i was wondering if you know of any plans for a suspension package from whiteline or what other products they are developing for our cars. i know of the sway bars, spherical end links, and springs but their web page isnt to insightful on future products.

 

I don't think they have a lot in development yet. In talking with them at SEMA, they really aren't seeing a big market for parts for that car. Why I'm not sure, but that was the feeling they had. I suspect in another year or two (when more and more people are modding/replacing OEM parts) they'll be more inclined to take one on as a project car and do more with it, but for now they're just doing stuff here and there. I'll convey to them that there is interest, and hopefully things will pick up a bit more.

Additionally, with the new Miata chassis so closely resembling an RX-8 (look underneath both of them; it's almost the same car) and a HUGE aftermarket for the Miata, I suspect as parts are developed for it over the next couple years a lot of that knowledge will be applicable to the RX-8 as well. I don't think a lot of parts will be interchangable (the Miata is smaller, of course), but there's enough similarity that the RX-8 will likely benefit from extensive Miata tuning.

 

Way back last winter, when I imported my sways directly from them, they gave me the same story. I asked about spings/shocks/coilovers.

Not sure how much is simply them meeting their own expectations, that is - not developing, therefore not selling more RX-8 suspension parts, but they said outright they didn't see much of an RX-8 market due basically to their perceived lack of seriousness of RX-8 owners. Far as I could gather they have a subie complex.

Love my 'FlatOut' sways, but I just shake my head over the attitude.

 

Spin:

I am considering sway bars and wondered about the whiteline sways. Do you have both the F and R sways? Thoughts?

 

Yes both front & rear adjustable, set full hard. To summarize the many posts I've done about them, inexpensive, adjustable, greatly improved steering response (BC of better bushings included), much less leaning in turns, virtually no effect on ride comfort - Win Win. Check my web site (all 2005 vids use them). E.g., watch 4th down on home page - notice much lean in the corners at speed ?

 

Two things; first of all for those considering the sways we have one set of new adjustables left, and we'll have one set of used adjustables in a few weeks. I do not have any front non-adjustables at the moment, and only one rear non-adjustable. I believe there are more in the country and will try to get them, but if there aren't then it'll be a few weeks before I'm stocked back up.

The other thing, in defense of Whiteline, is that they ultimately are a small business that has to make money. I think they will slowly develop more parts for the RX-8, but the RX-8 market is in fact not NEARLY as large as the Subaru or even 350Z markets (both of which they are heavily involved in). Keeping in mind the WRX and 350Z aren't exactly RX-8s when it comes to OEM chassis tuning, so the room for improvement is all the more reason for them to develop lots of parts for those cars. When you start with a clean-sheet sports car chassis vs. an econobox or platform that has to support a sports car, a couple luxury sedans and an SUV, there simply isn't as much that needs to be done. And no offense to WRX and 350Z owners out there; I love both cars and am on my third Subaru personally. But even an '06 STI doesn't have quite the precision of an RX-8. A bit more power though, and they have come a long way with the chassis even in the last two years .

Anyway, by request of a couple autocrossers with Mazdaspeed swaybars up front, Whiteline HAS made available a front swaybar bushing kit so you can use firmer poly bushings (the same ones that come with the Whiteline front swaybars)with your stock or Mazdaspeed swaybar. I don't have a part number or a price yet, but they are for sure making them available. I'd suggest if you have smaller bits that you want to see, please email me and I'll get in touch with them about getting more RX-8 parts out there. If they start hearing from people more often, it's only going to mean more parts in the long run.

 

thanx for the info. i guess i'll just keep my fingers crossed for now.