Hey guys,

I was going to try and get my car ready for autocrossing next month and I wanted to know the best way to lower my car. On the back, I just planned on blocks. I will not be running anymore power than what the stock A12 puts out, so I think that will be OK. I was just wondering about the front. I was just going to cut the springs, but I am open for more suggestions. I know some of you guys are putting in different struts. Just open for ideas. Thanks. Oh, I am in the U.S.

The most common method in the US is to cut the spring (Yes, I know it is illegal to do so in Australia, but it's not in the US). Don't cut very much, maybe a 1/4 coil, then see how it sits. You know, this is what Hot Rod magazine and all the others do every month. For safety, don't cut too much. At worst, you don't want the springs to fall out if the front wheels leave the ground. You can drill three small holes in the strut cups and wire them in.

I hear that a better way is to lower the spring cup and reweld it to the strut.

If you are aiming on a certain spring rate, it's best to order custom springs or carefully find springs of the desired rate and modify them.

For a firsthand opinion, see Enos from Sacramento's thoughts on this: suspension

You can use the front springs from a B210 or 210. They have the same outside diameter but the wire size is a little thicker. You do have to cut these down or your car will sit higher.
As far as cutting springs, I think you're supposed to heat the last coil and bend it flat just like the bottom. Then let it cool in air. Have I done it... no.
I did have a set of 240Z coils that were real stiff. I had to cut them down so short that they would flop out of postion if I raised the front of the car. It was a pain in the ass. Also, cutting them this short made them even stiffer.
Other front mods out there... 210 (B310 not B210) struts and lower controls arms are apparently a bolt in. The lower control arm is a tad longer so you get some neg camber as well.
I believe Matbighat has 280zx struts in his coupe. I don't remember the details of this.

try this

compress a spring, then put it in the oven. A normal house oven. Then, after say half an hour, remove the spring, let it cool, then uncompress it. This should lower your car somewhat.

Thanks for the help guys. Do you most of you just put blocks in the back?

I think you can use ZX struts on a 1200, but you need to use B210(?) steering arms. It's a real nice upgrade, but I only wish our LHD cars could fit a brake booster.

Datsik,

When putting the springs in the oven, do you suggest basting the springs with chicken stock?, I prefer to marinade in a garlic, pepper and spring onion marinade. Do you put the potatos in at the same time? or wait a bit. I don't want to overcook them.

What temperature is best? Do I have to use the convection setting?

Thanks,
Chris

yeah most people use lowering blocks in the back