|| Hey l00K lowering springs ||
11-14-2008, 10:30 AM
#77
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speeddemon32... if shocks don't affect the ride height, why do some of the set ups with the same springs but different shocks show a difference in ride height?
I'm confuuuussssed.
11-14-2008, 10:53 AM
#78
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You do not HAVE TO change the struts, I typically recommend it since the new springs will be stiffer and will wear out the OEM struts faster. Plus, you're already in there, might as well throw on some new struts while you're at it.
With that said, MANY people here just change the springs and there is nothing wrong with that.
as for struts affecting ride height: they dont' affect the ride height in the same sense that springs do but some struts are sized a little differently so that sometimes leads to the difference in ride height. (ie; Koni's are a tad bit shorter then OEM's)
With that said, MANY people here just change the springs and there is nothing wrong with that.
as for struts affecting ride height: they dont' affect the ride height in the same sense that springs do but some struts are sized a little differently so that sometimes leads to the difference in ride height. (ie; Koni's are a tad bit shorter then OEM's)
11-14-2008, 12:28 PM
#79
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You do not HAVE TO change the struts, I typically recommend it since the new springs will be stiffer and will wear out the OEM struts faster. Plus, you're already in there, might as well throw on some new struts while you're at it.
With that said, MANY people here just change the springs and there is nothing wrong with that.
as for struts affecting ride height: they dont' affect the ride height in the same sense that springs do but some struts are sized a little differently so that sometimes leads to the difference in ride height. (ie; Koni's are a tad bit shorter then OEM's)
With that said, MANY people here just change the springs and there is nothing wrong with that.
as for struts affecting ride height: they dont' affect the ride height in the same sense that springs do but some struts are sized a little differently so that sometimes leads to the difference in ride height. (ie; Koni's are a tad bit shorter then OEM's)
I agree with the red text. but they dont really effect ride height. the shock will sit staic where ever the springs want them to.
as to why some cars look lower then others. well take into consideration any wheel and tire differences on th car, or weather the car has had time to settle befre the picture was taken. or even the pre load thing.... or even a body kit or lip that may make it seem lower. but al in all, there will/should not be a difference between a Mazdaspeed spring on stock shocks or on aftermarket shocks.
now as for a comment on the stiffer springs wearing out the stock shocks...... well yeah they would.... if the springs were stiffer. take a look at th springs springs springs thread ( https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/spring-springs-springs-90198/ )to see spring rates. you will notice just about every "replacment" spring out there is not much if any stiffer then the OEM springs.
no on the other hand, if you were to find a stiff spring, then yes, upgrade he shocks as well.
but if your going for looks only, just worry about the springs and save your money on the shocks and get something else.
just my .02
11-14-2008, 01:44 PM
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Okay I did look at that thread first and that's how I found this thread... I think.. or it was search. Anyway, looking at the H tech and the Mazdaspeed, they seem very comparable to the stock, and the Mazdaspeed is even a little "weaker". Is there an opinion out there on used springs? The H techs I have available are used for 17K... the Mazdaspeed are new.
11-14-2008, 02:12 PM
#81
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Used springs are fine since it takes a lot to really affect a spring. Basically they are lifetime parts.
MOST springs and shocks are compatible but not all. Ask me how I know.
+1 on swapping the shocks at the same time. If you can swing it step up to the Tokicos or Konis while you're at it. The installation should be the same total cost since the springs are on the shocks and you have to take the whole assembly out. Also the OEM shocks are a bit underdamped so with stiffer springs you'll actually feel too bouncy. I did the springs first and they were fine but ultimately it cost me more time and money because I didn't do it all at once.
The reason the Mazdaspeeds look a little weaker is that they are most likely a variable rate spring so they are initially softer for highway driving etc. but get stiffer as you really start to work them on hard corners and chicanes.
Lot's of people have both on this board so they should both be fine for you. Personally Mazdaspeed stuff will be the most expensive so if it's mainly for looks go with the H-techs.
edit: Also for shocks if it's mostly for street driving I recommend the Tokicos over the Konis mainly because they can be adjusted softer front and rear than the Konis can. I love my Konis and they are better track shocks but on the street they are definitely stiffer than stock at the softest level.
MOST springs and shocks are compatible but not all. Ask me how I know.
+1 on swapping the shocks at the same time. If you can swing it step up to the Tokicos or Konis while you're at it. The installation should be the same total cost since the springs are on the shocks and you have to take the whole assembly out. Also the OEM shocks are a bit underdamped so with stiffer springs you'll actually feel too bouncy. I did the springs first and they were fine but ultimately it cost me more time and money because I didn't do it all at once.
The reason the Mazdaspeeds look a little weaker is that they are most likely a variable rate spring so they are initially softer for highway driving etc. but get stiffer as you really start to work them on hard corners and chicanes.
Lot's of people have both on this board so they should both be fine for you. Personally Mazdaspeed stuff will be the most expensive so if it's mainly for looks go with the H-techs.
edit: Also for shocks if it's mostly for street driving I recommend the Tokicos over the Konis mainly because they can be adjusted softer front and rear than the Konis can. I love my Konis and they are better track shocks but on the street they are definitely stiffer than stock at the softest level.
Last edited by shaunv74; 11-14-2008 at 02:14 PM.
11-14-2008, 02:44 PM
#82
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I agree with everything he said.
(not that it matters right?)
The Konis are a better performance shock, but the tokico will give the better ride.
as for used springs. get em. ther is nothign wrong with a used spring. they are almost lifetime parts as he said. (the "almost" was my disclaimer.)
but again, you stated you were in this for the looks, so I personally say get teh spring that you think will give you the best look, and stick with that. you will save money and be happy.
btw, how many miles on the car?
(not that it matters right?)
The Konis are a better performance shock, but the tokico will give the better ride.
as for used springs. get em. ther is nothign wrong with a used spring. they are almost lifetime parts as he said. (the "almost" was my disclaimer.)
but again, you stated you were in this for the looks, so I personally say get teh spring that you think will give you the best look, and stick with that. you will save money and be happy.
btw, how many miles on the car?
11-14-2008, 03:32 PM
#83
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Close to 48K on my car (can't remember the exact mileage because I've been driving my DD because of the rain).
12K on the used H techs.
Man I'm so glad there are people out there than can explain all this stuff... Thank you so much guys!
Edit: 12K on the H techs... 7K on the used Mazdaspeed... got my numbers mixed...
12K on the used H techs.
Man I'm so glad there are people out there than can explain all this stuff... Thank you so much guys!
Edit: 12K on the H techs... 7K on the used Mazdaspeed... got my numbers mixed...
11-14-2008, 04:08 PM
#85
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zumn: send a PM to Chrism, that's his old car.
back on topic...
back on topic...
11-14-2008, 05:09 PM
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with 48k on the car, its about time to replace the shocks if you feel they are wearing out.
Keep in mind an aftermarket PERFORMANCE shock is what makes the ride a little rougher.
when I installed my Sprints and had the stock shocks the ride was almost the same. then I added the Koni yellows and it got real stiff. unless your going to a stiff spring (and again, almost all RX-8 replacment springs are soft), it will not make the ride much rugher at all.
now go to a coil over setup that has stiff shocks AND stiff springs, and you will have a back breaker!
Keep in mind an aftermarket PERFORMANCE shock is what makes the ride a little rougher.
when I installed my Sprints and had the stock shocks the ride was almost the same. then I added the Koni yellows and it got real stiff. unless your going to a stiff spring (and again, almost all RX-8 replacment springs are soft), it will not make the ride much rugher at all.
now go to a coil over setup that has stiff shocks AND stiff springs, and you will have a back breaker!
11-14-2008, 05:16 PM
#87
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just for the fun of it (and because i am board).....
the miata in my siggy came with 120 pound front springs and 100 pound rears.
I have Koni RACE shocks. they are basically Koni yellows that have been revalved and shortened, running the ground control coil overs with Eibach 700 pound front springs and 375 pound rears. I took the car up the street the other day (checking for tire rubbing) and man, I felt every little pebble on the road. I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to hit a bump in that car. I'm sure regular visits to the chiropractor would be in order. (the aluminum seat doesn’t help much.)
the miata in my siggy came with 120 pound front springs and 100 pound rears.
I have Koni RACE shocks. they are basically Koni yellows that have been revalved and shortened, running the ground control coil overs with Eibach 700 pound front springs and 375 pound rears. I took the car up the street the other day (checking for tire rubbing) and man, I felt every little pebble on the road. I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to hit a bump in that car. I'm sure regular visits to the chiropractor would be in order. (the aluminum seat doesn’t help much.)
11-14-2008, 08:57 PM
#88
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So... I'm thinking I'm going to go with the H Tech.... does anyone know if that will give me an "even" lower across from front to back? Does the Mazdaspeed make the back visibly lower than the front? I'm having trouble judging with these pictures..
12-02-2008, 09:04 AM
#100
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does anyone (other then me) have a picture of the SPRINT springs installed on a car?