The Ultimate Guide to 240Z Performance Suspension Parts

Upgrading the suspension on your Datsun 240Z is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make. The original suspension was designed for the late 1960s, and while it was competent for its time, modern parts can transform the car's handling, comfort, and safety. Whether you're building a track car, a weekend canyon carver, or a daily driver that just handles better, the right performance suspension parts can make all the difference.

This guide covers the key components you'll need—coilovers, springs, shocks, sway bars, bushings, and more—and gives practical advice on what to look for. We'll also touch on popular brands and how to match parts to your driving goals.

Understanding Your 240Z's Suspension Architecture

Before buying parts, it helps to know what you're working with. The 240Z uses a front MacPherson strut design and a rear Chapman strut setup (a variation of MacPherson). This means the strut acts as both shock absorber and suspension pivot point. The car also has semi-trailing arms in the rear. Key wear items include rubber bushings, ball joints, and the stock sway bars, which are thin and flexy.

Most performance upgrades fall into two categories: replacing worn OEM parts with stiffer, more durable versions, or completely replacing the suspension system with adjustable components.

Key Performance Suspension Parts for the 240Z

Coilovers

Coilovers are the heart of any serious suspension upgrade. They combine a spring and shock into a single unit, usually with adjustable ride height and often with adjustable damping (rebound and compression). For the 240Z, there are several well-known options:

• Ground Control: Known for their complete coilover kits that use Koni or Bilstein inserts. They offer a wide range of spring rates. You can custom-order spring rates to match your car's weight and intended use. Ground Control kits require you to weld adjustable spring perches to your existing strut housings.
• Techno Toy Tuning (TTT): Offers complete bolt-on coilover kits for both front and rear. Their kits use adjustable coilover sleeves and high-quality shocks (often Koni or KYB). They also sell camber plates and other accessories. TTT is a popular choice because the parts are engineered specifically for the 240Z.
• BC Racing: A budget-friendly option with adjustable damping and ride height. BC Racing coilovers are available for the 240Z through several dealers. They're not as track-focused as higher-end brands but are a good street upgrade.
• KW and H&R: These are premium European brands that make coilovers for the 240Z, often as part of a conversion kit. They are expensive but offer excellent build quality and performance.

What to look for: If you plan to track your car, choose coilovers with adjustable damping and the ability to change spring rates. For street use, a moderately stiff spring (around 200 lb/in front, 225 lb/in rear) and fixed damping may be sufficient. Also, consider whether you want front camber plates—they allow alignment adjustments and are essential for track use.

Springs and Shocks (Separate)

If you prefer to keep your stock strut housings, you can upgrade springs and shocks individually. This is a simpler, less expensive route.

• Springs: Lowering springs from companies like Eibach and H&R give a 1-inch drop and stiffer rates. Eibach Pro-Kit springs are popular for a mild drop with improved handling. For a more aggressive look and performance, H&R Race springs drop the car about 1.5 inches and are significantly stiffer.
• Shocks/Struts: The stock shocks are usually worn out by now. Koni Yellow adjustable shocks are a classic upgrade. They allow you to adjust rebound damping. For a fixed-valve option, Bilstein HD or Sport shocks are excellent. KYB Gas-A-Just shocks are a budget alternative.

Note: If you use lowering springs with stock shocks, the shocks may bottom out because they weren't designed for a lower ride height. Make sure to use shocks that match the spring length and stroke, such as Koni Sport (which have shorter bodies) or KYB with the appropriate length.

Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars)

Sway bars reduce body roll in corners. Stock 240Z sway bars are thin and flexible. Upgrading to thicker bars makes a noticeable improvement without changing the ride much.

• Addco: Offers adjustable sway bars (front and rear) for the 240Z. They are available in 1-inch or 1.125-inch diameters. The adjustable end links let you tune the understeer/oversteer balance.
• Suspension Techniques: Another brand with adjustable bars. Their front bar is 1.125 inches, rear is 0.875 inches. They are popular with autocrossers.
• Techno Toy Tuning: Also sells sway bars, often as part of their complete suspension kits.

What to look for: For street driving, a 1-inch front bar and a 0.75-inch rear bar are good. For track use, go larger. Adjustable end links are useful for fine-tuning. Also, consider upgrading the sway bar mounting brackets—the stock ones can break with thicker bars.

Bushings

The 240Z has rubber bushings everywhere: control arms, tension rods, differential, subframe, etc. After 50 years, they are likely cracked and soft. Replacing them with polyurethane or hard rubber bushings tightens up the suspension.

• Energy Suspension: Makes polyurethane bushing kits for the 240Z. They are affordable and significantly stiffer than rubber.
• Whiteline: Offers synthetic elastomer bushings that are more durable than polyurethane but less harsh.
• Nismo: Nissan's performance division made upgraded rubber bushings for the Z cars. They are a good middle ground.

Installation note: Some bushings require pressing out the old ones and pressing in the new ones. Others like tension rod bushings are easier. If you're not mechanically inclined, budget for labor.

Tension Rods

Tension rods (also called compression rods) are part of the front suspension. Stock ones have rubber bushings that deflect under load. Upgraded tension rods with polyurethane or adjustable ends improve steering feel and reduce brake dive.

• Techno Toy Tuning: Makes adjustable tension rods with spherical bearings. They allow caster adjustment, which improves straight-line stability and cornering grip.
• Arizona Z Car: Offers heavy-duty tension rods with urethane bushings.

Rear Suspension Upgrades

The rear of the 240Z is a Chapman strut setup with semi-trailing arms. Key upgrades:

• Rear Lower Control Arms (RLCA): Stock arms have rubber bushings that cause toe change under load. Adjustable RLCAs from TTT or Apex Engineered allow you to set static toe and eliminate the rear steering effect.
• Subframe Connectors and Diff Mount: To reduce rear-end flex, companies like Bad Dog Parts sell subframe connectors that tie the rear suspension points together. A solid differential mount prevents the diff from moving under load.

Camber Plates and Alignment Adjustments

To get proper alignment after lowering, you need camber plates in the front and possibly adjustable rear arms.

• Camber Plates: TTT and Ground Control make camber plates that replace the top strut mount. They allow -2 to -3 degrees of camber adjustment, which is essential for track use.
• Rear Camber Adjusters: Some coilover kits include them; otherwise, you can use eccentric bolts or adjustable rear arms.

Putting It All Together: Building a Cohesive Suspension

Mismatched parts can make the car handle worse. For example, installing huge sway bars with soft springs will lead to poor weight transfer. The key is balance.

For Street Use: Focus on replacing worn bushings and shocks. Add a set of lowering springs (Eibach Pro-Kit) and Koni shocks. A 1-inch front sway bar and possibly a rear bar will reduce body roll without making the ride harsh. That's a common, effective combo.

For Autocross or Time Attack: Go with coilovers (Ground Control or TTT), adjustable sway bars, polyurethane bushings, and camber plates. Spring rates around 250-300 lb/in front and 275-350 lb/in rear are typical. Adjustable control arms in the rear help with alignment.

For Street/Track Dual Duty: A set of BC Racing coilovers with moderate spring rates, upgraded sway bars, and polyurethane bushings. This gives you adjustability for track days while remaining comfortable on the street.

Brands to Consider

• Techno Toy Tuning: A one-stop shop for 240Z suspension. They design parts specifically for the car and offer excellent customer support.
• Ground Control: Great for custom coilovers. You can call them and discuss your spring rates.
• Eibach: Reliable springs. The Pro-Kit is a classic upgrade.
• Koni: Shocks that are rebuildable and adjustable.
• Addco/Performance: Sway bars that are budget-friendly and effective.

Avoid unknown generic brands. The 240Z aftermarket is small, and reputable companies have been around for decades.

Practical Tips for Installation and Setup

• Shop around: Prices vary, but you generally get what you pay for. A $500 coilover kit for a 240Z is likely poor quality and may not fit properly.
• Get an alignment: After any suspension change, get a professional alignment. Specify your intended use.
• Consider brake upgrades: With better suspension, you'll brake later and harder. Upgraded pads or a brake kit may be necessary.
• Don't forget the steering: Old steering rack bushings and ball joints can make a new suspension feel sloppy. Replace them as needed.

Final Recommendation

If you're starting from a stock 240Z, the most impactful first upgrade is a set of Koni shocks and Eibach Pro-Kit springs, paired with a 1-inch front sway bar and polyurethane bushings. This combination costs around $500–$700 and dramatically improves handling while retaining daily driveability.

For enthusiasts who plan to track the car regularly, invest in a complete coilover system from Techno Toy Tuning or Ground Control, adjustable sway bars, and full polyurethane bushing set. Prepare to spend $2000–$3500, but the result will be a car that handles on par with modern sports cars.

No matter your choice, take the time to install everything correctly and get a proper alignment. The 240Z is a rewarding car to drive when its suspension is sorted.