Lifted Z?

BeauAdcox

Member
Car
08 350z
Name
Beau
I'm interested in the idea of lifting a 350 or 370z for a fun car. Mostly street and gravel. I dont plan to rally or anything crazy, I would just like a higher ride height and to do it right. I was wondering why a stock fx35 suspension setup couldn't be bolted right in. Maybe some decent fx35 coilovers, but still maintain a plush ride and some reasonable ride height for Texas desert roads. Anybody got any insight and wisdom for this?
 
@madladyz33 on instagram has a lifted 350Z, might be able to get some ideas there

The FX suspension would not directly swap in the 370
 
@madladyz33 on instagram has a lifted 350Z, might be able to get some ideas there

The FX suspension would not directly swap in the 370

I have seen it. Pretty cool car. I have researched it a bit. I think a couple of guys are using 3d printed plastic spacers to go above the front strut and rear coil. You can buy those on the web. Like 30 mm front and rear or so of lift. You seem knowledgeable on the platform. In a short enough answer, why exactly would the fx suspension not go underneath a Z or G35/37 if it is the same platform? I understand the control arms are different lengths between the two. Assuming you were willing to purchase all of it, and maybe some brake lines and etc? Is the mounting structure different underneath the two cars? What is it specifically if you dont ind taking the time to answer.
 
They are on the same plat form however the suspension is a little different between the 2

comparing the 2nd gen FX/QX70 to a 370Z

the front struts on the Z have a bushing at the bottom to bolt to the arm and the FX/QX bolt to the lower arm with a wishbone mount.
the arms themselves have different mounting points as well so you couldnt swap over the arm either

370Z front suspension

51025901021_6538062d33_c.jpg370Z FRONT

FX/QX front suspension

51025999977_ef5a64cda4_b.jpgFX FRONT

in the rear the shock bolts to the top of the knuckle where on the FX/QX the shock bolts to one of the lower control arms a little ahead of the knuckle so my guess is the top mounts would not line up even if you were able to mount the rest of the arms

370Z rear suspension

51025901011_0c6950a083_b.jpg370Z REAR

51025169243_64ca0c70c1_b.jpg370Z REAR 2

FX/QX rear suspension

51025169193_438b306d76_b.jpgFX REAR

51025169218_6560fc9cf5_c.jpgFX REAR 2

The first gen FX has the same rear set up and the front uses a McPherson strut

depending on the level of modification you wanted to get in to you maybe able to swap the front and rear subframe assemblies from a FX/QX on to a Z but I would imaging it would need modification and not be a straight forward bolt on job

this would be an enormous project and I have to imagine there is an easier way to get a few inches of height for what you are looking to do

I love the look of the jacked Z though I have not done much research on it as I do not have a Z myself but maybe some coilovers set at max height and the strut spacers might get you there

hope this info helps and I look forward to seeing your lifted Z
 
Jeff, you're a good man with a great thorough answer!

That madladyz33 Z does look pretty darn cool. Reminds me a lot of the Mercedes SL version (which might be a better idea, especially for financial longevity)
 
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