Why Upgrade to HKS Hyper Max Suspension?

The Nissan 370Z is a driver-focused sports car, but its factory suspension leaves room for improvement—especially for those who push the car on track days or autocross courses. The HKS Hyper Max Suspension system is a coilover upgrade designed to address the 370Z’s inherent compromises between daily comfort and track capability. Unlike simple lowering springs, the Hyper Max offers full height adjustability and damping force control, allowing you to dial in ride characteristics for specific driving conditions.

Key advantages of the HKS Hyper Max over stock or budget coilovers include:

  • Progressive-rate springs that provide supple low-speed compliance while stiffening under load for superior cornering support.
  • 36-way adjustable dampers with separate compression and rebound adjustments on higher-end kits (check your specific kit version).
  • Durable construction using cold-forged shock bodies and stainless steel hardware to resist corrosion and maintain performance over years.
  • Monotube design for consistent damping regardless of temperature, ideal for long track sessions.

For a deep dive into the engineering behind HKS’s coilover technology, see the official HKS Hipermax product page.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather everything in one place to avoid delays. In addition to the basic sockets and jack stands, you’ll want specialty tools to handle seized bolts and proper torque application.

  • Socket and wrench set – Metric sizes 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm. Deep sockets help with strut top nuts.
  • Torque wrench – Essential for critical fasteners; typical ranges: 50–80 ft-lb for strut top bolts, 80–100 ft-lb for lower shock bolts, 100–120 ft-lb for control arm bolts.
  • Spring compressors – Required if you need to transfer OEM spring hats to the new coilovers (some kits come with new camber plates).
  • Breaker bar – Stubborn suspension bolts may need extra leverage.
  • PB Blaster or penetrating oil – Spray all lower shock bolts and sway bar end links at least 30 minutes prior.
  • Jack and jack stands – A low-profile jack is preferred for the 370Z’s low ride height.
  • Safety gear – Glasses, gloves, and optionally a floor creeper.
  • Alignment tool (optional) – To set initial ride height before final alignment at a shop.

If you prefer a packaged setup, many retailers like Import Image Racing offer suspension kits with additional hardware.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Vehicle Preparation

Park on a clean, level surface. Chock the rear wheels (if removing front) and the front wheels (if removing rear). Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels—do not fully remove yet. Using a jack, lift the front of the vehicle and place jack stands under the factory lift points behind the front wheels. Lower the car onto the stands and remove the front wheels. Repeat for the rear once you’re ready to start the rear installation.

Most 370Z owners find it easiest to work one axle at a time, but if you have two jacks, you can raise the entire car. Always use stands; never work under a car supported only by a jack.

2. Removing the Front Stock Suspension

The front suspension uses MacPherson struts. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Remove the front wheel.
  2. Unclip the ABS sensor wire from the strut body to prevent damage.
  3. Remove the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle (lower shock bolts). Support the knuckle if needed.
  4. Working from inside the engine bay, remove the three nuts from the strut top mount (located under a plastic access cover).
  5. Pull the entire strut assembly out from the wheel well. If it sticks, gently pry the lower control arm downward.

Tip: Mark the orientation of the top mount or camber plates before removal to ease reassembly.

3. Removing the Rear Stock Suspension

The rear uses a multi-link setup with separate shock absorbers and springs. To remove the rear shocks:

  1. Remove the rear wheel.
  2. Disconnect the sway bar end link from the lower control arm (if equipped).
  3. Remove the lower shock bolt where it attaches to the rear knuckle.
  4. Access the upper shock mount inside the cabin behind the rear side trim panels. Remove the two top mount nuts.
  5. Pull the shock out from the bottom. The rear spring can be removed separately after loosening the lower control arm bolts—be sure to compress the spring safely if necessary.

Refer to the factory service manual for exact torque values; common specs are 55 ft-lb for front lower shock bolts and 43 ft-lb for rear top mount nuts.

4. Installing the HKS Hyper Max Suspension

Before installation, pre-assemble the HKS coilovers to the desired ride height (coarse adjustment). Many kits come with pre-set recommendations for the 370Z:

  • Front ride height (fender to center of hub): 13.5–14.0 inches for a street/track balance.
  • Rear ride height: 13.2–13.7 inches to maintain a slight forward rake for stability.

Use the locking collars to secure the spring perch at your chosen height. Then:

  1. Insert the front coilover into the strut tower. Reinstall the top mount nuts (hand-tighten at first).
  2. Attach the lower part of the coilover to the steering knuckle using the original bolts. Apply antiseize to threads if desired.
  3. Torque lower bolts to spec (typically 80 ft-lb for front, 75 ft-lb for rear).
  4. Reattach the ABS wire clip and ensure no brake lines are caught.
  5. Repeat for the opposite side.
  6. For the rear, install the shock first by sliding it up into the chassis mount, then secure the lower mount to the knuckle. Install the rear spring separately, ensuring the spring isolators are in place.
  7. Torque all bolts to factory specifications.

Critical: Do not fully tighten any bushing bolts until the suspension is under load (car sitting on its wheels). This prevents premature bushing binding and noise.

5. Adjusting Damping and Ride Height

After installation, lower the car off the jack stands. Bounce the suspension to settle it. Now adjust the dampers:

  • Front damping recommended start: 12 clicks from full stiff (if using 36-way adjusters).
  • Rear damping recommended start: 14 clicks from full stiff.

These initial settings provide a compliant ride for street driving and moderate track use. Fine-tune after alignment and test driving.

For ride height: measure fender-to-hub at all four corners. Adjust the lower spring perch on each coilover to achieve your desired height. Ensure left and right sides are within 1/8 inch to avoid handling imbalance.

Once set, have a professional alignment performed. The 370Z benefits from a track alignment: -1.5 to -2.0 degrees front camber, -1.5 to -2.5 degrees rear camber, with 0 to 1/16 inch total toe-in at each end.

Real-World Track Results

Once the HKS Hyper Max suspension is installed and aligned, the 370Z’s on-track behavior changes dramatically. Here are measurable improvements reported by owners and track data analysts:

  • Lap time reduction: Drivers typically see 2–3 seconds per minute improvement on medium-speed tracks like Buttonwillow Raceway or Willow Springs. Most of the gain comes from faster corner exit speeds.
  • Peak lateral grip: Stock 370Z achieves around 0.94 g on street tires. With HKS coilovers and appropriate rubber, lateral acceleration can exceed 1.1 g.
  • Body roll reduction: The stock car rolls significantly under hard cornering; the Hyper Max reduces roll by an estimated 40–50%, inspiring driver confidence in fast transitions.
  • Braking stability: Reduced forward pitch under braking keeps the rear tires more planted, improving braking distances and stability during trail braking.

One driver reported on a 370Z forum: “After the HKS Hyper Max install at stock ride height, my first track day yielded a 2.8-second improvement over my previous best. The car felt planted through Turn 8 at Laguna Seca—something I never experienced with the stock suspension.”

For more first-hand accounts, check out discussions on The370Z.com forums where owners share their setup details.

Damping Adjustments for Track Use

On a smooth race track, the HKS dampers shine when set stiffer:

  • Front: 6–8 clicks from full stiff (increased rebound to control dive under braking and corner entry).
  • Rear: 8–10 clicks from full stiff (moderate rebound to maintain rear traction on exit).

Always test a few laps, then make changes one click at a time. Overly stiff rear damping can induce snap oversteer, while too-soft front damping leads to understeer.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Coilovers require periodic maintenance to stay in top condition:

  • Inspect damper bodies for oil leaks after every three track days.
  • Clean adjustment knobs using contact cleaner if they become gritty.
  • Check all bolts for torque after the first 500 miles of driving.
  • Spray rubber bushings with silicone lubricant annually to prevent squeaks.
  • Rebuild dampers every 30,000–40,000 miles or after two intense track seasons—HKS offers rebuild services through authorized dealers.

Proper care ensures your HKS Hyper Max suspension delivers consistent performance for years. See the HKS USA support page for service centers.

Conclusion

Installing the HKS Hyper Max Suspension on a Nissan 370Z transforms the car from a competent street sports car into a genuine track-capable machine. The improvement in corner entry stability, mid-corner grip, and exit traction is immediately noticeable, and the ability to fine-tune damping and ride height makes it suitable for everything from daily commuting to competitive HPDE events. Pair the suspension with quality alignment and performance tires, and you’ll unlock the 370Z’s full potential.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a long-time enthusiast, the HKS Hyper Max is a proven upgrade that delivers real, measurable track results without sacrificing daily usability when dialed in correctly.