frank280zx

After asking around on here hybrid and zcar i found out z31 have no after market support, it seems to be even worse than the support to our beloved s130

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/300zx-z31-brakes-wheels-suspension-chassis-76/z31-coil-over-qs-need-some-help-22433/

In the front i run the complete strut assembly, mainly because i could still get a good damper for it over here ( i run re valved koni yellow adjustable in it and koni yellows for the rear aswel.) , and it is thicker etc.

To do this and clear any camber issues involved with the z31 strut you need to extend the front control arm of the s130 by 25mm like you can see in my other thread.. however a z31 is 5MM thicker in diameter over a s130 from what i measured quickly... I don't get enough camber plate use to my likings with a stock spring.
And even worse it rubs.. leaving not only unprotected bare metal, but influencing the travel behavior of the assembly


Well i decided to buy some generic eaby crap...


Advantages:

- More or less universal sleeve ( these are stated to be a good fit)
- Springs can be bought of reputable brand like Ground control orso after fitments and trail runs.
- 70 USD shipped to Europe ( 50 to US)
- You don ot pay for a brand name.

Disadvantage:

-stated spring rates might be inaccurate or differ from spring to spring
-They way they are supposed to mount is just crappy.

-Not the best material in the world.

I will mount it differently with a cnc'd tube that slides in ( when fitments are not tight, so the fit is good) and have a sleeve holding it up welded to the original strut housing. Next thing is either make treads in in the top of the original strut so i can tighten it or just weld a sleeve so the coil over sleeves stays put and does not move up and down, also i can still get to the damper easily.

well ill show you pictures in the next weeks depending on when the mailman comes

frank280zx

or monts as MSA is in some 2 weeks time

frank280zx

WOW !!!! paid on Sunday and got them WENSDAY!! that is FAST considering Easter and all..
Well they are like one would expect for el cheapo crap, but for my test set up it will do, next upgrade will be some custom struts etc.
Anyhow they need some TLC ( sleeves are not cut in the nicest way)
And the stock set up for mounting them is far from trustworthy..
But i will make my own set up..

However like said some TLC and they will give me full control.. spring rates checked out pretty close only 2LBS difference

I feel confident that they will be a good set up for now.

260DET

Yeh that set screw retention setup on the sleeves is a bit dodgy, you can't get Koni steel sleeves and aluminium nuts? The Koni sleeves are designed to be welded on.

frank280zx

no i will lock em in place by welding a 'ring' under it and above it and then spot weld the holes so it wont rotate either..

guess it will work .. naturally ill post an update

jmmorriso

Most of the racing coilovers I have seen on circle track cars have setscrews, or a nylon button that prevents the nut from being turned easily. Once there is weight and a little dirt on those things, they wont wanna turn.

frank280zx

and finally the front set up before welding



for the rears see other post

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...609#post181609

KTM200-280zxt

WOW!! Im very jealous

260DET

That looks the go Frank, with the big 280ZX strut tops there should be a useful amount of adjustment available too.

frank280zx

I welded them on today and test installed the left hand side .. seems to work out great even with my 245's !! all it needs are bumb steer spacers (that i will be having made by a friend) I cant be on the lowest setting now or the LCA will hit the frame rails when the suspension travels.
sorry no pics forgot my cam today
anyhow i have it set up so i have 4" ground clearance now and i can drop 1,5" and rise 2" Coil overs are worth it so far !

Left to do now is clean the wheel wells out repaint them with 2 K rust preventing/inhibiting paint and assemble them with my z32 brake calipers/porterfield pads and steel lines. install my MSA adjustable end links and sway bar kit.
Next will be the install of the rear cross member with diff and all and paint the underside of the car.
I guess i will need 8 weeks to get this all done ( 8 days)

I guess this will have my front and rear suspension /braking covered.
Next the engine bay ( seam welding ) painting and installing all the goodies in there..
The gearbox .. well playing with sx or z32 one .. but i am still undecided.

SHADY280

hey frank i got the same camber plates. hows it work with those. and how do the upper bearings mount??? cant use the stock plates soo.... good to see your home

frank280zx

i got a spacer ring with mine. Its sits on top of the bearing that sits o the coil.. basically pretty simple. Good to see you made it bak aswel .. youll be there next year right ?

SHADY280

prolly not, it was way outta my way to make it. was definatly worth it, but next year would be nearly impossible. cash and time. specially with my wedding coming up. spacer ring, you got any pix, i never got that with mine. although mine are from ebay, the red ones for 185 bux. search 280zx there everywhere on there.

frank280zx

ill shoot a pic however a plate can be made for it aswel, do you have a lathe?
Mine are of a Subaru legacy