Datsun 240z 260z Strut Inserts
I figured this was a topic worth covering from my own experiences point of view. When it comes to suspension options for your 240z or 260z several factory may dictate your choice of insert. If you are considering upgrading there are several items you should seriously consider.
- What are you using your 240z/260z for?
- What is your budget?
- Do you plan to run an adjustable setup?
- What type of springs will complement your inserts?
- Do you have a 240z or 260z?
- What is currently in your Zcar at the moment?
I’ll cover each point in order below.
So are you going to be driving on normal roads 95% of the time? If so it’s probably not worth going with compression and rebound adjustable inserts. My experience with the Tokico’s on my 240z is that even the lowest setting is very firm and really only just streetable. Since I don’t drive my 240z daily and I suspect very few people these days do, it’s not really an issue. However items like speed humps, pot holes, tram tracks (Melbourne, Australia) and rough roads can be unpleasant. Bottom line if your not taking your 240z or 260z to the track don’t bother.
Budget’s can often limit your choices also. A nice set of Koni’s will probably set you back $1500 or more dollars for Koni Yellow (Adjustables). Koni red’s (adjustable with removal of strut) are priced around $1200 maybe cheaper. However it is worth considering that these shocks are often rebuildable. Tokico shocks are not, although they are known to last up to 10 years. So what may result in an initial large outlay of cash can help save you money later down the track. If you plan on owning your 240z or 260z for several years it’s definately worth considering. KYB are also known to make struts to suit the early Zcar but these are generally not popular with racers and may be a result of being a more road friendly “soft insert”.
Thinking about coil overs? Prepare for a wallet shock! Coilovers use a smaller diammeter spring in most cases and employ the use of a threaded sleeve which the lower spring perch sits on. With the use of a special tool you can easily wind and unwind the spring to actively lower or raise your ride height. A great compromise for street and track, however you will need to consider which inserts you wish to run. Put simply when you lower a car you reduce the travel distance of the insert piston. What this means is that your insert is designed to work at a specific ride height and once you modify this ride height you limit your suspensions ability to work as designed. Often inserts from another vehicle can be used. I’ve heard of people using 240z front inserts in the rear and Toyota MR2 inserts in the front. I do not know the specifics of this combination. You would be best speaking to a suspension expert and doing your own research.
You should aim to match your springs with your inserts. Generally speaking you shouldn’t use soft springs with firm inserts and vice versa. A set of springs should complement your insert choice.
Believe it or not 240z’s and 260z’s do not share the same suspension. It is true they are very similar however later style 260z struts are a wider diammeter and require different inserts than those on a 240z. In general it is often found that early 260z’s are those built in 74. 74 1/2 76 and 77 260z’s are often also referred to as series II. I’m not 100% certain however I believe it is possible that 2+2’s again are different in the rear.
Have you looked to see what is currently in your car? The struts in your car may just be worn, they may be rebuildable or you could have great inserts and not know it. Sagged springs would also make your car handle poorly. If your not sure how to check components sometimes it’s worth getting an expert opinion.
Finally if you do install new inserts, I would recommend buying dust boots with intergrated bump stops. Bump stops help protect your insert from “bottoming out” (not a problem with Tokico’s believe me!). The dust boot keeps dust from getting into your insert and damaging it. Many people do not run these and have not had any issues, for me it’s a small investment that could save you money and effort in the future.
