Why Upgrading to 350Z Coilovers is Essential
The Nissan 350Z is one of the most well-balanced platforms for drifting, track racing, and street performance, but the factory suspension limits its true potential. Upgrading to high-quality 350Z coilovers is the best way to improve handling, adjustability, and chassis control to suit your driving style.
Whether you need 350Z coilovers for daily driving, competitive drifting, or aggressive track use, finding the right suspension system will dramatically enhance stability, ride quality, and overall vehicle dynamics. This guide will break down why coilovers are essential, how to adjust them, and the best 350Z coilovers available today.
What Are 350Z Coilovers and Why Are They Better Than Stock Suspension?
A coilover suspension system consists of a shock absorber with an integrated coil spring, allowing for full adjustability over ride height, damping, and alignment settings. Compared to the stock suspension, 350Z coilovers offer significant performance benefits:
✔ Adjustable Ride Height – Lower your car for improved aerodynamics and handling.
✔ Damping Adjustability – Tune compression and rebound to optimize grip and stability.
✔ Stiffer Spring Rates – Reduce body roll and improve response in high-performance driving.
✔ Improved Steering Feedback – Maintain tire contact and enhance turn-in precision.
✔ Drift and Track-Ready – Purpose-built coilovers handle extreme lateral loads and aggressive weight transfer.
Best 350Z Coilovers for Drifting and Performance
1. SLR 350Z Drift Spec Coilovers – Best Overall
When it comes to drift-specific coilovers, nothing compares to SLR 350Z Drift Spec Coilovers. Unlike generic coilovers designed for mixed use, SLR’s suspension is engineered exclusively for drifting, featuring drift-optimized spring rates, race-grade damper oil, and custom valving to maximize steering response, forward bite, and transition stability.
Why SLR 350Z Coilovers are the Best Choice:
✔ Drift-Specific Spring Rates – Maximized for weight transfer, grip, and balance.
✔ Race-Grade Damper Oil – Maintains performance under extreme heat and stress.
✔ Compression & Rebound Tuning – Wide adjustment range for precise suspension control.
✔ Seamless Integration with SLR Angle Kit – The ultimate combination for high-angle drifting.
✔ 32-way Adjustable Damping – Fine tuning the dampers with ease and more click points.
✔ Monotube Gas-Charged Dampers – Ensures durability and consistent damping behavior.
If you’re serious about drifting your 350Z, these coilovers provide the most predictable, grippy, and high-angle capable suspension setup available.
2. BC Racing BR Series – Best Budget 350Z Coilovers
For those looking for affordable 350Z coilovers normal everyday coilovers, BC Racing’s BR Series provides solid adjustability and decent damping characteristics. While not specifically designed for drifting or racing, these coilovers offer good entry-level performance for street and track use.
✔ 30-way adjustable damping
✔ Available in multiple spring rates
✔ Lower price point than premium coilovers
3. KW Variant 3 – Best for Street & Track Performance
If you want 350Z coilovers that deliver exceptional street comfort with high-performance adjustability, KW’s Variant 3 coilovers are a premium choice. While not drift-specific, they offer outstanding grip and compliance for track use.
✔ Two-way adjustable damping
✔ High-quality stainless steel construction
✔ Designed for superior handling & comfort
4. Stance XR1 Coilovers – Best for Versatility
For 350Z owners who want a mix of daily driving, track days, and occasional drifting, the Stance XR1 Coilovers provide solid adjustability and a comfortable ride while maintaining responsive handling.
✔ Digressive damping technology for improved control
✔ Available in multiple spring rate configurations
✔ Good balance between price and performance
How to Adjust 350Z Coilovers for Maximum Performance
Tuning your 350Z coilovers properly will help you extract the most performance from your suspension. Here’s a quick guide on adjusting your coilovers for different driving styles:
Ride Height Adjustment
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Lowering the center of gravity improves handling but too low can cause bump steer and scraping issues.
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Keep the front slightly lower than the rear to maintain proper weight balance.
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Use a proper alignment setup after lowering to correct toe and camber changes.
Damping Adjustments for Different Driving Styles
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For Drifting: Soften the rear compression damping to allow better weight transfer while keeping the front slightly stiffer for sharp steering response.
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For Track Use: Increase rebound damping to reduce body roll and improve mid-corner stability.
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For Street Driving: Keep settings on the softer side for a smoother ride while maintaining responsive handling.
Camber and Toe Adjustments
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Front Camber: -3° to -5° for drifting, -1.5° to -2.5° for track use.
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Rear Camber: -1° to -2° for better traction and stability.
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Toe: Slight toe-out in the front for drifting, neutral toe for track setups.
Which 350Z Coilovers Should You Choose?
| Coilovers | Best For | Damping Adjustability | Drift-Specific? | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLR 350Z Drift Spec | Drifting & High-Performance Driving | Wide-range compression & rebound | Yes | $$ |
| BC Racing BR Series | Budget-Friendly Performance | 30-way adjustable | No | $$ |
| KW Variant 3 | Track & Street Performance | 2-way adjustable | No | $$$$ |
| Stance XR1 | Daily Driving & Track | Digressive damping | No | $$$ |
Final Thoughts: The Best 350Z Coilovers for Your Build
Choosing the best coilovers for your 350Z depends on your specific goals. If you’re looking for the most drift-optimized coilover setup, the SLR 350Z Drift Spec Coilovers stand out with their precision damping, superior grip, and seamless angle kit compatibility. For budget-conscious drivers, BC Racing and Stance XR1 provide good entry-level alternatives, while KW Variant 3 excels in street and track applications.
If you’re serious about building a competitive 350Z for drifting, SLR’s drift-engineered coilovers offer the highest level of tuning, adjustability, and track-tested performance.
