RXD8VE

Well...that nice tax refund check should be kickin in soon and it's time to upgrade my faulty front shocks. While i'm at it, i figured it would be best to upgrade all of them but i dunno what to get:

A: Mazdaspeed shocks [approx. $650] (and use my oem springs with them)

B: Mazdaspeed shocks [$650] + ICR Pro spring kit ($359) = (approx $1200)

C: SR Motorsports complete suspension kit (Mazdaspeed shocks + ICR springs +
ICR Pro 32mm Front Sway Bar + ICR Pro 22mm Rear Sway Bar = $1400

D: Tein Basic Damper Coilovers ($855)


I need opinions. what do you think is the option. Remember that everyone likes to save money


thanks in advance!

VS8

iTrader: (4)

my setup is very nice
bilstein shocks 450
tein h tech/s tech springs 175
progress tech sway bars 300

dmc27

I'm still on the OEM shocks, but have the S-Tech springs. I need shocks soon (spring time purchase) and am not sure what I'll go with yet.

My only advice is that you do the springs at the same time. If you're going to put any amount of $$$ into the suspension you should do springs. It's the least expensive and getting rid of that uneven height that OEM gives is priceless.

It might help to take a read through the springs (<--- very long thread) & struts threads.

Out of your listed options the coilovers look like the best bang for the buck.

RXD8VE

yeah, i've had the idea of coilovers in my head for a while now. is there any reason why shock/spring would be better than coilovers?

im not really into gettin all technical, i just want good ride quality and nice drop, but reliable at the same time. that's why i listed all those options. saving money is nice, but sometimes one can regret not spending those few extra dollars.


so far, i got the tein basics as a recommendation. anyone else want to chip in their 2 cents?

VS8

iTrader: (4)

koni adjustables+h tech
feel better than basics
i normally dont believe in you get what you pay for...except in coilovers

dmc27

^ that's what I was thinking. I know there are quite a few members who are happy with the Koni shocks. You can do Koni shocks, Tein H or S Tech springs and get them all for the same price as the coilovers - maybe even a little less.

RXD8VE

any word on the mazdaspeed shocks? they are part of my options. do they get along with tein s. tech springs? can anyone comment on this setup? thanks guys for all your input.

VS8

iTrader: (4)

theyre okay...but u can get better 4 price

dmc27

I haven't looked recently so maybe it has changed, but the MS shocks are not adjustable.

Razz1

Out of your choices I would go for D

However the best choice is Dspecs and Racing Beat Springs why?

They were engineered togeater
excellant quality
lowered and stiff enough for those bad roads in the NE


Anything more than RB... will be too stiff

halimsteven

my set up is:

swift spring + Dpsec tokiko...i am loving it....i will go for sways and underbrace...

good luck
steven

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

I have/had the Dspec springs and struts and they are comfortable enough on the street and because of the adjustable struts they can be stiffened up for the track. They perform well at the track.

I forget what they sell for new but I think it is around $750 delivered. I will be putting them up for sell in the next month for about $350 plus shipping. They only have 5K miles.

When ever you do any upgrades the most important thing is that you buy a product that will meet your needs. If you are only going for looks and want to spend as little as possible then you go with cheep lowering springs. if you want a race suspension then you go with something like the kw variant 3 coilovers (thats what I am getting), if you want something in the middle then the d-specs are very good product and will be better then some of the cheeper coilover setups.

RXD8VE

agreed. im feeling the dspec/rb springs set-up. no im not too much into looks. performance first! these north hudson streets are a total wreck, and i need good shocks to keep the car from feeling rough. there's also a lot of speedbumps and the aero kit would have lots of trouble if the car gets even lower.

chrism

if your in hudson county then you need to seriously keep the roads in mind....adjustable shocks or coil overs will be your best friend

RXD8VE

lol. exactly! the streets are like offroading..... those d-specs are adjustables. btw chris, i AM in hudson county...i met you and benny in the starbucks during a meet....when benny told me to come dressed as a fast and furious character. lmao!

just haven't been able to make it lately though.

laythor

you can't use the MS struts with stock springs.. just an FYI

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

My new Tockio's plus a fresh set of Stechs = heaven. I bought the konis but decided to save them for next time. Once she is paid off (this year) and I dont have to driver her daily, I will run a full race setup. I change my mind like clothes.

RXD8VE

ok....so the most important step in complete: money in the bank. I've found the D-Specs for $544. Does anyone know of a site that can get it for even less? i think this is as low as they get.

same for the racing beat springs.....anyone?


thanks for your help guys.

dmc27

MazdaTrix @ 544 is the lowest I've found. I'll have to check my premix stock when I order shocks from them.

Greenblurr93

iTrader: (1)

Stance Coilovers FTW!!!

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

Buy the rear strut cable adjusters.

dmc27

Listed as Remote Adjuster Cable on MazdaTrix. Definitely worth the extra $24.

RXD8VE

ooops, got the message a bit late greenblurr i ordered the d-specs. hwy8, dmc thanks for the post, yes, i had planned to buy the cables as well. they are a must...and get a couple of those oem oil filters as well.

i got the d-specs offa Grip (www.gripmotorsports.com) $537 the set, plus shippin, total $567...5 business days. They had a package with tokico springs (1.25 drop) as well, total w/ shippin $735, but i wasn't too sure, since i see the racing beat springs are made for performance and not for looks. Like i said, i don't want my car too low cause of those potholes all over the area, and the huge speedbumps around my house.

i found the racing beats for $229 (prolly 240 or 250 w/ shippin) @ good-win racing. anyone know any other place? thanks again guys!

RXD8VE

rb springs ordered from good-win. $267 w/ 3 day shipping to NJ.