AKuntze

I wanted to get some input on some parts Racing Beat offers. they include:

• Racing Beat Complete Suspension Set - http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....sionPackageRX8
• RX-8 Koni Shocks - http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtNumber=14366

Basically, i wanted to know how well these parts are suited for the street, and the track. I would like to get something that is mainly for street use but will improve the feel on the track as well.

Also, with the REVi Intake (http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....8299combo04-08), while the description says it is not emissions legal, has anyone had any problems passing smog in CA with this system installed on the car? I would like to get it, but if I am going to have to take it on and off every year when i get smogged, it is not worth it on my daily driver.

Thanks for any input!

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

1. Racing Beat definitely knows their stuff!
I've been running Konis on my car for about 2 years now and they're awesome. I know quite a few of the track guys use them. The only downside is you can't adjust the rear struts while they're on the car so it takes a little work to switch them back to 'street' mode if you're running them very stiff for track purposes.

2. Lots of guys here running RB sway bars.
You might want to look into some adjustable sway bars though? Progress Tech Adjustable Sways


3. springs are quite good on street cars, not too stiff, not too soft.
If you want something a bit stiffer, look into the Tein H or the Tein S. (they work very well with the Konis. I run the S-Techs)
check out post 5 in this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/spring-rates-other-basic-suspension-info-79096/


4. Revi Intake won't cause you any problems getting smogged. If the tech is being a royal pain in the ***, he might have issues with the 'visual' inspection but it definitely will not cause you to fail the tail pipe test. Where in CA are you?
also, now that you mention it... I did get an email from RB a while back saying that they were in need of a few RX-8's for CARB testing. They were attempting to get their intake CARB certified. I'll have to ask Jim about this next time I'm down there, although I think I'm all out of RB stuff to buy.

ryank771

I'm running the springs/sways/intake, but I'm running Tokico dspec's as they have the adjustable cables for the rear shocks. I'm quite happy with them. They are great for daily driving, and not too shabby for track days either. As mentioned, Racing Beat knows their stuff. They have been working on RX's for some time now.

The only complaint is that the ride height drop isn't that noticeable. BUT - it gives you some room to play with different tire/rim sizes if you wanted.

Pico

iTrader: (2)

First off Welcome to the club. Greta info here
You really cannot go wrong with any of the products Racing Beat offers. They wouldn't release a bad product.
As stated their spring rates are not to aggressive and will give you a modest drop.
Sway's are good quality and will stiffen and cut much of the roll from your 8
Intake-- I don't know about the emission situation. Wait for some insight from people out that way

nikkdizzle

iTrader: (2)

mot quite jedi master. i believe you're still missing the RB mp for a full RB header back system. lol


anyways RB makes great products. not so sure abotu their springs though. i'd definitely like the suggestion of koni yellows on s. techs.

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

rb has great stuff ... and welcome to the club

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

that's what YOU think.

nikkdizzle

iTrader: (2)

oO rly jedi is up to some secret plans!

man i've been missing out lately.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Jedi always has super secret plans.

WTBRotary!

iTrader: (6)

I have RB's Rev8 Exhaust, Flawless quality... as far as the springs I do not have because I wanted something with a little bit more of a drop... I am running with the Tein S.Tech's on the Koni Yellow setup... its awesome and I love it. Jedi is correct with the only problem with the rears is you have to take them out to adjust them but other than that they are amazing. Im actually thinking about making them a little stiffer than 50% for street use , just maybe. As far as the sways I do not have them but I wanted to get something a little stiffer like the sways Jedi mentioned. And I wanted the Revi intake but for the cost etc its mainly just a noise, I just removed the plastic screens in the intake and dropped in a K&N and im happy. Racing Beats quality is one of the best, with anything from RB you get you wont be disappointed! Goodluck

AKuntze

Thanks for all of the input. After reading through this, looks like most of the question now lies in what springs to go with. Does anyone have a picture of their car with the Tein S springs on and/or the Racing Beat springs? What kind of drops are you reporting with the two spring sets?

The wheels I am looking to get would be the latest RX-8 R3 wheels, so the drop won't affect it too much. What can I say, I am an OEM kind of guy with appearance stuff.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Never fear, Jedi is here!

Here's a ton of setups with pictures.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/%7C%7C-hey-l00k-lowering-springs-%7C%7C-158035/


I'll warn you, those are going to be quite pricey. We don't see a whole lot of R3 wheels for sale and when they do go on the market, it's usually quite expensive.

ryank771

Racing beat springs -- I think prior to my upgrade to the dspec's.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

Really not a noticeable drop at all.

EDIT: Forums didn't like the link....so just copy/paste.

pcs

iTrader: (2)

i could potentially be coerced into selling my r3 rims, but like jedi said, they'd be quite expensive...

as far as the RB springs go, I had a set of RB springs with KYB adjustables on my rx-7, and they were just fine on the track for chasing down ________. Driver mod will give you the best bang for the buck, imho.

The drop, like everyone says, was not as noticeable as others out there, but RB engineers their products for optimum performance before looks, which if you ask me, is how it should be. Not that there's anything wrong with the teins, or that they don't work, but I wouldn't doubt an RB product. yes, i am a RB fanboy.

Pico

iTrader: (2)

I think you may think twice when you see the price Mazda is asking for the R3 wheels. A better and slightly cheaper option you could buy Advans, Volks, Works. But I do understand the OEM appearance appeal

AKuntze

Oh I have sadly seen the price of those R3 wheels, but I am hoping to come across a good price sometime.

The goal besides the suspension and exhaust, is the R3 wheels, side skirts, rear wing and Mazdaspeed nose.

I too am a RB guy which is why they have the most appeal straight away for me. Having had a 1985 RX-7 GSL-SE, 1989 RX-7 Turbo, and still the proud owner of a 1985 Mazda RX-7 GS that I have had since brand new (my first car), so Racing Beat is a company i have been around for a long time.

Below is my RX-7 and my RX-8

pcs

iTrader: (2)

you know, surprisingly, the forged r3 wheels are only 1lb heavier than say the te37's in the same size... maybe 2lbs heavier than the ce28n's... that's not too bad...

Pico

iTrader: (2)

^ This is impressive for any OEM wheel
But the 1-2lb difference still doesn't justify the price.

Silverarrow

I had that exact suspension setup on my 8 (RB Springs, Sways and Koni Yellows) which worked very well, with the exception of the Konis. I noticed the ride got much worse after about 10k or so and upon removing the shocks to check things out I found that the front right was blown out (no pressure). After that i went to a coilover setup (Ohlins) which was GREAT, more grip and a better ride - but obviously apples to oranges there.

I would do the RB items all over again, but probably substitute the D-Specs for the Yellows, since the rear shocks have to be removed to adjusted on the Konis. There was a similar cable setup to the D-Specs on the coilovers i went with and that made adjustments VERY easy.

@!!narotordo

RB is just one step over stock and its like well for the money may as well STAY stock.
I had a mid pipe that was falling apart

Pico

iTrader: (2)

^ I don't know about that
Try looking at a RB Rotary Performance Parts Catalog and you might change your mind

@!!narotordo

Is that whats on there website for RX-8 parts?

Razz1

Rb has an excellant reputation and quality parts.

You can't go wrong with Racing Beat.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

wow, what a joke.

@!!narotordo

Orly?
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...2&d=1254616086
Your full of jokes