OK, I have a 99 Z24 (I know, my profile is not completed yet) that I have put a decent chunk of money into as of late. Basic list as follows (cut and pasted):
Engine (140K)
-Engine Tune
-WAI (short ram), incl K&N cone air filter
-Performance spark plugs (NGK Iridium)
-Synthetic oil (as well as synthetic tranny fluid)
-Top engine mount insert
-Bottom engine mount (polyurethane)
-New O2 sensor
-New water pump
-New timing chain kit
-New thermostat
-New gaskets/labour
Exhaust
-High flow Magnaflow muffler using stock piping
-High flow Magnaflow cat
-4-1 OBX header in exhaust tape
Suspension
-Front strut tower bar
-Rear strut tower bar
-Sub-frame brace
Audio
-Replaced all speakers/stereo and added amp and 12" sub
Wheels
-Sonar 17" tires
-Motegi MR7 rims
Misc
-Rear window tint
-Manual sunroof
I've had the car now for 50,000 KM and have changed out nothing as of yet. I have no suspension problems currently, but was looking at both upgrading my suspension, and buying now, so it would be done for the life of the car.
I was looking at upgrading my shocks/struts to KYB GR-2s. Now the question is 2-fold...
1. Should I just wait until I can replace EVERYTHING at the one time (shocks/struts, springs, mounts) at approx 850 CDN, or just go with the shocks/struts?
2. How many of you guys have done this without HAVING to replace anything, and do you think it's worth doing on a 99 Z24 such as mine?
Thanks guys, I know it's a long read, but I hope to get some opinions...
T
-----> Fast? I can beat a Camaro in a free fall... <-----
well what are you trying to do? are you trying to lower the car or just new struts? if you just want new struts and keep that stock springs, thats fine. the gr2s are oem replacements. if you plan on lowering the car at all, i would look into some lowering struts like kyb agx, koni yellows or tokico dspecs
I live in Edmonton, so with the crazy winters and state of the roads, I don't think I should be lowering anything...
With that in mind, if I went with the GR-2s, I'll still need a wheel alignment. But then, how long would it be until I'm "forced" to replace springs and mounts because they are worn out. Should I just lay down a grand and get it ALL done the one time?
-----> Fast? I can beat a Camaro in a free fall... <-----
you shouldnt need new springs. if anything new mounts is probably a good idea but the springs should be fine
Will the springs last for the life of the car?
-----> Fast? I can beat a Camaro in a free fall... <-----
New option... Eibach Pro System Plus... ?
-----> Fast? I can beat a Camaro in a free fall... <-----
Terrence Russell wrote:New option... Eibach Pro System Plus... ?
For about the same cost, you ought to be able to get the Pro Kit and a set of AGX shocks and then have the ability to tune the shocks damping to your preference. The Pro System + isn't adjustable I believe, plus they are decidedly hard to find.
The pro system plus comes with front and rear sway bars, for a total of around 1000 CDN... theres a performance shop close by that can get them in.
Do you guys like the AGX's better than the Eibachs that come with the kit?
oh, and with that setup (Pro Kit Springs and AGX shocks) would you go out and buy the sway bars as well?
Whatever I do, gonna do it all at once so i only align once...
-----> Fast? I can beat a Camaro in a free fall... <-----
I presently have the full eibach pro kit system plus installed and have loved the neutral steer feeling that it created, versus the understeer feeling from the stock setup. Granted my vehicle is over 105k miles....
just put one the eibach pro springs and KYB AGX, I did the strut mounts too and it cost me about 800, maybe 850 with alignment, bought springs and struts new off someone on the org, and mounts from a parts store in town(calgary), some of the roads are crap arround here too but so far it has not been too bad, no road rash for the car, some of the rolling bumps along the highway get to be a little rough, but most roads are ok, I would think that the sway bars would be a really nice thing too, I just didn't want to spend the money yet, going to get the strut tower braces off the org too.
I would say used springs would not be a bad idea, but struts should be new, and the mounts are easy to do now that it is apart and don't cost too much(got mine for about 160 total including gst(2000+ mounts)almost wondering if I should have gotten the pre 2000 mounts.
