HomeSite IndexSearch SE-R.net Logo

Suspension


Upgrades & Modifications bullet_blank.gif (76 bytes)

Springs
Shocks
Bushings
Camber Plates
Strut Tower Braces
Sway Bars

Suspension Tuning Tips
bullet_blank.gif (76 bytes) Understanding Vehicle Dynamics
bullet_blank.gif (76 bytes) Basic Rules
bullet_blank.gif (76 bytes) Some Suggested Setups
bullet_blank.gif (76 bytes) How to Adjust your suspension
bullet_blank.gif (76 bytes) Reader's Contributions
 
Information

About Alignments
Ball Joint Separator
Coil Spring Rate Calculator
Control Arm Pictures
G20 Suspension Options
How Sway Bars Work
Sentra SE-R Suspension Photos
Shock Tech
Slotting the Struts
Suspension Bible
Zak Nilsson and Eibach Springs

Comments on the 200SX Multi-Link Beam suspension

red_triangle.gif (202 bytes) By Mike Kojima

I am writing to defend the beam axle of the 200SX once and for all! I have owned and raced classics in SCCA and IMSA quite a bit. I also own a 200SX (SCC Magazine Project SE-R). I feel that both are fine handling cars.

Stock on stock the classic rotates a little better under lift throttle which is advantageous for racing, especially Solo II type stuff and the 200SX pushes a bit more making it a bit more forgiving. The difference is pretty difficult for most people to tell, rather subtle.

The beam on the 200SX is rather sophisticated for a beam, being a twist link that allows independent action of the wheels. It also has a lateral link to lower the roll center and for lateral location. The advantage over the classic being no toe, camber or bump steer change under roll, so as not to make as much trailing throttle oversteer. The bushings have minimal stiction, combined with the twisting of the beam make for a tramp free ride even under cornering load on rough surfaces.

This is not at all like the crappy beam on cars like the Paseo, Tercel and American cars. It really works. When modified the SX will outcorner about anything. Searl whooped up on lots of Porsches and every classic on street tires at a time trial track event in his SX. My car handles better in some ways than my super trick 300zxtt. I am not biased but have a lot of experience with both cars.


Springs
Manufacturer Application Drop (front/rear) Part # Cost Notes
Eibach Pro-Kit, Sentra
Pro-Kit, NX2000
Pro-Kit, 200SX
1.25" / 1.25"
1.25" / 1.25"
1.4" / 1.3"
6316.140
6324.140
6335.140
~$185 Fronts are linear rate, rears are progressive (see below)
Sportline, Sentra
Sportline, 200SX
1.8" / 1.8"
1.9" / 1.8"
4.1663
4.3563
 
Ground Control Sentra
NX2000
200SX
Adjustable   $399 Spring rates can be matched to the application
InTrax   2.0" / 2.0"     Linear
Sprint Sentra
200SX
2.0" / 2.0"
2.0" / 2.0"
9000
9100
$229 Spring rates are either progressive or dual rate

 

Shocks
Manufacturer Application Part # Cost Notes
GAB Sentra, NX2000 front and rear
200SX front (same as above)
200SX rear
  ~$215 each
~$215 each
~$155 each
Fronts are 4-way adjustable, rears are 8-way adjustable
Tokico Sentra, NX2000, 200SX front
Sentra, NX2000 rear
200SX rear
HB-1068, HB-1069

HU-2905
~$90 each
~$90 each
~$75 each
Tokicos have a lifetime warranty
Koni Sentra   ~$125 each Installation requires some fabrication
KYB Sentra   ~$80 each Only rears will fit with ABS

 

Bushings
Manufacturer Application Description Part # Cost Notes
Energy Suspension Sentra Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Front Sway Bars
Rear Sway Bars
Shifter
7-3109
7-3110
7-5115G
7-5116G
7-1103
$41.95
$83.95
$20.95
$36.70
$7.30
Click here for pics and install notes

 

Camber Plates
Manufacturer Application Part # Cost Notes
Stillen Sentra, NX2000, 200SX 308100 ~$345 Adjusts camber only. Click here for more info.

 

Strut Tower Braces
Manufacturer Application Location Part # Cost Notes
Stillen Sentra
200SX
200SX
Front
Front
Rear
307012
307011
307511
~$225
~$225
~$208
 
Pan Motorsport Sentra, NX2000, 200SX Front   ~$90  
Courtesy Nissan Sentra, NX2000, 200SX
200SX
Front
Rear
  ~$75
~$75
Click here for more info on these STBs

 

Sway Bars
Manufacturer Application Part # Cost Notes
Stillen Sentra, NX2000 303048 ~$300  
Suspension Techniques     ~$220 Click here for ST Swaybar install notes

 


Eibach Pro-Kit spring rates: (Rates are lb/in. All rear springs are progressive)

Car Front Rear Source of Info
Sentra SE-R 150 80 - 180 Eibach*
NX2000 160 80 - 180 Eibach*
200SX SE-R 160 137 - 257 NISMO catalog

* Kit Wetzler asked an Eibach engineer directly.


Tires & Wheels Brakes Suspension
Body & Trim Heat & AC Electrical
Headers & Exhaust Engine Transaxle & Clutch