November issue of 'Japanese Performance' carries an article about buying a used 300zx....and in the section 'Suspension/Steering' is this....

 

'Many owners don't realise that the suspension dampers on all UK spec twin-turbo models can be set for hard or soft settings. It's done using the handbrake mechanism. Yes, really - check with handbook or dealer/specialist.'

 

Sounds more than a bit wacky to me....but....have checked handbook, nothing! So now I am asking the resident 'specialists'.....is it right, and if it is how do I adjust???

yes, pull the handbrake up 1 notch and it will stiffen the rear. This is only really a testing feature afaik. I think it hardens automatically when you floor it to eliminate squat.

The handbrake thing is a diagnostic to prove the system is working. I changed my rear shocks for new stock (Tokico)ones cause she was giving the little sideways skip at the back over potholes etc. I was surprised to find that you had to transfer the electric actuators to the top of the new ones. It does work too. If you get the handbake warning light on the rear goes stiff. The ride is well stiff enough for my liking on normal with 18" and 265s on the back!

 

I heard here that the ecu is supposed to switch it stiff under full throttle acceleration to avoid squat and at certain high speed conditions but I see nothing about that in the manual. The USA models had a sport/normal switch by the handbrake to switch it manually. A stiffer rear is probably good for trackday driving. Made me think it was a system left in but not selectable except with the handbrake trick in UK.

 

Others may know better.

On the Japanese or US cars there is a button to activate it. I know the US model has a sports setting, hard suspention, and a touring setting, softer setting.

 

But of course being in the UK they got rid of usless things like adjustable ride settings and gave us more pratical things like, head light washers. :confused:

Seems fair to me.

 

Stuart

Originally posted by SRRAE

On the Japanese or US cars there is a button to activate it.

 

It's only the US cars :(

 

For anyone who just got excited - us import people have factory set shocks, that have no adjustments (to my knowledge)..

 

Sorry folks, but we don't even get the headlight washers... :(

I found a button stashed away under the steering column. I have no idea what it is or what it does. How do I find out (safely) ?

I'll get a picture if it helps.

 

oh mines J'spec TT 2+2 on a G.

Originally posted by smw1

I found a button stashed away under the steering column. I have no idea what it is or what it does. How do I find out (safely) ?

I'll get a picture if it helps.

 

oh mines J'spec TT 2+2 on a G.

 

You will have to be traveling at least 70mph over a very rough road, then take both hands off the steering press the switch and see if the steering wheel vibrates more than it did before. :D :D :D :D

 

Stuart