Technical Review And Performance Analysis Of Godspeed Project Coilovers For The 240sx

The Nissan 240SX, a darling of the drifting and tuning scene, owes much of its popularity to its lightweight chassis, rear-wheel-drive configuration, and readily available aftermarket support. Suspension modifications are almost mandatory for serious enthusiasts, and coilover systems are often the first upgrade considered. Godspeed Project, known for offering budget-friendly performance parts, has a line of coilovers specifically designed for the 240SX. This review delves into a technical analysis of Godspeed coilovers for the 240SX, examining their construction, performance characteristics, and suitability for various driving styles.

Coilover Construction and Components

Understanding the individual components and their interaction is crucial for evaluating a coilover's potential. We'll break down the key elements of a typical Godspeed coilover for the 240SX.

Damper (Shock Absorber)

The damper, or shock absorber, is the heart of any coilover. It controls the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds, mitigating oscillations and maintaining tire contact with the road. Godspeed coilovers for the 240SX typically employ a monotube or twin-tube design.

A monotube damper features a single tube containing the piston, oil, and gas (usually nitrogen). The gas charge separates the oil and prevents cavitation (the formation of air bubbles in the oil) under extreme conditions. Monotube dampers generally offer superior heat dissipation and consistent performance under prolonged use, making them favorable for track applications. Look for features like:

Piston Design: The piston within the damper controls the flow of oil. Different piston designs offer varying damping curves (digressive, linear, progressive) that affect the ride quality and handling characteristics. Typically, Godspeed uses pistons that offer a linear or slightly digressive damping curve which offers more compliant ride for street use, and can be adequate for the beginner on the track.
Adjustability: Godspeed coilovers often offer adjustable damping, allowing users to fine-tune the compression and rebound damping rates to suit their driving style and track conditions. This is typically accomplished through an external knob that restricts or opens the flow of oil through the piston.
Materials: The damper body material (steel or aluminum) affects weight and heat dissipation. Aluminum offers better heat dissipation but is typically more expensive.

Twin-tube dampers, on the other hand, have two concentric tubes. The piston operates within the inner tube, while the outer tube contains a reservoir of oil and gas. Twin-tube dampers are generally less expensive to manufacture and offer a more compliant ride on rough roads. However, they are more susceptible to cavitation and heat buildup under heavy use.

Springs

The springs provide the primary support for the vehicle's weight and determine the ride height. Godspeed coilovers typically use linear rate springs. The spring rate, measured in pounds per inch (lbs/in) or kilograms per millimeter (kg/mm), indicates the amount of force required to compress the spring one inch or one millimeter. A higher spring rate results in a stiffer ride and reduced body roll, while a lower spring rate offers a more comfortable ride but may compromise handling. Spring selection is a critical part of tuning any suspension. Consider your tires when selecting a spring. The spring rate should compliment the sidewall stiffness of your tires.

Key spring considerations include:

Spring Rate Selection: Godspeed typically packages these coilovers with spring rates suitable for a broad range of users, often erring on the side of streetability. Dedicated track users may benefit from swapping to higher spring rates.
Spring Material: High-quality spring steel is essential for consistent performance and durability.
Spring Length: The spring length, in conjunction with the preload adjustment, determines the ride height.

Coilover Body and Mounts

The coilover body houses the damper and spring. It also incorporates mounting points to attach the coilover to the vehicle's chassis and suspension components. Godspeed coilovers for the 240SX often feature:

Height Adjustability: A threaded coilover body allows users to adjust the ride height independently of the spring preload. This is a crucial feature for fine-tuning the vehicle's stance and weight distribution.
Lower Mounts: Pay attention to the lower mount design. Some coilovers use a fixed lower mount, while others feature adjustable lower mounts that allow for camber adjustment. Camber adjustment is vital for optimizing tire contact patch and improving handling performance. The quality of the mounting hardware is a critical safety concern. Improper torqueing of the mounting hardware has been cited as a cause for catastrophic suspension failure.
Top Mounts: The top mounts connect the coilover to the vehicle's chassis. Common options include:
- OEM Style Top Mounts: Designed to reuse the factory top mounts. These are a cost effective choice but may lack the rigidity of aftermarket alternatives.
- Pillowball Top Mounts: Feature a spherical bearing (pillowball) that eliminates rubber bushings for improved responsiveness and feedback. These mounts can transmit more noise and vibration into the cabin. They are favored by hardcore users.
- Adjustable Camber Plates: Integrate camber adjustment into the top mount, providing an additional degree of control over wheel alignment.

Performance Analysis

The real test of any coilover system lies in its performance on the road or track. We'll analyze the performance characteristics of Godspeed coilovers for the 240SX, considering their strengths and weaknesses.

Ride Quality

Ride quality is a crucial consideration for street-driven 240SXs. Godspeed coilovers, depending on the specific model and spring rates, generally offer a firmer ride compared to the factory suspension. However, models with adjustable damping allow users to soften the ride for daily driving. It's important to understand that achieving a comfortable ride with aftermarket coilovers often requires compromise. Significantly lowering the ride height reduces suspension travel, which can negatively impact ride quality.

The dampening characteristics also affect the ride quality. A improperly tuned damper (e.g. too stiff) can feel harsh, especially over potholes and rough surfaces.

Handling Performance

The primary goal of installing coilovers is to improve handling performance. Godspeed coilovers can significantly reduce body roll, improve steering response, and increase grip compared to the stock suspension. The benefits are especially noticeable when cornering and during transitions. The ability to adjust ride height and damping allows users to fine-tune the handling balance to their liking. For example:

Lowering the ride height lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, which reduces body roll and improves stability. Stiffer spring rates further reduce body roll. Adjusting the damping allows you to control the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds, optimizing tire contact and grip.

However, it's important to note that simply installing coilovers does not guarantee improved handling. Proper setup and alignment are essential. Incorrect ride height, spring preload, or alignment settings can negatively impact handling. It is also important to select tires that will compliment the characteristics of the coilovers.

Durability and Reliability

Durability is a crucial factor, especially for vehicles subjected to demanding driving conditions. Godspeed coilovers, while generally affordable, may not offer the same level of long-term durability as more expensive brands. The quality of the materials and construction plays a significant role in the lifespan of the coilovers. Regularly inspect the coilovers for signs of wear or damage, such as leaks, corrosion, or worn bushings. Periodic cleaning and lubrication can help extend their lifespan.

One area of concern is the long-term reliability of the damping adjusters. Over time, these adjusters can become corroded or seized, making it difficult to fine-tune the suspension. Proper maintenance and lubrication can help prevent this issue. Some end users have reported premature failure of the dampers in racing applications. This may be caused by improper damper settings, overtraveling the damper, or exceeding the damper's performance window for that type of driving.

Suitability for Various Driving Styles

Godspeed coilovers offer a versatile upgrade for the 240SX, but their suitability varies depending on the intended use:

Street Use: Godspeed coilovers with adjustable damping can provide a comfortable ride for street use while still offering improved handling. However, excessively stiff spring rates can compromise ride quality.
Drifting: The adjustability of Godspeed coilovers makes them a popular choice for drifting. Lowering the ride height and increasing the spring rates can improve stability and control.
Track Days: Godspeed coilovers can be a cost-effective option for track days, but dedicated track users may benefit from upgrading to higher-quality coilovers with more advanced damping technology. Over time, many track users have noted that the Godspeed dampers degrade in performance, requiring frequent rebuilds or replacement.

Conclusion

Godspeed Project coilovers offer a budget-friendly entry point into performance suspension upgrades for the Nissan 240SX. Their adjustability allows users to fine-tune the ride height, spring preload, and damping characteristics to suit their driving preferences. However, it's essential to understand their limitations and consider factors such as durability, ride quality, and suitability for specific driving styles before making a purchase. Proper installation, setup, and maintenance are crucial for maximizing performance and ensuring long-term reliability. For serious track enthusiasts, investing in higher-end coilover systems with more sophisticated damping technology may be a better option in the long run.