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Just thinking out loud here...


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I've done some research and the MacPherson suspension system on the 510's isn't the best in regards to performance and quality of the ride. I was just wondering if you could put a double wishbone (Miata NA maybe?) or multi-link suspension in a 510 with some custom fab, just not sure if the new system would fit or even be practical to put in. Again just thinking out loud, so don't crucify me if I'm completely wrong  :confused:  :confused:

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where did you read this? its not the be all end all for suspesnion but a strut setup works just fine and handles really well why do you think 90% of modern cars run a strut set up changing the suspension if the car requires either a full tube chassis or grafting on the front end of another car such as the aformentioned miata (personally i think the mustang II stuff is better and comes in kit form just sayin) but again why go threw all that work and money for maybe a tiny improvement?

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where did you read this? its not the be all end all for suspesnion but a strut setup works just fine and handles really well why do you think 90% of modern cars run a strut set up changing the suspension if the car requires either a full tube chassis or grafting on the front end of another car such as the aformentioned miata (personally i think the mustang II stuff is better and comes in kit form just sayin) but again why go threw all that work and money for maybe a tiny improvement?

I read as many posts as I could before I posted this topic and went on other forums to see what they had to say, a bunch mentioned that the MacPherson system puts a lot of the shock into the body, creating a lot of noise. There were a few people on here that still weren't satisfied even with new shocks from 280z's. A couple mentioned performance downsides, (to be honest I'm not that concerned about that) I was more just curious about the ride quality the double wishbone or multi-link had to offer.

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Hmmm.... I'm wanting to put a better system on front/rear to reduce road noise and provide a smoother ride, what would happen if I put a miata/mustang II front end on my 510 with a multi-link like Supra510 has here http://community.ratsun.net/topic/58327-2jz-wagon-gets-a-3-link/

And I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be an issue but I'm thinking of doin a little bit of camber down the road

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These cars were built as economy cars. They were not designed to be super quiet or super smooth. There are plenty of products out there to help reduce road noise. Dynamat and carpet padding along with new door and window seals will go a long way to quiet down the interior. As to a smoother ride, good strut inserts and springs that are not too stiff will help too although they will cut back on handling.

 

Redesigning the suspension would be much more expensive and invasive to the car.

 

These are 41 plus year old cars and will never be as quiet or as smooth as a new car. If you want a quiet smooth ride, get a Lexus. Not as cool as a Datsun but there sure are quiet.

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These cars were built as economy cars. They were not designed to be super quiet or super smooth. There are plenty of products out there to help reduce road noise. Dynamat and carpet padding along with new door and window seals will go a long way to quiet down the interior. As to a smoother ride, good strut inserts and springs that are not too stiff will help too although they will cut back on handling.

 

Redesigning the suspension would be much more expensive and invasive to the car.

 

These are 41 plus year old cars and will never be as quiet or as smooth as a new car. If you want a quiet smooth ride, get a Lexus. Not as cool as a Datsun but there sure are quiet.

If I were to install a mustang II front end with some modifications wouldn't it improve the handling as well as the quality of the ride though? I'm pursing this project as more of a learning experience, that being said I'm not that concerned about how much $$$ it'll cost or decrease the appeal for my car. 

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depending on what you're trying to learn...

handling and ride quality can be improved a number of ways with the existing suspension.

if fabrication is your primary goal, you may need to consider packaging constraints. how much space do you need to do the things you want?

i would think up front you'll run into suspension travel and turning radius issues as a double wishbone would take a ton of room that just isnt there unless you're willing to go to a narrower wheel or remove some sheet metal.

the rear is whole other ball of wax...

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I agree with qwik on this, get the proper spring and shock set up, some sound deafening some new seals and he amazed at what happens.

 

On the handling side, a DATSUN kicked the shit of the biggest auto makers in the world with an econobox in the 2.5 trans am series....because handling

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Noise can be muted with sound deadeners in doors and floors, carpet, inside and under coatings on the outside. Hood insulation is good also. Even the tires you select can help. Tightening loose rattles and a quiet exhaust system. 

 

Ride is subjective. A well damped ride is usually preferable to a bouncy soft one. New shocks or strut dampers are advised. I prefer a slightly firm ride but that's because I also like the next item...

 

Handling. Lowering the ride height and increasing the spring rate will make the car more stable and predictable when 'performance driving'. This may make the car less 'comfortable' to drive so find your sweet spot for this. 

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