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PAT 4 > Issue 9: JIC Front Strut Brace & RS*R Springs
Written By: David Pitlyuk
In this issue, we'll start getting into the suspension mods, and getting this car to handle just a little better, and even look better too!
We'll be installing the JIC carbon fiber front strut tower brace, and the RS*R down springs. Since the 350Z already has a factory strut brace, it's a very simple modification to do, but in my honest opinion, doesn't make THAT much of a difference since the factory brace was engineered very good. It does make a difference though, and looks wise, it's awesome! It would be one thing if it had none at all from the get go. The springs do make a big difference in my opinion though, and the combination of both mods are great! The springs will lower the car about 0.6" in the front and the rear of the car.
Let's start off with the JIC brace. It is offered in either polished aluminum, or carbon fiber, but keep in mind the carbon fiber is actually a carbon wrap. Here's a pic:
Installation is very easy, and can be done in 30 minutes easily. Simple remove the 4 bolts from each side holding the factory brace in place, and replace it with the new brace:
Here's a couple pics of the brace installed. This will look great too when we install our carbon fiber engine cover and hood in a future issue.
Just a quick note, you should do the springs before you do the strut brace, if you are doing them at the same time. This is because we need to take the strut brace bracket off to access the strut bolt underneath.
We started off with the front, you'll want to lift the car and put it on jackstands. This will allow the springs to decompress. Make sure to lift both sides of the car up, or else the sway bar will work against you and you won't be able to remove the strut assemblies. Then remove your wheels.
We found it easier just to take the entire strut out, and remove the spring outside of the car. You'll want to remove the bolt that holds the wishbone suspension, as well as the one on the lower part of the strut assembly.
Slightly loosen the upper strut nut, then remove the three outer strut upper mount bolts.
Remove the entire strut.
Compress the spring using a spring compressor, and remove the top bolt holding the assembly together.
Here's a shot of the old and new springs next to eachother:
Remove the noise insulator from the OEM spring, and place it on the RS*R spring. This will help keep the springs from squeeking.
Re-install the RS*R spring onto the strut, and re-install everything.
Now it's time to install the rear spring. The rears are VERY easy. First thing to do is left the rear, and take the wheels off.
Then remove bolt on the control arm, and everything should drop down, and you can pull the spring out.
Then simply replace the spring with the RS*R one.
Here's what the wheel gap looked like with the OEM springs:
Here's a picture after the drop:
And here is what the drop looks like on the 19" Volk Wheels:
That's it for the suspension upgrades in this issue. Next issue we'll be installing the Seibon Type-TS hood, a carbon fiber engine cover, and the Blue Batmobile taillight and rear sidemarker overlays.
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