The Nissan 370z is one of the most popular platforms for enthusiasts in drifting, time attack, and performance street builds. With its rear-wheel-drive chassis, powerful VQ37 engine, and aggressive styling, it’s a car that responds dramatically to suspension upgrades. Among those upgrades, coilovers are one of the most effective. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about 370z coilovers, including why they matter, how to choose the right set, and setup tips for street, track, and drift applications.
Why Upgrade to Coilovers on a 370z?
From the factory, the 370z offers a sporty suspension, but OEM shocks and springs can’t compete with the adjustability and precision of coilovers. Installing coilovers allows you to:
- Adjust ride height for aesthetics, aero, and handling balance.
- Tune damping (compression/rebound) for comfort or performance.
- Corner balance the car for optimal weight distribution.
- Improve grip during track sessions or drift transitions.
- Control alignment with camber plates for aggressive setups.
Key Features of 370z Coilovers
- Ride Height Adjustment: Threaded shock bodies let you dial in stance while preserving suspension travel.
- Damping Adjustability: Many coilovers feature 16–32 clicks of rebound/compression control.
- Monotube vs Twin-Tube: Monotubes offer sharper response and better heat dissipation, while twin-tubes can provide a smoother ride.
- Camber Plates: Essential for tuning alignment, especially for drifting or track cornering grip.
- Spring Rates: Performance kits allow tailored spring stiffness to match grip levels and driving style.
Choosing Coilovers for Different Applications
Street Driving
For a daily driver 370z, look for coilovers with moderate spring rates and damping focused on comfort. Features like corrosion-resistant coatings and rubber top mounts reduce NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).
Track Use
For track 370z builds, choose monotube coilovers with higher spring rates and independent rebound/compression adjustments. This provides precise control during sustained high-speed cornering and heat management during long sessions.
Drifting
Drift-oriented coilovers for the 370z emphasize weight transfer, steering response, and durability under extreme side loads. Pillowball mounts and aggressive damping ranges help drivers maintain stability while pushing angle kits to their limits.
Coilovers vs Lowering Springs for a 370z
Lowering springs may look appealing for their low cost, but they lack adjustability and often compromise handling balance. Coilovers provide the ability to fine-tune ride height, damping, and camber, making them the superior choice for enthusiasts serious about performance.
Installation and Setup Tips
- Measure stock ride height before starting, so you have a baseline.
- Install coilovers carefully using proper torque specs and preload setup.
- Set ride height evenly side-to-side within a few millimeters.
- Perform corner balancing if possible for optimal handling.
- Always align the car after coilover installation—camber, caster, and toe settings are critical for performance and tire life.
Example Alignment Settings for 370z Coilovers
- Street Sport: −1.5° camber front, −1.0° rear, near-zero toe.
- Track: −2.5° camber front, −1.8° rear, slight toe-out front for sharper turn-in.
- Drift: 7–8° caster, −3.5° to −5° camber front, toe-out 1/8–1/4, rear toe-in 1/16–1/8.
Maintenance of Coilovers
- Clean threads regularly and apply anti-seize to prevent corrosion.
- Inspect boots, seals, and mounts after heavy use.
- Check damping settings periodically to ensure clicks haven’t drifted.
- Rebuild coilovers as needed if oil leaks or reduced performance occurs.
370z Coilovers for Performance Builds
Whether you’re chasing lap times, perfecting drift transitions, or building a show-worthy street car, coilovers are the backbone of a proper suspension setup. The best 370z coilovers provide the adjustability and performance needed to match your driving style while keeping the platform reliable and consistent.
Conclusion
For Nissan 370z enthusiasts, coilovers are not just an upgrade—they’re a transformation. From street comfort to track dominance and drift control, coilovers unlock the chassis’ full potential. If you’re looking to improve your car’s handling, stance, and adjustability, explore the SLR guide to 370z coilovers and discover which setup is right for your build.
