Shocks For 200sx

[RALLY200SX]

Hi - I am new here and have a question. I am running a 1987 200sx V6 in a local (USA - Yes, some of us do know what racing is) Rally-X series, I run in stock RWD or SR - I am having a problem with ride height (obviously) do you know of any shocks that would fit the car that could give me a "lift" - any other options? Thanks for your time, Jim

[Warps]

Good to see some rally heads Stateside. I saw some magnificent rally roads during my 3 months in West Virginia (cue banjos). In fact, part of my daily commute to work included 10 miles on twisty gravel roads (on a disused coal mine site)

Now, to answer your question:
There have been a few of those things rallied successfully here. They are known as Gazelles in Australia, or S12 Silvias in other markets. Do a bit of a search around here and Google (as well as Ozdat.com.au) and you should start finding more info.

To fix your ride height issues, it will be springs, and not shocks that you need. Not that the shocks won't require upgrading to handle the rally punishment as well.

I'm pretty sure that Kings Springs list a spring for this model, and you'll find that the suspension design is similar to many other Nissans of that era, and later (and very easily interchangeable too)

Some others may chime in with more specific info, but that should get you started.

If all else fails, call or ring Baz at Datspoprt (he's in Adelaide, South Australia) - again google it. What he doesn't know about making Datsuns go, stop and handle probably hasn't been written yet.

[RALLY200SX]

Thanks for your response - I will do some further research. Thanks again, Jim

[mick bramble]

Jim

Hi
I put up some more videos up 1988 Esanda Rally a while ago.
It has Paddy Davidson in his Nissan. Just for you interest.
Part 1
http://www.motorsportmad.com/view/53...ly-of-canberra
Part 2
http://www.motorsportmad.com/view/53...anberra-part-2

Regards Michael
Motorsport Memories Australia
www.torquenpower.com

[Matt]

Jim,

The problem that you are going to run into is that in order to keep your ground clearance, you will need to use taller/harder springs, and that won't be beneficial on the dirt. What you will want to do is make the spring platform adjustable,

I am running a DR30 Skyline, which uses the same front struts as the S12. Here is a write-up of my solution to the strut issue. Where you read "Skyline strut", substitute "Z31 300ZX strut". They are the same.

There is also a wealth of threads in these forums regarding struts and options. "Search" will provide you with hours of reading material...

Any questions, just ask.

[RALLY200SX]

The problem I am having is the car is "snowplowing" at the end of the day - the course gets so rutted and the drifts so deep that I end up plowing or pushing my way through (not the quickest way around and cost me 1st place last weekend) Take a look at my fog lights. The other problem I have is trying to stay "stock"

[Matt]

Ah, I assume you run under SCCA Rules.

For others, this is what they say about suspension:

Originally Posted by SCCA Rallycross Rulebook

Shocks/dampers may be replaced with OEM or aftermarket replacement
units intended for the specific year make and model used. The stock
spring must be used as it was on the OEM unit. The spring perch must be
factory welded to the damper or use the exact attachment method as
OEM. Adjustable dampers are only allowed if the OEM unit was adjustable
and must retain the same number of adjustments or fewer as OEM.
Remote reservoir shocks are only allowed if they are exact OEM units.

That's tricky. Air shocks?

[tortfeaser]

You could space the top of the strut down from the strut tower, pack the gap with a alloy plate and put in longer strut top bolts.

[RALLY200SX]

Originally Posted by Matt

Ah, I assume you run under SCCA Rules.

For others, this is what they say about suspension:



That's tricky. Air shocks?

You got it - SCCA Rally-X SR (Stock Rear) class. I was thinking of heat treating the springs to make them stiffer - or get new stiffer springs, but I don't know what will fit or where to get them.

Thanks - here is my son's run, you can see the "bounce" in the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GguEUEneOW4

[Spac]

Originally Posted by SCCA Rallycross Rulebook
Shocks/dampers may be replaced with OEM or aftermarket replacement
units intended for the specific year make and model used. The stock
spring must be used as it was on the OEM unit. The spring perch must be
factory welded to the damper or use the exact attachment method as
OEM. Adjustable dampers are only allowed if the OEM unit was adjustable
and must retain the same number of adjustments or fewer as OEM.
Remote reservoir shocks are only allowed if they are exact OEM units.

Yeck!
Although, Murray could easily build a non-cannister strut designed for a 1987 200SX, which would meet those rules.
With a big enough shaft, gas pressure could be used to help get the spring rate up.