Options in Lowering '78 B210

[NewDirection]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm looking into options for lowering the front of my B210 by about an inch to an inch and half. Datzenmike has suggested the "collar clamps and relocate the perches" method, which is currently my favourite. I've also seen this kit for sale, for a price that seems like a steal:

https://groundcontrolstore.com/products/coilover-conversion-kit-datsun-1200-b210-honey-bee-front-weld

 

The issue with this is that I don't really understand how it works. When they say weld, what exactly is being welded to what? And how is this better than the method above?

 

For more money, there is also this:

https://hiro-performance.com/73-77-nissan-sunny-b210/

https://www.fvsuspension.com/products/fv-suspension-coilovers-73-77-nissan-sunny

 

This seems like I could install it myself, with no need for cutting and welding, and would allow me to save the original front strut (as I don't have to cut off the perch.

 

Any thoughts on what is "best"?

[Dguy210]

59 minutes ago, NewDirection said:

Hello everyone,

 

I'm looking into options for lowering the front of my B210 by about an inch to an inch and half. Datzenmike has suggested the "collar clamps and relocate the perches" method, which is currently my favourite. I've also seen this kit for sale, for a price that seems like a steal:

https://groundcontrolstore.com/products/coilover-conversion-kit-datsun-1200-b210-honey-bee-front-weld

 

The issue with this is that I don't really understand how it works. When they say weld, what exactly is being welded to what? And how is this better than the method above?

 

For more money, there is also this:

https://hiro-performance.com/73-77-nissan-sunny-b210/

https://www.fvsuspension.com/products/fv-suspension-coilovers-73-77-nissan-sunny

 

This seems like I could install it myself, with no need for cutting and welding, and would allow me to save the original front strut (as I don't have to cut off the perch.

 

Any thoughts on what is "best"?

 

 

Are you running stock or 280zx struts? 

 

But seriously if only dropping an inch or two just taking off a coil or two of the spring is the easiest way (and free). It will stiffen the ride slightly but stock they are pretty soft anyways. 

 

That ground control kit uses a weld on the strut for the bottom of the coil to sit, the collar clamp would replace that method (so no welding), so you just need to cut the perch off and grind the area smooth. Also, while that kit is nice there are quite a few other kits that would also fit. The stock strut is 50mm and is a very common size of strut. For general driving the coilovers are a bit overkill as you will likely only set the height once and never adjust it again.

 

Be careful of using kits meant for non-North American cars, they use a different front suspension setup for the 120Y and MAY not be compatible. 

 

For bang for the buck I'd strongly suggest going with upgraded brakes before dropping the front. 

 

Best bet would be  280zx struts, then cut the perch on those struts and do the coil over conversion. So you can still have your stock struts as backup. Note: doesn't fit some 13" wheels.

Edited February 5 by Dguy210

[NewDirection]

Great, lots to think about, thanks!

I also found these loweirng springs from Australia:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173930351474?hash=item287f0e8b72:g:32sAAOSwCZxi1qfL&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwA20q8Y8Z8cNK8ZHIcbKDcreV%2BfaXq%2BbNWuI8KRXoiWUmn%2BC847uvjY9mPmxF6PCm91ePzMg3ofGzuO1u37M2%2FGJ768qs5QSTa8tkmiKDGr2g7ChTugtdy9rRt40LZswKwZFdYQmUBXuSClPQVwoNxnAbOm0%2FdB%2B%2BmMLPNriYdlrk6QxsX5%2BwRgfv2cPkMqLN84NmNwaAUHseYaCj4jjukSROkAvo8LAlniWhwaVP1WcbknseR8imzW%2FKntspBpXfQ%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8adoIOvYw

 

But compatibility is provided as 1970-79 Datsun 120Y Coupe. To your point, would these not fit a B210 2-door sedan?

[NewDirection]

I'd love to upgrade to the 280ZX setup but really like the look of 13" rims and don't want to risk it not fitting. Plus I'm already able to lock the wheels under full pedal load so how much better can the brakes get?

[Dguy210]

20 hours ago, NewDirection said:

Great, lots to think about, thanks!

I also found these loweirng springs from Australia:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173930351474?hash=item287f0e8b72:g:32sAAOSwCZxi1qfL&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwA20q8Y8Z8cNK8ZHIcbKDcreV%2BfaXq%2BbNWuI8KRXoiWUmn%2BC847uvjY9mPmxF6PCm91ePzMg3ofGzuO1u37M2%2FGJ768qs5QSTa8tkmiKDGr2g7ChTugtdy9rRt40LZswKwZFdYQmUBXuSClPQVwoNxnAbOm0%2FdB%2B%2BmMLPNriYdlrk6QxsX5%2BwRgfv2cPkMqLN84NmNwaAUHseYaCj4jjukSROkAvo8LAlniWhwaVP1WcbknseR8imzW%2FKntspBpXfQ%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8adoIOvYw

 

But compatibility is provided as 1970-79 Datsun 120Y Coupe. To your point, would these not fit a B210 2-door sedan?

No idea if they would fit. The 120Y front suspension setup is much lighter built than the B210 suspension (120Y was a 1200cc most places and 1300cc-1400cc in North America). The B210 suspension is closer in design to that used on the 510 (with pretty much the majority of 510 upgrade parts being compatible, supposedly the 610 suspension actually). The 120Y strut setup is similar to the 1200 which used a narrower dimension strut.

http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki/index.php?title=120Y_Suspension

 

 

20 hours ago, NewDirection said:

I'd love to upgrade to the 280ZX setup but really like the look of 13" rims and don't want to risk it not fitting. Plus I'm already able to lock the wheels under full pedal load so how much better can the brakes get?

Much much better. As in the first week after I had installed them I came around a blind corner and had to do an emergency stop (I also run larger 15" wheels) and it stopped right the hell now in a much shorter distance, which thankfully was barely enough. With the stock brakes I would have very likely had an accident.

 

I doubt anyone has done a careful head to head comparison (maybe an autocross guy with a 510?). So only an anecdotal and seat of the pants feeling. 

Edited February 6 by Dguy210

[datzenmike]

21 hours ago, NewDirection said:

I'd love to upgrade to the 280ZX setup but really like the look of 13" rims and don't want to risk it not fitting. Plus I'm already able to lock the wheels under full pedal load so how much better can the brakes get?

 

If the fronts lock then you are easily over powering the tire's traction. 

 

Auto cross would likely have the latest 'grippy' tires than can handle hard braking probably beyond what the stock set up can supply and handle without heat induce fade. It would still be an improvement but upgrading to larger calipers and rotors would improve it even further most especially resistance to fade. Not really a problem for a street car.