OK so it's no hod rod, but,

Subscribe
Sep 9, 2010 | 04:36 PM
  #1  
I know my 280zx na is not going to be a rocket, but, what about the handling.
It's got 205/70/14s and a stock set up. Would I see a significant improvement if I put on larger sway bars, performance shocks and strut tower brace? I'm on a tight budget and was wondering what would give me the best bang for the buck. I know the struts need to be replaced. BTW, what is the size of the stock sway bars? Thanks
Reply
Sep 9, 2010 | 07:40 PM
  #2  
Yes, most any stock car will benefit performance upgrades when done correctly.

Stock sway bars are 3/4" I believe. MSA sells 1" front, 7/8" rear: http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/23-4103

KYB's and Tokico's are both good struts. Eibach has good springs, but if you are on a budget, you can use 79-83 Mercedes 300D front springs for the 280zx rear, they just need to be cut to length. Search for 300D here, I've discussed it before. SHADY280 has quite a firm setup on his n/a... I've been in it.
Reply
Sep 9, 2010 | 09:05 PM
  #3  
Ok, I'll start with the that. Also, is there a way to tighten the steering to make it less light and get more feedback?
Reply
Sep 9, 2010 | 09:35 PM
  #4  
Get an alignment.

What year is your car? Rack and pinion? Replacing bushings w/ a poli kit, and replacing tie rod ends / ball joints, and use a hard poli / plastic steering column coupler... that will tighten steering.
Reply
Sep 9, 2010 | 09:50 PM
  #5  
Thanks for the info. It's an 82. Rack and pinion. I heard once that poli bushing tend to squeak.
Reply
Sep 9, 2010 | 09:53 PM
  #6  
Yes, if you install them wrong. Use the provided lube.

hehe... der... this guy forgot to use lube: http://www.fbodyonline.com/forum/f17...ubricant-1887/

Google... what would we do without Google?
Reply
Sep 10, 2010 | 08:24 AM
  #7  
MSA poly bushing kit doesn't come with lube >:U pissed me off, luckily I was able to find what I needed at a hardware store.
Reply
Sep 10, 2010 | 08:39 AM
  #8  
Quote: MSA poly bushing kit doesn't come with lube >:U pissed me off, luckily I was able to find what I needed at a hardware store.
Hmmm mine came with lube from MSA.... maybe they saw the pictures of your car slammed and figured you weren't using the suspension anyhow.... jk

Best/First upgrade for a stock 280ZX - Tokico HPK255 spring/shock kit

John has one of the best prices out there and is a fellow Z car nut
http://www.betamotorsports.com/products/products.php
Reply
Sep 10, 2010 | 08:47 AM
  #9  
Quote: Hmmm mine came with lube from MSA....
So did mine.

I bought a poly kit from ebay for another car, the kit was supposed to come w/ lube and it didn't. I contacted the seller and he sent me a whole box full of lube packets. Buahahhaha!
Reply
Sep 10, 2010 | 11:14 AM
  #10  
Quote: Hmmm mine came with lube from MSA.... maybe they saw the pictures of your car slammed and figured you weren't using the suspension anyhow.... jk

Best/First upgrade for a stock 280ZX - Tokico HPK255 spring/shock kit

John has one of the best prices out there and is a fellow Z car nut
http://www.betamotorsports.com/products/products.php
Still wondering how much it would be with shipping to AZ 85207. I can get the full kit, with free shipping for $405. If he can beat that, I might hit him up. Let me know, if you can man.
Reply
Sep 12, 2010 | 07:40 AM
  #11  
yes i have mercedes springs in the rear of my car, but the front is still stock springs kyb gr2 shocks. it makes a nice balance that is very streetable. these cars squat lots and therefore lose alot of acceleration performance as well as side to side handling. i have the msa swaybars and poly bushings. plus i got the t/c rod ball socket kit, but bleach has the very best and has a heim end t/c rod that is adjustable made by ttt. i made my steering coupler out of aluminum on a lathe so i feel everything
Reply
Sep 13, 2010 | 01:44 PM
  #12  
Quote: Still wondering how much it would be with shipping to AZ 85207. I can get the full kit, with free shipping for $405. If he can beat that, I might hit him up. Let me know, if you can man.
Dunno you'd have to contact him....
Reply
Sep 13, 2010 | 02:15 PM
  #13  
^ Alright will do when I get a chance. Thanks
Reply
Sep 13, 2010 | 05:41 PM
  #14  
I look forward to my z having goo suspension! full bushings, sway bars, that bar between the front two and rear two shock towers, etc. woo!
Reply
Sep 13, 2010 | 06:00 PM
  #15  
A "goo" suspension huh? I wonder if thats similar to a Cadillac boat feeling lol
Reply
Sep 13, 2010 | 06:43 PM
  #16  
yep, just like a crown vic or F350, too haha
Reply
Sep 19, 2010 | 09:18 PM
  #17  
If you guys want some good deals on struts/ shocks and springs and also sway bars check out http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxsho...ctsdisplay.php . Another good site to check out is http://www.technotoytuning.com/produ...p?vehicleid=28 . They got some pretty good stuff.
Reply
Subscribe