The VQ37 engine, a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6, powers some of the most beloved sports cars and grand tourers from Nissan and Infiniti, including the 370Z, G37, and Q60. While the engine delivers strong performance out of the box—pushing around 330 horsepower in most applications—the factory suspension is often a compromise between comfort and handling. For owners seeking sharper turn-in, reduced body roll, and more confidence at the limit, upgrading the suspension is one of the most rewarding modifications. This article dives deep into the best coilovers and suspension mods for VQ37 performance, covering top product choices, supporting upgrades, and essential tuning knowledge.

Understanding the VQ37 Suspension System

The VQ37 platform uses a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension layout. This architecture inherently provides good camber control and responsiveness, but the factory dampers and springs are tuned for a comfortable ride and a wide safety margin. The result is noticeable body roll during aggressive cornering, brake dive, and a slightly vague steering feel when pushing hard. The suspension geometry is well-developed, but the stock components—especially the rubber bushings and damping rates—leave significant room for improvement.

Understanding the baseline helps you choose modifications that address specific weak points. The front double-wishbone setup allows for predictable camber gain during compression, while the rear multi-link system can be sensitive to toe changes under load. Upgrading dampers and springs to coilovers provides far greater control over these dynamics. Additionally, the VQ37's relatively heavy curb weight (around 3,300–3,500 pounds depending on model) means that stiffer spring rates and properly valved dampers are essential for maintaining composure during fast transitions.

Why Upgrade Your VQ37’s Suspension?

Installing high-quality coilovers and supporting suspension components transforms the driving experience in several measurable ways:

  • Eliminating Body Roll: Stiffer springs and properly tuned dampers drastically reduce weight transfer during cornering, allowing you to carry more speed through turns with greater control.
  • Improved Feedback: Upgraded suspension transmits road surface information to the driver more clearly, building confidence and enabling precise mid-corner corrections.
  • Adjustable Ride Height: Coilovers allow you to dial in the perfect stance for aesthetics, aerodynamics, and center of gravity reduction. Lowering the car 1-2 inches can significantly improve grip and stability.
  • Better Weight Transfer: With adjustable damping, you can tune the suspension to manage acceleration squat and braking dive, improving tire contact and overall traction.
  • Corner Balancing: Many coilover kits allow for independent height adjustment per corner, enabling corner balancing to optimize weight distribution for your specific setup.

Top Coilover Options for the VQ37

Selecting the right coilovers depends on your driving goals, budget, and whether the car sees daily street use, track days, or both. Below are four top-tier choices that have proven themselves in the VQ37 community.

BC Racing BR Series

BC Racing’s BR Series is one of the most popular coilover kits for the 370Z and G37, offering an outstanding price-to-performance ratio. These coilovers feature 30-click adjustment for both rebound and compression (combined), along with adjustable ride height without affecting spring preload. The BR Series comes standard with pillowball upper mounts (front and rear), which reduce deflection and improve steering feel. Spring rates are well-matched for street and light track use, typically around 8kg/mm front and 6kg/mm rear for the VQ37 platform. BC Racing also offers optional swift springs for a more refined ride. Learn more about BC Racing BR Series.

KW Variant 3

For drivers who demand independent control of compression and rebound, the KW Variant 3 is a premium choice. These German-engineered coilovers feature separate adjustment knobs for low-speed compression and rebound damping, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension for both street comfort and track performance. The KW Variant 3 uses an inverted monotube design, which reduces unsprung weight and improves damper response. They also include KW’s patented stainless steel technology for corrosion resistance. While pricier than the BC BR series, the Variant 3 delivers exceptional ride quality and track capability. Explore KW Variant 3 options.

Tein Flex Z

Tein’s Flex Z coilovers are an excellent middle-ground option, offering a well-engineered solution at a competitive price point. They feature a full-length threaded body for maximum ride height adjustability, along with 16-position damping adjustment via Tein’s patented EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) compatibility. The Flex Z also uses a new needle valve internal construction that provides a wider range of damping adjustment. These coilovers are particularly suitable for daily-driven VQ37 cars that see occasional spirited driving or autocross. The ride quality is noticeably improved over stock without being overly harsh. View Tein Flex Z details.

Fortune Auto 500 Series

Fortune Auto’s 500 Series coilovers are custom-built to order, offering a high level of personalization. Each kit is valved specifically for your vehicle weight, spring rates, and intended use. They feature a twin-tube design with a digressive piston, which provides plush low-speed comfort while maintaining firm high-speed control. The 500 Series includes spherical bearing upper mounts front and rear, plus fully adjustable ride height and separate rebound and compression adjustment (8-click low-speed compression, 16-click rebound). Fortune Auto also offers swift springs and various upgrade options. For the dedicated enthusiast who wants a bespoke setup, these are a top pick. Check Fortune Auto 500 Series.

Additional Suspension Mods to Enhance Handling

Coilovers alone greatly improve handling, but pairing them with supporting suspension upgrades unlocks the full potential of the VQ37 platform. Each of the following modifications addresses a specific weak point in the factory setup.

Sway Bars

Upgraded anti-roll bars are one of the most effective bolt-on mods for reducing body roll. The factory sway bars are relatively soft to maintain a compliant ride. A thicker front sway bar (typically 27mm vs 24mm stock) and a matched rear bar reduce roll angle without requiring very high spring rates. Adjustable sway bars allow you to tune the balance between understeer and oversteer. Pairing sway bars with stiffer aftermarket end links eliminates deflection and ensures precise bar activation.

Strut Tower Braces

Strut tower braces tie the front suspension towers together, stiffening the chassis under cornering loads. This reduces chassis flex, improving steering response and front-end grip. For the VQ37, a front strut bar is a simple installation that yields noticeable improvements, especially on cars with higher mileage where chassis rigidity may have decreased slightly. Rear strut bars are also available but provide a smaller benefit.

Camber Kits

When lowering a VQ37, camber changes occur—typically gaining negative camber in the rear (which is beneficial for cornering grip) but losing some adjustability range. A rear camber arm kit allows you to dial in the exact camber angle for your tires and driving style. This is essential for even tire wear and maximizing contact patch during hard cornering. Front camber adjustment can be achieved with camber plates integrated into many coilover upper mounts.

Performance Bushings

Factory rubber bushings in the control arms and subframe introduce compliance that dulls feedback and allows unwanted wheel movement under load. Replacing them with polyurethane or spherical bearings (especially in the front lower control arms and rear toe links) crisps up the suspension response and eliminates slop. The trade-off is increased NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), so many street-focused cars use polyurethane rather than full spherical bearings.

Choosing the Right Setup: Street vs. Track

Not all suspension setups are created equal, and the best choice depends on your primary use case. Here are guidelines for different driving priorities:

  • Street Performance Daily Driver: Opt for coilovers with moderate spring rates (6-8 kg/mm front, 5-6 kg/mm rear), comfortable damping adjustment, and a ride height that drops the car 1-1.5 inches. Combine with a front strut brace and polyurethane bushings for a balanced upgrade that maintains daily drivability.
  • Weekend Autocross or Spirited Canyon Runs: Choose coilovers with independent compression and rebound adjustment (like the KW V3 or Fortune Auto 500). Spring rates can be slightly stiffer (8-10 kg/mm front, 6-8 kg/mm rear). Add adjustable sway bars and a rear camber kit to fine-tune balance.
  • Track Day / Time Attack: Use dedicated coilovers with high spring rates (10-12 kg/mm front, 8-10 kg/mm rear), spherical bearing upper mounts, and external reservoir options for consistent damping. Complement with spherical bushings throughout, fully adjustable sway bars, and aero upgrades for high-speed stability.

Installation and Alignment Considerations

Installing coilovers is a straightforward job for a well-equipped DIYer, but professional installation is recommended if you lack experience with suspension work. Here are critical steps to ensure success:

  • Pre-installation prep: Soak all bolts with penetrating oil a day prior to prevent seized fasteners. This is especially important on older vehicles in rust-prone regions.
  • Torque all fasteners to spec: Use a torque wrench on all suspension bolts, including the top mount nuts and lower clevis bolts. Many coilovers require specific torque values for the locking rings.
  • Set ride height with the car on the ground: Adjust coilovers to the desired ride height before final tightening. Always set the car to its unladen weight (full fluids, no driver) to ensure consistent results.
  • Corner balance: For track-focused cars, consider a professional corner balance session. This adjusts spring preload and ride height at each corner to equalize the weight distribution diagonally.
  • Alignment after every major change: Lowering the car changes toe, camber, and caster. A precision alignment (preferably on a Hunter rack) is mandatory. Recommended specs for aggressive street use: -1.5 to -2.0 degrees front camber, -1.0 to -1.5 degrees rear camber, 0.10-0.15 degrees total front toe-in, and 0.10 degrees total rear toe-in.

Common Suspension Tuning Mistakes

Even with high-quality parts, improper setup can ruin the driving experience. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Overly aggressive spring rates: Stiffer is not always better. Excess spring rate without matching damper valving leads to a bouncy, skittish ride that reduces grip on uneven surfaces.
  • Ignoring damper adjustment: Many drivers install coilovers and never touch the damping adjusters. Dialing in rebound and compression (especially low-speed) based on your roads and driving style is crucial for performance and comfort.
  • Lowering too much: Dropping the car beyond the suspension’s range of motion causes bump steer, binding, and reduced suspension travel. Aim for a drop that leaves enough clearance for bump stops and maintains proper geometry.
  • Neglecting bushings and end links: Stiff coilovers amplify the slop in rubber bushings. Upgrading to polyurethane or spherical components prevents unwanted deflection that can overwhelm the dampers.
  • Skipping alignment after adjustment: Installing coilovers without an alignment guarantees poor tire wear and unpredictable handling. Always align after any height change.

Conclusion

Upgrading the suspension on your VQ37-powered vehicle is one of the most impactful modifications you can make. Whether you choose the versatile BC Racing BR Series, the precision KW Variant 3, the balanced Tein Flex Z, or the bespoke Fortune Auto 500 Series, combining coilovers with sway bars, bushings, and proper corner balancing will transform your car from a comfortable cruiser into a truly capable performance machine. Invest time in research, choose components that match your driving goals, and always prioritize professional installation and alignment. The result is a VQ37 that handles with confidence, stability, and the kind of sharp responsiveness that makes every drive exhilarating.