Suspension Geometry Questions - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

FattyMcBaggins · 03-07-2012, 10:37 AM

Hey guys,
I have an S13 with a VQ35 swapped into it. I currently have the motor out of the car, and I'm trying to troubleshoot a few fitment issues. I'm using McKinney mounts, which fit and function great, but the VQ is a very tall motor, and I currently won't be able to fit a hood. I already got spacers for the hood, but I still don't think it will quite be enough. So, I was considering making 1/2 inch spacers for the front cross member to lower it a bit, effectively lowering the motor. My only question is if this will screw up the suspension geometry a ton, or if the effect will be nominal. I do have FULLY adjustable suspension, including the front LCA's, so I'm thinking I could be able to compensate for it? Ideas please, and preferably only constructive (or informed) ones. Thanks guys.

Here's a photo of where the engine was sitting:

bataangpinoy · 03-07-2012, 10:45 AM

try and find a hood with a cowl on it.

PoorMans180SX · 03-07-2012, 11:08 AM

Lowering your crossmember will lower your roll center height, which is generally bad. You can compensate with longer ball joint shanks or knuckles that compensate by moving the ball joint down.

Either way, it's probably better to run hood spacers or a custom hood.

03-07-2012, 10:37 AM	#1
FattyMcBaggins Leaky Injector Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Age: 38 Posts: 119 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Suspension Geometry Questions Hey guys, I have an S13 with a VQ35 swapped into it. I currently have the motor out of the car, and I'm trying to troubleshoot a few fitment issues. I'm using McKinney mounts, which fit and function great, but the VQ is a very tall motor, and I currently won't be able to fit a hood. I already got spacers for the hood, but I still don't think it will quite be enough. So, I was considering making 1/2 inch spacers for the front cross member to lower it a bit, effectively lowering the motor. My only question is if this will screw up the suspension geometry a ton, or if the effect will be nominal. I do have FULLY adjustable suspension, including the front LCA's, so I'm thinking I could be able to compensate for it? Ideas please, and preferably only constructive (or informed) ones. Thanks guys. Here's a photo of where the engine was sitting:

03-07-2012, 11:08 AM	#3
PoorMans180SX Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 37 Posts: 5,616 Trader Rating: (16) Rides Gallery: PoorMans180SX Feedback Score: 16 reviews	Lowering your crossmember will lower your roll center height, which is generally bad. You can compensate with longer ball joint shanks or knuckles that compensate by moving the ball joint down. Either way, it's probably better to run hood spacers or a custom hood. __________________ Build: http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=643065 Friends don't let friends buy knock-offs.

03-07-2012, 10:45 AM	#2
bataangpinoy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: caves Age: 32 Posts: 860 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	try and find a hood with a cowl on it.