Voodoo22

I am looking for a budget coilover system at the moment that has higher spring rates for track days. Im not looking to spend Ohlins or Moton money just yet. I was wondering why are most of the coilover spring rates for the RX8 low compared to other import vehicles of the same weight/class....rx7, s2000 etc....?

bse50

Save for Motons or Ohlins.
There's no point in buying "cheap" coilovers, they just tend to underperform. Save your money and only spend once
Been there, done that...

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

The lack of aftermarket support is a direct result of a non-existent RX8 market. The few people who specialize in the RX8 don't really make any money from it

Voodoo22

I see, what are some of the options for higher spring rated coil overs, even from what I've seen ohlins is still only about 9kg front and 7kg rear? Highest I had found were a set of meghans with 11f and 9r but can't seem to locate them again

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

You would have to look at the difference between linear and progressive springs.
I have JIC-Magic FLTA2H and they are 11kg/14kg.
I used to kart so it doesn't bother me but others say that their spine is snapping due to such a hard ride, so I just turn up the music and ignore them (usually the wife).

d walker

The problem your going to run into is that a good track damper is that you will quickly destroy them on the street. A decent compromise are:

Ohlins DFV
Bilstein PSS9
Koni Sport Yellow

the car doesnt need "stiff" shocks, it needs well matched springs, good sway bars, and a very good alignment to be fast. If you follow advice from other drovers, especially those drivng Mac Strut cars, the information you get will be completely wrong. The 8 has a real suspension and therefore it needs to work and do its job, not be locked down to the point its a go kart or slot car.

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

You do realize that just because the Ohlins might come with 9k/7k springs, it doesn't mean you can't switch them out for stiffer springs right...?

Voodoo22

No I understand that I can, just trying to look for a stiffer spri g to begin, I will be throwing an ls motor into the car and would like a stiffer spring to try and offset some of the weight compromise.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

they will probably put whatever rate you want on their budget crap shocks

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/stance-powertrix-coilover-opinions-232656/

Voodoo22

As for the suspension needing to be able to work, I know this, it's not my first rodeo my background is in both karts and formula cars. I have also run a few rx7s in time attack settings. I am trying to pull out some of the squat and body roll that seems to be common in most of the rx8s I see, not trying to lock it up but trying to he keep everything planted

d walker

Yeah, I mean what do I know about getting an RX-8 around the track...

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

Why not buy a set of used quality coilovers? And then swap out the springs with a set that will compliment your desires if need be?

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

Stance are that bad?

d walker

OK, some clarification needed here-

PROPER coilovers DO NOT come with springs. You speak with a suspension engineer who wil recommend a starting point for you based on your car weight, usage, tires, etc.

IF for some reason you are not happy with the rates, you change them.

That said, since we are not talking about a race car here, then you need a "dual purpose" setup, which will come with some recommended springs- no affiliation with the vendor linked to below, just good stuff that will work for your application-

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda...5-RX8-DFV.html

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda...0-1070RX8.html


Note that the above dampers can be revalved.

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

d walker is very correct. Ohlin is a great recommendation also.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Compared to real race shocks, yes

Good multi-adjustable coilover race shocks with springs and spherical mounts can exceed $5000/set

Do you really think you are getting the same thing for only $1500?

godesshunter

You could buy a real decent quality spring in the rates you are looking for and put them into any shock you want no? If you're not looking for a radical drop at the same time.

Arca_ex

iTrader: (10)

That's a really good way to annihilate your shocks especially if they aren't valved for it. Springs and shocks need to be matched to each other accordingly.

Voodoo22

Yea I have looked on their site quite a few times and will most likely be purchasing from them. This is going to be more or less a race car with very little street use, to meets and the track is about it. Car is fully stripped and will be caged etc. I do know that the coilovers will be changed tested once I'm at final weight but I do need a starting point and hence the reason I asked the question, can't seem to find a large market for the rx8.

bse50

Why don't you finish the car first, then complete it with the right suspension setup for your needs?

Voodoo22

That's why I am looking for a set of cheap coilovers, I need them to be able to mock up wheels and tires for fotment and get ride height somewhat settled. I need the higher spring rate just to support the v8 up front. Really just looking to a mock up set for now to get the pieces built around it then will sell them and actually put together a Penske, motons, or ohlins setup based on corner weight downforce attributed and so on...

Probably should have put most of this info in the first post

Thanks for the replies guys

bse50

What you said makes no sense. Spending twice on something you already know you will change again...

Can't fix stupid, sorry.

d walker

you literally have no idea what your doing

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

One option is to start with a set of non-adjustable Bilstiens from FatCat Motorsports. Give Shaikh a rough idea of weights and/or your initial rates, and he can valve a set of shocks for you and set you up with collars & springs. Then, when you get the setup fully nailed, you can send back the bodies and he can convert them to single or double adjustables that target your final spring rates & corner weights.

It's not the cheapest route initially but surely better than getting something you know you are not going to use in the long run.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

glad that I didn't have to be the one to say it for once, lol