I'm working on a 81 280 ZX and making a lot of changes anyway so I was wondering about the rear suspension. The angle the rear arms swing seeams bad to me in changing caster, camber and alingment as it moves.

First, is this something that anyone notices between Z's and ZX's?

Second, has anyone ever put a Z type independent suspension on a ZX?

I know I can buy adjustable rear parts for a Z but I don't know if I'd just be wasting time and $.

 

Short answer... don't waste your time.

 

people have noticed and thought of it before
Same semi-trailing a-arm setup is used in the Z31

Slot the rear crossmember that holds the arms in place. You then have minimal toe and camber control. Lower it and then weld the adjustments where needed.

or, buy a Z32/Z33 for a higher tech suspension and toss the 280ZX

 

Thanks. Kinda what I thought but had not found where it had been addressed. I've gone to a lot of trouble reinforcing everything to make it a convertable and adding a LS1 and I don't want to finish and find the rear suspension to be a dissapointment.

 

convertable? mmmmmm...... idk, ls1 sounds fun though. this has been brought up, it would take some time and money to fab up the Z parts to it but obviously its already been covered. best bet would to just upgrade whats already in there

 

the zx has good suspension for what it is. if you throw a ls1 and put other goodies on it that rear will be all over the road. i know someone who has done a 300zx suspension setup like bleach said.

 

The stock rear suspension is fine if its reconditioned and good dampers and springs used, don't forget its a similar type of suspension used on 510's and BMW's of that era.

Or maybe look at using the Z31 rear end? That would be my choice, five stud wheel conversion if you want it too.

Anyway, look at this BMW in action, see what you think http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiBoP7tcG_s

Then there is this sort of thing http://www.redz31.com/pages/coilovers.html

 

I'm sorry..but the convertable part...Made me puke in my mouth... In my opinion...the Z's in general..especially the 280zx's look like a crappy early 80's Mercedes Benz..when turned into a convertable.. No offense though man...just my opinion..

 

260DET,

I'll check those out. I've had to change gears a little to get the 240Z ready for Z Dayz so I've still got time to make some decisions. I know the diff will be my weak link. If I stay stock, I might have to make a new choice a mile or two down the road.

WildmaN,

No offense meant or taken but the ZX Spyder can look good and I can't stand T-tops and sun roofs.

And to be fair, I'm changing the nose and tail and the whole interior so that it will not have the "after thought" look I think you're talking about with the Mercedes.

 

Not what I would do with my car, but convertible ZX's can look good.

 

^^^ That one & his other yellow 280zx are both quite wild cars!

 

I've seen the blue one in person (I took those pictures). Its very well done. The yellow one was wrecked this summer though.

 

Does he have a top? I'm looking for better ideas.

How can I contact him?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

http://www.cardomain.com/id/Valerie280