So I got my Swift springs done this weekend and after driving a bit, 100 miles or so I'd have to say on balance that I'm really not that happy. The drop looks great and if all that mattered was the look I'd be 100% satisfied. But I'm really a function over form guy and the overall ride quality really isn't very good. Let me explain. On smooth roads it's fine.. excellent in fact. Body lean is greatly reduced, as is squat on acceleration and dive on braking.. The problem is on any kind of bumpy roads the car is all over the place.. the stock shocks just can't control the springs. The rebound damping is all wrong, and the compression stroke isn't much better. In fact it takes quite a bit more effort to drive the car fast. I'll try and be more specific. On just broken pavement things are ok, but on dips or uneven surfaces the stock shocks just can't control the springs, or the motion of the car. I'm wondering if there is a viable solution besides just putting it back to stock. I did look at some shock options, seems that there really aren't many choices and I'm not going to spend more $$ if it doesn't get things better. Any one who has a opinion or better yet actual experience I would sure appreciate some help..

 

If you're truly a function over form guy, I seriously suggest coilovers if you want that perfect ride with perfect control. You ain't gonna get that with springs, unfortunately.

I know that doesn't really help... but it's the truth.

 

I don't have any specific advice, but it sure does seem that Swift Springs are popular here. So with that in mind, you could probably sell them easily enough and recoup a large part of your initial cost... money which is then redirected into a set of proper coilovers.

Not saying anything you probably don't already know, but there it is anyway.

(dammit, MACS, I was just typing the same thing. LOL)

 

You know what they say about great minds....


...they're a terrible thing to waste. LOL

 

You need to be more specific on what you are looking for. I for one have went from Springs to Coilovers and now back to Springs once again. Keep in mind that all coilovers no matter what brand run springs rates much higher than any Springs, Stock or Aftermarket.

 

I'm shocked to hear this, most of the people who are on swifts are pretty happy with the ride quality .

 

I believe that no matter what spring manufacture does to lowering springs, it will never feel like stock, or better than stock, or however people say it feels to justify their actions. Without proper dampers, you will always get a bumpier ride, especially over bumpy and rough, uneven surfaces.

 

My observations around this forum (for better or worse) is that a sizable number of posters are more into form than function. One of the first things I notice people comment about, is wheel gap, wheel gap, wheel gap. That reaction says a great deal. So, that perspective is going to color one guy's impression of his mods, versus another guy's take.

 

Blkdragon.. I want the ride quality to be firm with compliance and control.. what I don't want is a ride that's harsh or that lacks control..Anyone ever drive an Audi S4? it's firm but compliant.. anyone ever drive an old school muscle car thats STIFF and jumps all over the place.. I want the S4 ride.. good rebound damping to control body motions, with soft'ish compression damping to soak up bumps.. If coilovers are the way to go then so be it.. who makes good ones?? Can I get where I want to be without having to pay for really expensive ones? My only experience with aftermarket suspensions is on bikes.. Ohlins are really expensive but are pretty much the best.. Compliance with control is what I'm looking for..

 

that is why i sold the swift spec-r spring for 370z, after driving them for 1 week. little over 110miles. could be different with g37..

the z literally felt like the rear was going to bounce off to sides at higher speed.

 

Are there any shock replacements kyb, koni, etc, that might fix the issue? I'm inclined to try something simple first ( cheap) If I go coilovers which ones are good and what kind of prices can I expect?

 

KW coilovers. Set you back about 2k, but I've had mine for over a year and a half and could not be happier with the ride quality and feel of the car when pushed to its limits.

 

I'm not sure if I have an answer to your question/issue...

As for "my" experience with the Swifts, it is true that there is more apparent jarring and dips over uneven surfaces.
I feel that the suspension is "following" more of the surface of the road and this is being exaggerated from being lower to the ground.
Granted the Swifts are not exactly the same as OEM, but probably the closest for being a lowering spring.
I'm actually very surprised on how well the Swifts match with the stock OEM dampeners...better than my previous experiences with Eibach, H&R, Tein & Neuspeed. Of course these weren't with the G, but with past other vehicles.

I'm not sure if this helps, but by adding my spacers they have improved the ride and feel with more stability. There is less "effort" to control the car over uneven surfaces. The slight jarring is still evident over deep dips, but the car is more planted.
In my opinion, the Swifts has more positive outcome than negative.
I am learning to live with some discomfort over the bad roads, but find pleasure with the good ones.

Not sure what your tire/wheel configuration is compared to mine...and if you are driving RWD or AWD.
Maybe this can also be the difference?

 

I'm sorry but did you honestly expect lower springs to ride smoother? The manufacture of any car has to worry about pleasing that customer. Those that buy aftermarket parts should have the knowledge that it will not perform as OEM.

I'm not trying to be rude but you remind me of the numerous Vette owners I had to deal with when I was working at a C5/C6 performance shop. They had money and "want to go faster." So they would drop thousands of dollars for an intake, headers, big cam, cat-less cat-back exhaust and than complain about the noise and the car shaking.

And this is why I bought my G... Because my Z33 is a f^cking street/race car. It's loud, it shakes, gets about 6-10mpg and ride is not smooth. But I also went with a sport model G KNOWING the ride is not going to be as smooth as a base model. I swear people think they can drive a car with F1 power but as smooth as your great-grandmother Caddy. /Sorry.. end rant.

As mentioned I would go back to your OEM springs and sell the Swifts. And than leave the car alone. Because I'm sure you would be happy with a coil-over set-up.

 

You've noticed that too, eh? Welcome to car forums.