View Full Version : What suspension setup for autocross


Shijin-Kun
08-03-2010, 12:11 PM
I have tokico d-spec with tein s-techs and i'm wondering what is the best setting on the struts for autocrossing? If it helps in running 225-40-18 in the front and 255-40-18 in the rear.

TopGear8
08-03-2010, 12:26 PM
Do you have sway bars?

Put a bigger front bar and keep the stock rear bar. Than run the front shocks a bit stiffer than the rear...If your having oversteer stiffen the rear up. It's all about feel there is no "Best" setting.

Some drivers like a car that pushes more, some like a more tail happy car.

Shijin-Kun
08-03-2010, 12:36 PM
i have stock sway bars. I like to have full control of the car, dont have much experience with the tail sliding out. I have usually been using full stiff on the front and the rear not sure how i like it.

TopGear8
08-03-2010, 12:58 PM
That's why they are called controlled slides..This isn't drifting.

Sounds like you should just leave the car the way it is, and get some seat time, so when you do make a change you will actually be able to benefit from it. Right now if you make a change, it might actually hurt you without knowing what your doing wrong.

FastFreddy61
08-03-2010, 05:26 PM
I have tokico d-spec with tein s-techs and i'm wondering what is the best setting on the struts for autocrossing? If it helps in running 225-40-18 in the front and 255-40-18 in the rear.

Doesnt the different tyre diameter play havoc with your DSC/Traction control ?

Shijin-Kun
08-03-2010, 05:27 PM
i usually turn it off when autocrossing

TeamRX8
08-03-2010, 05:57 PM
If it helps in running 225-40-18 in the front and 255-40-18 in the rear.

It's not helping you to do this .... makes no sense to run staggered tires and/or wheels on an RX-8

Shijin-Kun
08-03-2010, 05:59 PM
well i have no choice. The car was in an accident and i cant put wider tires in the front than 225 because it will rub. Check my other thread for more details.

GeorgeH
08-03-2010, 06:04 PM
When I ran D-Specs in stock class on stock springs & matched front & rear tires, I would run the rears about a 1/4 turn less than the fronts, and it worked well for me. Not sure how the s-techs will affect that.

However, as others have noted, with 225 front and 255 rear tires, your car will probably push no matter what you do with the shocks. In fact, it might be faster with the front shocks slightly softer than the rears, but proceed at your own risk on that one.

Overall, I'd recommend backing down both the front & rear one or two turns just to allow the suspension to move a bit more - with the s-techs, there should be no reason to run the shocks at full stiff. The softer settings will allow the suspension to recover from a slide faster, but it will roll more, meaning you have to plan ahead a little bit better.

In the end, it's super easy to experiment with shock settings (assuming you have the cables) so play around a bit.

Shijin-Kun
08-03-2010, 06:14 PM
thanks george that really helps alot and it makes sense. My original plan was to run 255 all around but that fell threw. Anyhow ill try one turn from full still thank god i invested on the cables.

jasonrxeight
08-03-2010, 07:52 PM
Do you have sway bars?

Put a bigger front bar and keep the stock rear bar. Than run the front shocks a bit stiffer than the rear...If your having oversteer stiffen the rear up. It's all about feel there is no "Best" setting.

Some drivers like a car that pushes more, some like a more tail happy car.

are you saying the opposite?
stiffer front sway bar increases understeer, stiffer rear sway bar increases oversteer.

GeorgeH
08-03-2010, 07:54 PM
^I think he knows that. However, given the OP's tire size choice, adding more front roll stiffness is probably not a good idea right now. Of course, alignment plays a role as well, but I'm guessing the car steadfastly understeers in it's current condition.

jasonrxeight
08-03-2010, 08:00 PM
^I think he knows that. However, given the OP's tire size choice, adding more front roll stiffness is probably not a good idea right now. Of course, alignment plays a role as well, but I'm guessing the car steadfastly understeers in it's current condition.

I like loose rear end cuz I trail brake a lot. keeping all four the same.
stock 225/40R19 is a bit understeering. Im thinking 245/35R19 all four:ylsuper:

TeamRX8
08-03-2010, 09:25 PM
Sorry, forgot that was you.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=191688

Your front end is too low, that's not helping either particularly with the wheel offset.

I thought you put 235/40 on the front to address the problem?

jasonrxeight
08-03-2010, 11:08 PM
Sorry, forgot that was you.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=191688

Your front end is too low, that's not helping either particularly with the wheel offset.

I thought you put 235/40 on the front to address the problem?

he might have some oversteering issue if hes using stock sway bars and springs.

kjchristopher
08-03-2010, 11:13 PM
I can't tell who is being sarcastic and who is being a dumbass anymore.

TeamRX8
08-03-2010, 11:23 PM
all of the above :rofl:

TopGear8
08-03-2010, 11:57 PM
Where are we?

slvrstreak
05-20-2011, 10:27 AM
thread bump!
got my Tokico D-specs, Progress Tech springs, and Progress Tech sway in and going to put them on the car soon...heres the question
what settings do most people run shocks on for the street compared to the track???
im thinking (on a scale of 1-7)...5 front, 4 rear for the street...7 front, 5 rear for the track does that sound about right? softer??? harder??? :dunno:
i know its all about feel and ill just have to work with them but i want to know what most people do...as a good starting point
i really dont have much experience with adjustable shocks so im guessing here
same question for the front sway...im thinking full firm all the time for the sway
any help here would be appreciated...thanks guys :D: