nowakm99

Yesterday, I picked up the Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs for my 2010 R3 as they were a phenomenal deal ($100!).

I have spent hours reading posts about lowering the R3, but there doesn't seem to be any feedback on the forums on the ride quality & performance impact of switching to the Eibach Pro-Kit with the stock struts. Most of the discussion seems to focus on aesthetics, which is important to me but secondary.

I do 4-5 track days per year and compete in autocross events so the impact on handling and performance is very important to me. The stock R3 set-up is sweet, but I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with the Eibach Pro-Kit (w/ stock Bilsteins) on their R3.

Heeroguy

honestly i wont put anything but a >1500 coil over setup on my R3. stock is really that good imo

nowakm99

Thanks for the input. I tend to agree, but was wondering what others' experience was with the Eibachs.

I've read a lot of posts about how the R3 suspension is different than the 2004-08 RX-8s and am wondering whether I should be messing with what I consider to be almost a perfect handling car.

I've read the Car and Driver handling comparo (Best handling cars under $100k) where they put the RX-8 up against the M3, Z06, GT-R, etc in terms of handling and the R3 came in third place beating out a lot of high performance cars. The only cars that beat it were the Lotus Elise SC (by 1 point) and Boxster Spyder, both of which are very rare, much more expensive cars.

I wish that I had read all this stuff BEFORE buying the springs. I think that I'll hold on to them until I need to do a total shock/spring swap.

lucifuge

If I understand right, the R3 has Bilstein shocks. These would be either HD's or a very similar variant. Strictly speaking you would therefore adding a lowering spring which isn't designed to match the shock. However, people do this anyway. In fact I did essentially what you did on my 2007 Mx5, ....exactly what you are considering. I was told I ultimately wouldn't be happy, they were right. It was unacceptable. In short, as good a price you got for those springs I would NOT install them with stock shocks. Either get matching shocks (Bilstein B8's) or PSS9's.

For what it's worth I'm running B8's + Tein H-techs and its amazing. The difference from stock is ridiculous. You can go S-techs f you want to go lower.

nowakm99

I appreciate the feedback. I decided to sell the springs and get coil overs when it times come to replace the existing suspension components.