Coilover Suspension Selection And Installation For A 1996 Nissan 240sx (s14)

The 1996 Nissan 240SX (S14) remains a popular platform for enthusiasts looking for a versatile and tunable sports car. One of the most impactful modifications you can make to improve handling and aesthetics is upgrading the suspension to a coilover system. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting the right coilovers and installing them on your S14.

Why Upgrade to Coilovers on Your S14?

Before diving into the selection and installation process, it's important to understand the benefits of coilovers. Compared to the stock suspension, coilovers offer several advantages:

Adjustable Ride Height: Coilovers allow you to fine-tune the ride height of your 240SX. This is crucial for achieving the desired stance, improving aerodynamics, and clearing larger wheels and tires.
Improved Handling: Coilovers typically feature stiffer spring rates and adjustable damping. This results in reduced body roll, improved cornering grip, and a more responsive driving experience.
Adjustable Damping: Many coilovers offer adjustable damping, allowing you to control the compression and rebound of the shock absorbers. This enables you to tailor the suspension to your driving style and the road conditions.
Performance Look: Let's face it, they look great! Coilovers can dramatically improve the look of your 240SX with a more aggressive and purposeful stance.

Selecting the Right Coilovers for Your 240SX (S14)

Choosing the right coilovers for your S14 depends on your intended use and budget. Here are some key factors to consider:

Intended Use:

How do you plan to use your 240SX? This is the most important question to ask yourself. Will it be a daily driver, a weekend track car, or a dedicated drift machine?

Daily Driver: If your S14 is primarily a daily driver, you'll want coilovers that offer a comfortable ride while still providing improved handling. Look for coilovers with moderate spring rates and adjustable damping. A softer spring rate will absorb bumps better.
Track Car: For track use, you'll need coilovers with higher spring rates and more aggressive damping settings. Adjustable camber plates are also highly recommended for optimizing wheel alignment for cornering.
Drift Car: Drift coilovers often prioritize maximum steering angle and predictable handling. Spring rates may be higher in the front than the rear to promote oversteer. Dampening adjustability is vital to dial in the suspension for different track surfaces.

Spring Rates:

Spring rates determine the stiffness of the suspension. Higher spring rates provide better handling but can result in a harsher ride. Lower spring rates offer a more comfortable ride but may compromise handling performance. Consider these spring rate guidelines:

Street Use: 6-8 kg/mm front, 4-6 kg/mm rear
Track Use: 8-12 kg/mm front, 6-10 kg/mm rear
Drift Use: 9-14 kg/mm front, 6-10 kg/mm rear (often with a staggered setup)

These are just general guidelines. The ideal spring rates will depend on your specific setup and driving style.

Damping Adjustment:

Damping adjustment allows you to control the compression and rebound of the shock absorbers. This is crucial for fine-tuning the suspension to your liking. Look for coilovers with a wide range of damping adjustment.

Single Adjustable: Adjusts both compression and rebound simultaneously. Simpler to tune but offers less precise control.
Double Adjustable: Allows independent adjustment of compression and rebound. Provides more precise control but requires more experience to tune properly.

Build Quality and Brand Reputation:

Invest in a reputable brand known for producing high-quality coilovers. Read reviews and research different brands before making a purchase. Cheaper coilovers may not last as long or perform as well as higher-quality options.

Budget:

Coilovers range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a realistic budget and choose the best coilovers you can afford.

Top Coilover Brands for the S14 240SX:

Tein: Known for their quality and durability.
BC Racing: A popular choice offering good value for money.
KW Suspension: High-end coilovers with excellent performance.
Fortune Auto: Customizable coilovers tailored to specific needs.
Megan Racing: An entry-level option with decent performance.

Coilover Installation Guide for Your 1996 Nissan 240SX (S14)

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Professional installation is recommended. Working on your car can be dangerous, so always take proper safety precautions. Use jack stands when working under the vehicle, wear safety glasses, and consult a repair manual for specific torque specifications.

Tools and Materials Needed:

New Coilover Kit
Jack and Jack Stands
Wheel Chocks
Socket Set and Wrenches
Torque Wrench
Hammer
Penetrating Oil
Spring Compressor (if needed)
Alignment Tools (optional)
Gloves
Safety Glasses

Step-by-Step Installation:

Prepare the Vehicle: Park the 240SX on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels.
Raise and Secure the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the front of the car and place jack stands under the frame rails. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove the front wheels.
Remove the Old Front Suspension:
1. Spray penetrating oil on all bolts and nuts related to the suspension.
2. Disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor wires from the strut assembly. Secure them out of the way to prevent damage.
3. Remove the sway bar end links from the strut assembly.
4. Remove the bolts securing the strut assembly to the spindle/knuckle.
5. Carefully remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. This might require some persuasion with a hammer.
Install the New Front Coilovers:
1. Install the new coilover into the spindle/knuckle, aligning the bolt holes.
2. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
3. Reattach the sway bar end links.
4. Reattach the brake lines and ABS sensor wires, ensuring they are properly secured.
Repeat for the Other Front Side: Follow the same steps to remove and install the coilover on the other front side of the vehicle.
Repeat the Process for the Rear Suspension: Chock the front wheels, loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, raise the rear of the car, and secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels and follow similar steps to remove and install the rear coilovers. Remember to disconnect and reattach the brake lines and ABS sensor wires. Note that the rear setup might involve more components, so refer to your repair manual.
Adjust Ride Height and Damping: Once all four coilovers are installed, adjust the ride height to your desired setting. Refer to the coilover manufacturer's instructions for the proper adjustment procedure. Set the damping to a starting point and adjust as needed after test driving.
Reinstall the Wheels: Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
Alignment: This is crucial! After installing coilovers, it's essential to get a professional wheel alignment. This will ensure that your car handles properly and prevent premature tire wear. Explain to the alignment technician what your intended use is for the vehicle.

Post-Installation Tips

Check for Clearance: Ensure that the tires and wheels have adequate clearance from the fenders and suspension components.
Test Drive: Take your S14 for a test drive to evaluate the handling and ride quality. Make adjustments to the damping settings as needed.
Retorque Bolts: After a few hundred miles, retorque all bolts related to the suspension to ensure they are properly tightened.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your coilovers for signs of wear or damage.

Installing coilovers on your 1996 Nissan 240SX (S14) can significantly improve its handling and appearance. By carefully selecting the right coilovers and following these installation steps, you can transform your S14 into a more capable and enjoyable sports car.