Anyone know anything about the vspec suspension (r32)

[quadracer111]

I like how the vspec sits on stock suspension, and coilovers are too rough around here for a dd imo, and I don't like how high the normal gtr suspension is. Are the struts the same? Just different springs? Etc?

I don't want to put some lowering springs on these stock struts I have and blow them or have it ride even shittier than my coilovers. I guess ideally I would like some vspec stuff, or is there an alternative I could use? (A certain model Bilstein with x springs? Or?)

[Skym]

I don't know about R32 V-spec suspension, but it probably won't be too different to R33GTR V-spec suspension that is matched to the bigger 17" wheels vs the lighter stock 16" wheels. I know V-spec suspension on R33GTR is light grey with "GTR" logo on shock. Also car sits slightly lower (I gather due to lower springs and shock valving is probably adjusted to suit).

Bilstein's are good (with sport valving, not the valving they use on OEM cars). Also don't go for the solid hats (harder ride, but give better steering response). Stock rubber hats have a little give and don't wear out lower arm bushes, but sacrifice steering response. Bilstein's should last 150,000km between rebuilds. Most stock shocks performance is gone by 30,000km, but can last 100,000km+ without leaking.

The main weak point is the multitube shock on stock setup (the indent in bottom of rear shocks, small shock diameter usually gives it away), so circlip adjustable height Bilstein's with sport valving, stock springs should be better. If you wanted, can fit Nismo springs, shocks valved to suit to give it more of a sport ride.

[king_cobra]

Coilovers are not ALL harsh. Harshness is determined by the spring rate and dampening. There are many coilovers you can find used that would be far more comfortable and handle better than the R32 vspec suspension (which really isn't that great to begin with).

What you want are coilovers with softer spring rates of anywhere between 4-8 kg/mm with adjustable dampening (and height of course). That way, you can set the height and dampening to whatever you want for daily use. If you want to have some fun, crank up the dampening and go nuts. Best of all worlds and the only solution to consider.

[quadracer111]

I truly think you underestimate our roads in SK

I have heard good things about MeisterR coilovers. iirc they come in 8kg/mm fronts and 6kg/mm rears. I'll have to find out what my cusco's are. Being a Japanese coilover I'm guessing on the higher side. I wonder if anyone makes some 6kg front and 4kg rears.

Looking at a few websites my cuscos are most likely around the 10kg mark.

Edit: BC racings are available in:

8/6kg
5/4kg
4/4kg
10kg/8kg

Those 5/4's sound nice and cushy.

[Skym]

The solid hats give more NVH (when mixed with solid metal bump stop). The rubber hats are softer and have rubber bump stops. That's what I mean by harder ride (what it feels like when hitting bumps in road).

R32 chassis is weak without rollcage due to having a single piece floorpan (new Nissan's have 2 piece floorpan hence why they are heavier), etc, so wouldn't go above 6kg with single piece floorpan. I have seen single piece floorpan chassis that have warped with 8kg, but are ok with 6kg. Usually when done high km the chassis is weaker. Above 200,000km you would fit a rollcage. Take age of chassis into account when selecting spring rates.

Also the spring rate you use is based on what setup is on car and that varies (wheels, brakes, etc).

[quadracer111]

Ah. Thanks for the advice Skym. Always appreciated.

[Skym]

You're welcome. Suspension specialist (in USA) and they make suspension for R32, have alot of experience and their products are used on race winning cars -

http://www.jrzsuspension.com/component/content/article/134-nissan-r32-skyline.html

[quadracer111]

Ahhh, the price on that suspension made me sob a little bit.