Top Best Suspension Parts for a 2005 Nissan 350Z

The 2005 Nissan 350Z is a legendary sports car, but its suspension can feel dated by modern standards. Whether you're looking to improve cornering, lower the ride height, or eliminate body roll, upgrading suspension components is one of the most effective ways to transform the driving experience. This guide covers the top suspension parts available for the 350Z, focusing on coilovers, sway bars, control arms, bushings, and strut bars. Each section explains what to look for and highlights specific options that deliver proven performance without unnecessary hype.

Coilovers

Coilovers replace the factory strut and spring assembly with a single adjustable unit, allowing you to lower the car and fine-tune damping. For the 2005 350Z, the best coilovers balance ride comfort with track capability.

KW Variant 3

KW Variant 3 coilovers feature independent adjustment of low-speed and high-speed compression damping. This allows you to dial in a compliant ride for daily driving while still having firm support during aggressive cornering. They are stainless steel and come with a long lifespan. Many owners report a significant reduction in body roll without sacrificing comfort.

Ohlins Road & Track

Ohlins uses DFV (Dual Flow Valve) technology, which allows the damper to react quickly to small bumps while providing progressive resistance during hard cornering. For the 350Z, Ohlins coilovers offer a refined ride that works well on rough roads and track days. They are slightly more expensive but worth it for those who prioritize a balanced setup.

Feal 441+ SR

Feal 441+ SR coilovers are a popular choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. They come with adjustable damping and ride height, and Feal offers custom spring rates based on your use. They are designed in Japan and revalved specifically for the 350Z. While not as premium as KW or Ohlins, they provide excellent value and reliable performance.

Sway Bars

Sway bars reduce body roll during cornering by linking the left and right suspension. Upgrading to thicker bars with adjustable end links can dramatically improve turn-in response.

Whiteline Sway Bars

Whiteline offers front and rear sway bars for the 350Z with multiple adjustment points. The front bar is 27mm and the rear is 22mm, both made from hollow high-tensile steel. They come with heavy-duty end links and polyurethane bushings. The adjustment holes let you fine-tune oversteer or understeer characteristics.

Hotchkis Sway Bars

Hotchkis sway bars are another solid option. They feature a 1.125-inch front and 1.0-inch rear hollow bar with three adjustment positions. The bars are powder-coated for corrosion resistance and include greaseable polyurethane bushings. They are known for a noticeable reduction in body lean without making the ride overly stiff.

Control Arms

Upgraded control arms allow for proper alignment after lowering and reduce deflection under load. For the 350Z, front upper control arms and rear camber arms are common upgrades.

SPC Performance Front Upper Control Arms

SPC front upper control arms feature adjustable ball joints that allow for up to 3 degrees of positive or negative camber. This is essential when lowering the car to correct alignment. They are built with heavy-duty steel and sealed ball joints for longevity. Installation is straightforward, and they come with alignment instructions.

GKTech Rear Camber Arms

GKTech rear camber arms are made from 6061 aluminum with spherical bearings that eliminate bushing deflection. They offer a wide adjustment range and are designed to handle track loads. They are lightweight and come with pre-installed bearings. For street use, they can be a bit stiff, but they provide precise control.

Ikeya Formula Toe Arms

For toe control, Ikeya Formula offers pillow-ball toe arms that allow fine adjustment. They are TIG-welded steel and feature dust boots to keep dirt out. These arms reduce toe changes under braking and acceleration, improving stability.

Bushings

Old rubber bushings introduce compliance that hurts handling. Replacing them with polyurethane or spherical bearings tightens up the suspension.

Energy Suspension Master Bushing Kit

Energy Suspension offers a complete polyurethane bushing kit for the 350Z that replaces nearly all suspension bushings. The kit includes front and rear sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, and differential bushings. Polyurethane provides a noticeable improvement in steering response without the harshness of solid bearings.

Whiteline Differential Mount Inserts

Whiteline differential mount inserts reduce wheel hop during hard launches. They are made of polyurethane and fill the gap in the factory mount. Installation is simple—just jack up the rear and insert the bushings. They make a big difference in traction and drivetrain feel.

Strut Bars

Strut braces tie the strut towers together, increasing chassis rigidity. While not as impactful as other upgrades, they improve front-end precision.

Cusco Front Strut Tower Bar

Cusco’s front strut bar is a three-point design that also ties into the firewall. It is made of lightweight steel and includes a sturdy tri-bar mounting plate. The bar is adjustable to fit perfectly and reduces cowl shake and chassis flex during cornering.

Beatrush Rear Lower Tie Bar

Beatrush offers a rear lower tie bar that mounts between the rear suspension pick-up points. It is made from aluminum and designed to work with aftermarket exhausts. It helps reduce rear-end flex and makes the car feel more planted.

Final Recommendation

For a balanced street and track setup, start with KW Variant 3 coilovers and Whiteline sway bars. Add SPC front upper control arms and Energy Suspension bushings to correct alignment and tighten the chassis. If you focus on autocross or track days, consider Ohlins coilovers and GKTech rear camber arms for maximum adjustability. Always get a professional alignment after any suspension work to ensure even tire wear and predictable handling. The 2005 350Z responds exceptionally well to these upgrades, and you'll feel the difference on the first corner.