New Suspension Choices?

[gookah]

I currently have polybushes all round, AP Coilovers fitted and 18 (or even 19 inch) wheels on.

Although they have been fine, I am now looking to change to something with a less harsh ride, as they all contribute to a great handling car, but all my dental fillings now seem to be in the footwell.
Still want it to be sporty hence Eibach pro kit, but don't want to keep apologising to the passenger when I go over a bump or hollow.
and no, I am not putting 11 inch wheels and balloon tyres back on.

I have used the Eibach pro kit before and they were great, so I am still looking to probably use those, but what are HR springs like?
Also would just new gas shocks such as the Monroe's or B4's or Sachs be fine, or the B12 be back where I am currently with a harsh ride..

Monroes and Eibachs are around £340 all round
B4s and Eibachs around £475 all round
B12 Eibachs £520 all round

Considering it was great when I just changed to the Eibach springs and kept the original shock absorbers, do I really need to pay extra for 'sporty' versions over and above using Monroe's, Sachs or B4's?

Choices choices.

 

[2DunnsZ3]

I think that info is going to have to come from someone who has had multiple zeds or at least more than one suspension change. Or driven different members rides which wouldn't be a bad idea for you to experiment with at the next meet up.I have L&M lowering springs and I like the way my car handles and rides but I have nothing to compare it to.

 

[andyglym]

Can't speak for other options as I've not tried then but the B12 kit works well for me.

 

[gookah]

I think that info is going to have to come from someone who has had multiple zeds or at least more than one suspension change. Or driven different members rides which wouldn't be a bad idea for you to experiment with at the next meet up.I have L&M lowering springs and I like the way my car handles and rides but I have nothing to compare it to.

Not necessarily, you don't need to have tried lots to say whether you regret or are happy with a variant you have now that is on the list above.
I am not after a one versus the other, just which one you have and wether you think its a bit harsh or a bit soft and you wished you had done something different.
I have tried two variants myself, Eibachs and coilovers.

 

[Sean d]

I can vouch for the Eibach, Moroe combo, had it on my last Z and now on the 2.8

 

[Mazza]

I cant give a vote as I have no idea what any of them are ( I hope I’m not the only one )
What, out of the options listed would be nearest the original fitment??
When I do all the rear bushes ( probably fitting original rubber type) I was thinking of sorting the springs and shocks as well, but need advice to get parts that are close to the original style.

 

[DrWong]

Recently put Monroe shocks and Suplex springs on the front which is basically OEM and very happy with my choice. My view is the car inherently handles well due to being low and its weight distribution so it was important to retain the comfort in the ride, at least for me and my use case. I've yet to come across a situation where I wished I had a bit more grip or handling

 

[Dino D]

I’ve got the BC coilover because of the adjustable height but most importantly damping which makes a difference.
I WOULDNT say it’s anything comfortable like a regular Z (which to me is wallowing old boat though) but Very sporty yet still comfortable in that context.
If you can deal with non adjustable height then the options you have listed should be more comfortable as they are all progressive springs I believe.
The BC’s are linear..


B12 seems to get rave reviews here but US forums say it’s harsh?!


I’ve learnt how to deal with passengers- if they complain just pop the door open and take a hard right

 

[andyglym]

Recently put Monroe shocks and Suplex springs on the front which is basically OEM and very happy with my choice. My view is the car inherently handles well due to being low and its weight distribution so it was important to retain the comfort in the ride, at least for me and my use case. I've yet to come across a situation where I wished I had a bit more grip or handling

Agreed. I put the B12 kit on mine mainly for the look and stance. It is better when you really push on but that aside most mods to cars are done just because peeps can

 

[Mazza]

I can vouch for the Eibach, Moroe combo, had it on my last Z and now on the 2.8

Hi Sean, is that front and back suspension ????

 

[DrWong]

Hi Sean, is that front and back suspension ????

Just to note that any Eibach spring will lower your car mate, if you're bothered about original fitment that is. I was originally going to get Eibach until I found out they didn't do a standard replacement

 

[Jack Ratt]

Just fitted Sachs front struts with Meyle top mounts and standard springs

 

[DrWong]

Agreed. I put the B12 kit on mine mainly for the look and stance. It is better when you really push on but that aside most mods to cars are done just because peeps can

I can totally understand why people lower their car for aesthetic reasons. Z3s with lowered suspension and big spaced wheels look amazing and I'm quite jealous when I compare them to my standard car on 16in wheels. But I can't see the outside when I'm driving it plus I'd be the one having to deal with the firmer ride

 

[andyglym]

I can totally understand why people lower their car for aesthetic reasons. Z3s with lowered suspension and big spaced wheels look amazing and I'm quite jealous when I compare them to my standard car on 16in wheels. But I can't see the outside when I'm driving it plus I'd be the one having to deal with the firmer ride

This is also true

 

[Lee]

For what you guys use your cars for I would stick with the Eibachs or H&R with Sachs shocks. Save your money unless you have plans for it. It’s how I have Sams zed setup. Fits the bill perfect for some moderate fast road and track play.

 

[gookah]

Thanks Lee, and others that have concurred with my original thoughts
I am thinking Eibachs and Monroe or Sachs, I get a better than standard setup which is lower than standard, the others seem like I would regret every drive, unless I am on a billiard table track day, and that is exactly how I feel now with the AP Coilovers.

 

[gookah]

This forum can actually save money, as well as cause me to spend it......

 

[Sean d]

Hi Sean, is that front and back suspension ????

Yes all round

 

[Steve Medlock]

I'm still searching for a better ride and handling. I removed the sports/lowered suspension that the car came with and bought Bilstein B4 springs and dampers to get back towards standard. its fine on motorways and smooth A roads, but potholes and gullies I hate. Unfortunately with no adjustment, I can't tell whether its the dampers or the springs or both.

 

[Mazza]

Oh s***, read all the posts and I am totally confused now......
I have also been on various websites.........why is every part I need, so bloody difficult to select

Choice seems never ending.
I just want replacement spings and shocks front and back ( assuming mine are originals, twenty years old, and need swapping) to put it back to standard.
I did check the ride height measurements and none of them are as per factory set up or tie up with figures in Bentleys manual, so can assume that the parts have worn over the years.

I can understand that those on this forum that know about all this stuff will think what is my problem, but while I can learn and understand how to unbolt stuff and refit new parts, the actual selecting of the best/right/correct/standard parts is a nightmare.

Please dont let me be the only duffer on this forum