Into-Gettin Ready for first upgrades
 

First of all just want to say hello to my fellow Washington Zdrivers! I'm looking forward to much insight from everyone, (nismo, barbie, bleach etc...) and everyone else, so far I've been just reading and SEARCHING! Yes Nismo I do know of this!:biggrin: Ill try and use it since i know how much you love reminding noobs of it! I hope im putting this in the right spot im still trying to figure this out.

Now to the car info:

1979 280zx GL
L28e 5 speed
R200-3.70?
Stock everything except the intake, just trying to fix years of not being kept-up. Runs somewhat a daily driver when not working on it.

I do have one little question I have searched on the how-to on my first upgrade which is poly bushings and suspension. Just want any last minute pointers or quick tips from those that have done it.

This is my first time bringing a car back to life my roommate and I have alot to do inside and out. Happy to be apart of the Z family.:icon_super:

Thanks

www.cardomain.com/ride/3817179

w00t!!! :006:

Make sure you use the proper poly grease / lube. Also, the new bushings will be taller (thicker) than the worn out stock ones, so be prepared for tight fits.

Thanks I think i comes with lube, but just incase what kind can i pick-up?

Just going with the Tokico Hp shocks and springs for now....should be a desent upgrade for street use right?

Any grease that's made for polyurethane bushings. If it comes w/ lube, use it.

Here's an example: http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...4-oz-Tube.html

And it is sticky!!! Not fun on bare hands, so use some surgical rubber gloves when applying.

From what I've heard, Tokico HP's are basically the Illumina's but stuck on the "3" (or middle) setting...

So after some more reading I saw someone say the Tokico springs are softer than stock? Really? doesnt seem right. Let me know cause i just bought the set-up and want to know if i should even do it....:017:

Sooo....poly bushing bad on the tension rod? Damn!!

I've been playing around with my new toy - '83 280ZX. The first suspension upgrade I'll be doing is the Tokico strut/spring combo (HPK 255). John at Beta Motorsport sells them for a great price - I ordered in a set from him and he's been a stand up guy through the whole transaction plus he's one of the cheapest prices I've seen.

http://www.betamotorsports.com/products/products.php

I can't wait to get these in and get rid of the stock ZX marshmallow suspension :)

Poly Bushing
 

Broke a tension rod just rolling to a stop and did an immediate HARD right turn and almost crash...poly bushings on both the tension rods. Took off the rear poly and reinstalled rubber to allow some play in the bushings rather than flexing the tension rod. I feel safer now...glad it didn't break on the Dragon's Tail.

It's common knowledge that poly bushings on the T/C rod cause them to snap, that's why most people either drill holes in the poly bushings or just put new rubber ones in ;)

BTW, has anyone ever tried this?
http://www.blackdragonauto.com/icata...l.aspx?Page=47
the "#88-700 PERFORMANCE tension/compression rod kit"?

Techno toy tuning has an aftermarket tension rod for sale for $200 a pair and from what I hear they are really good. I know a couple of people on this forum are using it but I can't remember who.

^^^ Bleach and AudioFreak are using them.

no thanks, I've heard bad things about changing the pivot angle on the T/C rods, and especially with how low I'm going.

That, and if I wanted those, I could make them if I wanted to for like $50 in materials lol

Put a poly/rubber combo on the t/c rod

I am on my third 280ZX, however The new upgrades I am doing involve Brembo Rotors, KYB Shocks & Struts, Poly Bushings on the Front Control arms & new calipers front & rear and MSA swaybars With Cusco strut braces... due to a POS front lip on my ZX I cannot lower it...

i have that msa kit. its a good alternative to the technotoytuning ones. at least its cheaper. i have a poly bushing in the front and the ball socket on the back. been that way for 10 years now. handles like a dream with stock ride height, poly bushings all the way round, kyb gr2 shocks (may want stiffer ones) stock front springs (too soft for autox, but good for street) and mercedes 300d rear springs cut to equal ride height plus msa big swaybar kit front and rear. i broke the msa front sway bar mounts, so make larger ones from steel. handling is quite neutral. i can use the loud pedal to direct the car what to do. drift, or push.