My Öhlins questions and answers
12-29-2016, 09:20 AM
#1
My Öhlins questions and answers
I've been asking some questions about the Öhlins Road & Track coilover kit and got some very helpful answers. Thought the answers might be of some use.
Out of courtesy, I'm only posting what I've had explicit permission to share. So far, I have permission to post the answers I've gotten from Öhlins USA; waiting for the same from the other company I've been communicating with. I'll edit this post with more as it comes.
My questions are edited for concision and clarity out-of-context; replies are pasted verbatim.
Q: The kit is the same for all RX-8s. Did Öhlins's testing account for the suspension geometry differences on the S2, or the sway bar changes across the years and trim levels?
Jake @ Öhlins USA:
IamFodi note: While the above doesn't explicitly cover the geometry differences, it suggests there's no evidence that Öhlins repeated their testing on the S2 (though obviously S2 owners seem to like the kit). I've been searching for what exactly the suspension geometry differences are, hoping that might give some clues as to whether the optimal spring rates would be different. If anyone has any input on that, please post!
Q: Will the kit be able to achieve stock ride height?
Jake @ Öhlins USA:
Q: I have no problem with the stock R3 spring rates. Can I get the kit with those rates, or close to them?
Jake @ Öhlins USA:
Out of courtesy, I'm only posting what I've had explicit permission to share. So far, I have permission to post the answers I've gotten from Öhlins USA; waiting for the same from the other company I've been communicating with. I'll edit this post with more as it comes.
My questions are edited for concision and clarity out-of-context; replies are pasted verbatim.
Q: The kit is the same for all RX-8s. Did Öhlins's testing account for the suspension geometry differences on the S2, or the sway bar changes across the years and trim levels?
Jake @ Öhlins USA:
The engineers that originally developed the kit have moved on, so I don’t have access to them or their notes, so I cannot confirm the specs of the original test car. However, I think it’s safe to assume that they didn’t test any special edition that had altered suspension/sway bars/trim/etc. Generally speaking, the OEM special editions do not alter the suspension enough to warrant a completely new setting. Our suspension, to be blunt, will always outperform the stock suspension. Special edition or not. However, if you love the way the car currently handles, then you can lower the rear spring rate to account for the stiffer sway bar. But I highly recommend trying the springs that are included first.
Q: Will the kit be able to achieve stock ride height?
Jake @ Öhlins USA:
No, it will always sit lower (unless you swap springs.)
If you set the suspension up as we recommend, it lowers the car about 35mm. You can raise the car utilizing the height adjuster cups by 15mm, which will leave the car sitting at -20mm.
If you set the suspension up as we recommend, it lowers the car about 35mm. You can raise the car utilizing the height adjuster cups by 15mm, which will leave the car sitting at -20mm.
Jake @ Öhlins USA:
We can revalve the kit to whatever spring rate you prefer for $150 per damper. The stock valving can handle a 35% spring rate increase/decrease, so it’s a pretty big window. We cannot swap springs, though. The kit is sold as-is. Additionally, finding replacement springs might be an issue: The front springs on the RX8 are common 2.5” x 8” springs, but the rear setup is unique to Mazda, so finding replacements will be difficult. However, you can purchase a $40 spring converter that will allow you to run traditional springs, but, again, I highly recommend just trying the kit as it is.
Last edited by IamFodi; 12-29-2016 at 09:46 AM.
12-30-2016, 10:01 AM
#2
Water Foul
Thank you for the information. I have had some similar email conversations with Jake.
Goodwin sells the spring conversion kit to which he refers. You have to use NC aluminum mounts, which do not have the upper attachment locations.
The Ohlins rear spring spec is H200, ID70-100, 40 N/mm. It looks like Tein taper springs should fit.
Goodwin sells the spring conversion kit to which he refers. You have to use NC aluminum mounts, which do not have the upper attachment locations.
The Ohlins rear spring spec is H200, ID70-100, 40 N/mm. It looks like Tein taper springs should fit.
