Why Upgrading to Coilovers for Your 350Z is Essential
The Nissan 350Z is one of the most well-balanced rear-wheel-drive sports cars ever produced, making it a top choice for drifting, track racing, and aggressive street driving. However, to truly maximize its potential, installing high-quality coilovers is one of the best suspension upgrades you can make.
A 350Z on coilovers benefits from improved handling, enhanced stability, and superior adjustability. Whether you’re drifting, grip racing, or daily driving, a well-tuned coilover setup transforms the Z’s responsiveness and cornering ability.
What Are Coilovers and Why Are They Better Than Stock Suspension?
A coilover suspension system replaces the factory shocks and springs with an integrated adjustable shock absorber and coil spring unit. Unlike the stock suspension, coilovers allow for precise tuning of ride height, damping, and stiffness, giving you full control over your 350Z’s handling characteristics.
Key Benefits of a 350Z on Coilovers:
✔ Adjustable Ride Height – Lower your center of gravity for better aerodynamics and cornering.
✔ Damping Adjustability – Fine-tune compression and rebound for maximum grip and stability.
✔ Optimized Spring Rates – Reduces body roll and enhances mid-corner stability.
✔ Better Steering Feedback – Improves chassis control and driving precision.
✔ Superior Weight Transfer for Drifting – Keeps the rear wheels planted for maximum grip.
SLR 350Z Coilovers – The Ultimate Suspension Upgrade
SLR has developed two levels of drift-optimized 350Z coilovers, providing options for both grassroots drivers and professional competitors.
1. SLR 350Z Drift Spec Coilovers – Best for Grassroots Drifting ($985)
For grassroots drifters and performance enthusiasts, the SLR 350Z Drift Spec Coilovers offer an unparalleled combination of adjustability and affordability.
✔ 32-Way Adjustable Dampening – Adjust compression and rebound together for easy tuning.
✔ Drift-Optimized Spring Rates – Maximized for smooth transitions and forward bite.
✔ Monotube Gas-Charged Dampers – Delivers quick response and heat resistance.
✔ High-Viscosity Race Oil – Ensures consistent damping under extreme conditions.
✔ Ideal for Street & Grassroots Drifting.
2. SLR 350Z Drift Spec MAX Coilovers – Best for Pro-Level Drifting ($1970)
For competitive drifting and track racing, the SLR Drift Spec MAX Coilovers offer separate compression and rebound adjustability, allowing for pro-level tuning.
✔ 32-Way Adjustable 2-Way Dampening – Adjust compression and rebound separately for ultimate chassis control.
✔ Pro Drift-Optimized Spring Rates – Tuned for maximum grip, forward bite, and transition stability.
✔ High-Viscosity Racing Oil – Maintains consistent performance during long drift sessions.
✔ Race-Grade Construction – Built for pro drift cars needing extreme durability and adjustability.
✔ Designed for Competitive Pro-Am and Formula Drift Applications.
If you’re serious about building a competitive 350Z on coilovers, the SLR Drift Spec MAX Coilovers are the best choice for precision tuning and high-performance drifting.
How to Adjust Coilovers for a 350Z for Maximum Performance
Proper tuning of your 350Z coilovers is critical for optimizing handling, grip, and balance. Here’s how to dial in your suspension for different driving styles:
Ride Height Adjustment
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Lowering your car improves weight transfer and aerodynamics, but excessive lowering can cause bump steer and suspension binding.
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Keep the front slightly lower than the rear to maintain proper chassis balance.
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Always get a professional alignment after adjusting ride height.
Damping Adjustments for Different Driving Styles
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For Drifting: Soften the rear compression to allow better weight transfer while keeping the front slightly stiffer for sharp steering response.
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For Track Racing: Increase rebound damping to reduce body roll and improve mid-corner stability.
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For Street Driving: Keep damping settings moderate for a comfortable yet responsive ride.
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 grip setups.
Which 350Z Coilovers Should You Choose?
Coilovers | Best For | Damping Adjustability | Drift-Specific? | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
SLR 350Z Drift Spec | Grassroots Drifting & Street Driving | 32-Way Adjustable (Single-Way) | Yes | $$ |
SLR 350Z Drift Spec MAX | Pro-Level Drifting & Track Use | 32-Way Adjustable (2-Way) | Yes | $$ |
BC Racing BR Series | Budget Performance | 30-Way Adjustable | No | $$ |
KW Variant 3 | Track & Street Performance | 2-Way Adjustable | No | $$$$ |
Final Thoughts: The Best 350Z on Coilovers for Performance and Drifting
Choosing the best coilovers for your 350Z depends on your driving style and goals. If you want the most drift-optimized coilover setup, the SLR 350Z Drift Spec Coilovers provide precision damping, superior grip, and seamless angle kit compatibility.
For those seeking pro-level adjustability, the SLR Drift Spec MAX Coilovers offer independent compression and rebound tuning, giving competitive drifters a significant edge on the track.
If you’re serious about building the ultimate 350Z on coilovers, SLR’s drift coilovers provide the highest level of adjustability, grip, and suspension response available.