zcrazy13

Hi everyone 86 NA 2 seater 5 speed. My shocks are going bad, one is hissing air when compressed so it is time to replace them and possibly the springs although the body doesn't bounce so I think the springs may be okay. Anyhow, I have read many different posts to this forum debating tokico illuminas vs KYB's and such although I do not have an adjustable suspension so I don't really have any desire to purchase one though I can see the benefits. My question is, for my NA Z, what shocks will give me good ride quality without making my vehicle too stiff and ride horrible? I came across monroe OEspectrum shocks on advance auto parts (Rear Monroe OESpectrum Passenger Car Shock Absorber 5928: Buy the right Shock/Strut - Rear at Advance Auto Parts) (Front Monroe OESpectrum Strut Cartridge 73229: Get the best Shock/Strut - Front at Advance Auto Parts) total with tax it'd run me around $160, then there are KYB Excel-G's (http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-SHOCKS-FITS-84-89-NISSAN-300ZX-FULL-SET-OF-4/171355507523?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D333008%26algo%3DRIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D23848%26meid%3D8359780191895475059%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D10181%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D221300934350) which would run me $194 after tax. I guess what I'm asking is, has anyone used the monroe OEspectrums on this car? I searched the forum and the internet and couldn't find a review for them on the Z. I've read that some people love them (on their miata and optima) then other people have said do not buy these because they're awful on their car (specifically 8th generation Civic ex's and si's) so I'm wondering if they're a good fit for some cars and not others and if it is worth the extra $30 for the KYBs or what would everyone recommend? I purchased the cheap yellow monroes for my 2001 grand cherokee and noticed that it made the jeep ride so stiff and shitty, my father said that is because they are made for a truck and that they are setup to be stiff but I don't want a z that rides like a lumber wagon.... I can spend more if there is something that is going to be amazing compared to these two shocks I just don't want to drop money on something that sucks.
Thanks in advance

rogerz

got tokikos on mine they are fine

zcrazy13

The HPs or illumina?

FlyingT

The Illuminas won't fit an NA in the front. They are only used on turbos. Use Tokico HPs, KYB Gas on NAs. Koni will cost you near $500 for all 4. Which is close to the price of only 1 adjustable shock in my Turbo when they were last available. $1900 plus labor to install the last set back in 1997.