I wouldn't be able to drive the car, no room.

You're very perceptive, I've looked at the G35, Lexus GS 430 and the new Acura TL. Sedans, thats how miserable I am in the Z!

[Boomer]

Originally posted by riceburnz
I think the thing you guys have to remember is that 2003 is the first year this car was made. The first of anything is going to have it's problems, it's inevitable. And if you thought that Nissan would be able to make this car absolutely perfect the first time around, you guys were living in a dream world. I would like to know if anyone here can name a car that had absolutely no problems the first year they were produced. I would bet the answer is no. So I say either get rid of the car if you hate the ride so much, fix the suspension to your liking (what most logical people do when they want to improve something), or stop complaining. Nissan isn't perfect and in my opinion shouldn't retroactively fix a suspension so that it's not "bouncy" or whatever. If a bunch of people think that the Z doesn't have enough power do you think that Nissan would say "hey, I guess we should throw a turbo kit on the car since everyone isn't happy", no they wouldn't.

Your comments are noted.

[Dr Bonz]

" I'm 6'5" and 288lbs"

Boy, I'm glad I wasn't your orthopedic surgeon! :D

[Boomer]

Just call me Moby D.

[DAERICKS]

Boomer, Don't think in the lines of adding more padding. Remove the old padding and add firmer padding. Ask what captured you about the Z? Does anything else still compare? I've driven the Z, the Boxter S. the Z4, the Mini S, the Z Roadster. The Boxter S came the closest. It handled better and its a Porche (read up on the Bower bird). But, to get to the real power, 4000+ rpm for the S, Straight line torque is always the king. When I was younger I thought the Elephant Tank (10 gallons) for BMW motorcycles was the ultimate accessory. I'm 52 now and realize I have a 150 mile bladder. What moves your soul? At heart we come from the Puritans. We don't buy art without function. A motor provides function. "Comprimise" "Balance" "Pure"? Only you can decide.

Just to add some spice to replies, I'm still waiting to purchase Z. Haven't made final decision. Currently driving a 76 Eldorado Convertible. Still waiting for them to perfect the color TV.

[DAERICKS]

By the way Bonze, I have 4 coats of Zaino on the Eldo. I think I might have you beat by sheer acreage alone Hummers move over to make room when they see me wallowing in their direction

[Boomer]

Originally posted by DAERICKS
Boomer, Don't think in the lines of adding more padding. Remove the old padding and add firmer padding. Ask what captured you about the Z? Does anything else still compare? I've driven the Z, the Boxter S. the Z4, the Mini S, the Z Roadster. The Boxter S came the closest. It handled better and its a Porche (read up on the Bower bird). But, to get to the real power, 4000+ rpm for the S, Straight line torque is always the king. When I was younger I thought the Elephant Tank (10 gallons) for BMW motorcycles was the ultimate accessory. I'm 52 now and realize I have a 150 mile bladder. What moves your soul? At heart we come from the Puritans. We don't buy art without function. A motor provides function. "Comprimise" "Balance" "Pure"? Only you can decide.

Just to add some spice to replies, I'm still waiting to purchase Z. Haven't made final decision. Currently driving a 76 Eldorado Convertible. Still waiting for them to perfect the color TV.

Another old fart like me, I'm 59 and my first new car was a 1965 Triumph TR4, BRG with lever shocks on the rear. It was far more comfortable than the Z. There never was any rationale for making the Z's first suspension so harsh, the 2004s will ride much better in the real world and real racers will modify it.

Ah, I'm Native American from the SE U.S. moved from there, no choice, to Oklahoma. My wife(Scotch Irish) and I collect NA and Oriental art and it isn't functional. My first choice was an M3, then a 330iC, but German cars have lost a lot of their luster, in the shop too often. I loved my 72 240Z, and took a chance on the 350 because we've owned 3 Maximas with the VQ engine and the lure of all that hp and trq was a siren song. The ride has spoiled a lot of my fun, but the Konis will suffice well, I believe. You should drive a 2004 w/the Euro suspension, its what many of the Charter members on this site have been calling for since we took delivery in 2002.

My favorite sports car? A 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo, I used as my company car for 7 years and 128,000 miles. You can't beat a midengine behind the driver for handling, 2860lbs w/200hp at 6000rpm, 200lbs of torque at 3200rpm out of 2 liters, redline 7300. The Z reminds me of the old Chevy 283 hauling a lot less ballast. It is the only reason I will spend more to make it right and yes, the torque is addictive.

If you're still driving an 76 Eldo(white w/red interior?), you will like the 2004 more than the 03 like, I think. Why don't you take a test drive and post me back on your impressions? I'm very interested to see if Nissan hit our(some preorders) mark for the ride. Balance is always my mark, and the definition of sports car has many interpretations these days. Drag racers? Unheard of in the 60's and '70s, fast around the corners and curves was the "pure" sports car. After all, we old farts invented the term, didn't we? Oh, forget color, HDTV is a must have and 16:9 aspect is the new god-like device!

[thrlskr]

Boomer,

How did the Konis work out?

[Boomer]

Originally posted by thrlskr
Boomer,

How did the Konis work out?

I was wondering who ressurected this old whiny thread, but I can give you a definitive answer. The Konis are PERFECT, their engineers are magicians in my book, they reduced the compression and ramped up the rebound to use with the stock springs and now? The car is VERY FIRM, not harsh and hasn't lost an iota of its handling. I run through stretches of pavement where I used to cringe and I feel the suspension hitting every bump and my head is bobbing, but it doesn't crash, it doesn't bounce more than an inch before the rebound tightens it down w/o a whimper. Worth the wait, the cost and I am keeping the car, no question.

A week after I had them installed, my wife and I went to an Arts Festival on I35 about 50 miles round trip and I asked her if she felt any difference. She said,"Its the first time I've ridden in this car that my jaws didn't ache afterwards". She drove our 72 240 for a year as her personal car, so she isn't a novice. We're about to go for a driving trip for a few days a week or two from now and we're aren't taking the new 04 Acura TL, we're taking the Z. She bought special luggage to fit the hatch area and we could be gone for 2 weeks and not have to clean or wash anything.

Had enough? Someone, back when the problems were at their worst, suggested we may as well fix them ourselves or they wouldn't be fixed at all. I, and a few others, did just that w/o going broke in the process. Whatever changes Nissan made in the 2004.5's suspension may work fine for those lucky buyers, but I consider the Konis to be a huge UPGRADE, not just a replacement, they have a lifetime warranty and are adjustable for wear. I don't expect I will ever change the Koni recommended full soft setting, since there are 3 harder settings for rebound only!

Boomer babble babble-you asked.

[thrlskr]

Great review! Thanks for your time. Just 4 settings huh? My Koni yellows on the miata had what seemed like an infinite range of adjustment. I now have custom shortened double adjustable konis on the miata.

I'm glad to here that you like the results. Where is the be$t place to purchase them?

[Boomer]

Originally posted by thrlskr
Great review! Thanks for your time. Just 4 settings huh? My Koni yellows on the miata had what seemed like an infinite range of adjustment. I now have custom shortened double adjustable konis on the miata.

I'm glad to here that you like the results. Where is the be$t place to purchase them?

I bought mine on a group buy for $675 plus shipping from 350 EVO, they are a little more now, but they are available at several places. I think 350 EVO.com still has the best price, but you need to shop around to be sure.

The settings are for rebound only and tailored for the stock springs, but a couple of buyers have adjusted theirs up a couple of notches for autox, etc. One buyer says his best street/sport setting is full soft on the rear and up one setting for the front. It makes sense, the stock spring rates are approximately 347lbs frt and 417 rear, so he's evening the rebound control out a little bit.

I like it fine on the lowest setting, but you can certainly experiment, the adjustments can be done on the car w/o removing anything. The fronts adjust at the top w/a knob and the rears adjust with a small allen wrench on the inside of the rears, just need to raise the rear to do it. I think you'll like them, especially since you have experience w/Konis.