Springs/Shocks Help
Reposting from the Tires/Suspension forum where I got no replies. Hoping to make a purchase within the next couple of days, MazdaSpeed shocks and Swift Springs.
Wanted to get some feedback before I buy. After giving up on the idea of doing changing just the springs; I have decided to buy shock/spring combo. I am planning on getting it used hence a few questions on set up. As I am not interested in adjustable shocks so I am limited to a few choices: MazdaSpeed, Tein Basic, Bilstein. I already have RB front and rear sway bars on the car and am not planning to change them. I track my car and am mostly interested in track performance, (HPDE). I have read quite a bit on Tein Basics and this seems to be a well coordinated suspension for the money. However I am thinking that the RB sways might be an overkill with such a stiff suspension. I have pm'd various people with this set up but was unable to get any kind of specific info. For the experts out there, will this set up make the car to twitchy so to speak? As I am buying used I know that I might not be able to get the MazdaSpeed shocks matched up to MazdaSpeed springs. I assume since the MazdaSpeed springs are quite stiff this is probably what Mazda (Tokico) matched specifically to the shocks. So I am wondering how will the MazdaSpeed shocks work with something like Swift progressive springs or Tein H tech? I am thinking this set up might work better with the RB sways them the original MazdaSpeed springs because it isn’t quite as stiff. On the other hand the shocks were matched with a specific spring and perhaps it is better to just go with it. If anyone is running such a set up or has general thoughts on the subject please share them. The last option is matching up Bilstein HD shocks with some springs; they will probably work well with something like Swift or S tech since they are originally designed to work with the stock springs. I am completely new to suspension set up so any help is appreciated. P.S I know that ideally I should probably be matching up sways to the shock/spring but I am not planning to part with the RB sways thus I have to work around them. Swift: 3.7 Kg/mm 207 lbs/inch 1.6-2.3 Kg/mm 90-129 lbs/inch Stock 'Sport' Suspension RX-8: 156/113 (F/R) Mazdaspeed: 280/190 - Drop = 0.8"/0.8" Tein S-Tech: 207/145 - Drop = 1.4"/0.7" Tein H-Tech: 179/129 - Drop = 1.0"/0.3" H&R: 195/141 (progressive) - Drop = 1.0"/1.0 |
I like my Konis and MS springs, quite a bit stiffer than stock but would be interested to see how Swift springs are with Konis.
P.S. there is no such thing as RX-8 "sport" suspension, only auto vs manual. Sport is a package trim that has nothing to do with suspension. |
Get in touch with Bilstein directly. Supply your vehicle info, spring rate and they can revalve a set of dampers specifically for your application.
Another option is to get a set of Koni's and not worry about their adjustability- dial them in to a commonly used setting at install and forget about them. You can then make adjustments using adjustable sway bars, tire pressure, etc. |
Ok it seems to be coming down to the MazdaSpeed shocks. Now the question is what will be the best set up with the RB sways. MS springs, Swift, S tech. EDIT: H&R
Swift: 3.7 Kg/mm 207 lbs/inch 1.6-2.3 Kg/mm 90-129 lbs/inch Stock 'Sport' Suspension RX-8: 156/113 (F/R) Mazdaspeed: 280/190 - Drop = 0.8"/0.8" Tein S-Tech: 207/145 - Drop = 1.4"/0.7" H&R Sport 1.25" 195 lb Progressive 1.25" 141 lb Progressive P.S don't know if this is relevant but I am not running R compounds or doing anything with the alignment Edit: (Fow Now) |
Originally Posted by Chris_Bangle
(Post 2078781)
P.S don't know if this is relevant but I am not running R compounds or doing anything with the alignment. |
You probably have a point, I was thinking about this myself. Will getting a MazdaSpeed suspension be a “waste of money” due to the grip constraint of the street tires.
I suppose it makes more sense to get a set of R compound for the track? For now however this isn't an option, maybe down the line I will get a set 17s with some RA1 on them. Just for the track. I am planning to get the MS shocks though so If anyone has any suggestions besides rendering my whole project useless, you are welcome to share them. |
Originally Posted by Chris_Bangle
(Post 2078828)
You probably have a point, I was thinking about this myself. Will getting a MazdaSpeed suspension be a “waste of money” due to the grip constraint of the street tires.
I suppose it makes more sense to get a set of R compound for the track? For now however this isn't an option, maybe down the line I will get a set 17s with some RA1 on them. Just for the track. I am planning to get the MS shocks though so If anyone has any suggestions besides rendering my whole project useless, you are welcome to share them. |
Seat time in your stock suspension RX-8 with street tires trumps all of the above mods.
If you want to do something pro-active, then, Step 1. Alignment. |
the H&R's then :)
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Originally Posted by ULLLOSE
(Post 2078856)
A second set of wheels with some R compounds will make more difference than all of the rest of the parts combined.
This was one of the suggestions I got from my instructors. And hopefully this will be the next step (which is funny cause after getting the AFE shortshifter I swore this is the first and last thing I am getting for the car). For now however I am intreseted in getting some feedback on what spring would be the best match for the MazdaSpeed shock and RB sways. If I make some extra dough during the winter the tires would be the next step. As I mention in my original post I know that perhaps I am doing somethings totally backwards (sways before shocks and springs...) However this is the position I am currently in... |
Originally Posted by SouthFL
(Post 2078869)
Seat time in your stock suspension RX-8 with street tires trumps all of the above mods.
If you want to do something pro-active, then, Step 1. Alignment. I am trying to get as much seat time as I can from a financial stand point. I have been suggested that perhaps SoloSprint would be the next logical step (from what I can actually do) |
Just curious, how stiff are your current swaybars in comparison to the stock ones, and the MazdaSpeed ones?
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From SpeedDemon's springs springs springs:
Mazda Speed: Front 27.2mm OD 4mm wall 13% stiffer stock bushings will work $ link goes here Rear 17.3mm OD 2.6mm wall From the RB website: The diameter of the front tubular bar is 1.25” (32mm) x .1875” wall thickness, as compared to the stock 1.05” (27mm) x .134” wall thickness front bar. The diameter of the rear tubular bar is .75” (19mm) x .125” wall thickness, as compared to the stock .632” (16mm) x .097” wall thickness rear bar. |
Well I seem to have the Swift springs and MazdaSpeed shocks lined up. New springs 150$, shocks were used for about 5k 300$. 450$ shipped to a friend in Indianapolis who will bring them to Detroit (anything not to pay customs :icon_no2: )
Any thoughts on how this set up (MS shocks, Swift springs, RB sways) will work? |
After talking to a few more people, and considering that most of the replys said Koni I decided to forget about the MazdaSpeed shock and get the Konis (with Swift).
A quick general question. What is their rough lifespan? How severly it depends on where they were set on for what they were used? I have 47km on my car and feel the OEM shocks are already warn (especially when driving other 8s). I am still thinking about getting a lighly used set, this has a major draw back, as far as I know the warranty is not going to be transefarable. What is the lowest price people get them new? Seen some people post 500 shipped on a group buy of 4 sets (think that was CosmosMpower) |
Originally Posted by Chris_Bangle
(Post 2080104)
After talking to a few more people, and considering that most of the replys said Koni I decided to forget about the MazdaSpeed shock and get the Konis (with Swift).
A quick general question. What is their rough lifespan? How severly it depends on where they were set on for what they were used? I have 47km on my car and feel the OEM shocks are already warn (especially when driving other 8s). I am still thinking about getting a lighly used set, this has a major draw back, as far as I know the warranty is not going to be transefarable. What is the lowest price people get them new? Seen some people post 500 shipped on a group buy of 4 sets (think that was CosmosMpower) Life span, should last a long time. However, a number of people have had front shocks start to leak, I had one after 2 1/2 years of use. But Koni stands behind them with a lifetime warranty, I got mine replaced at no cost. |
Thanks for the reply,
Yeah, that's why I am not sure if getting them used makes allot of sense, it leaks I am stuck with repairs... From reading Olddragger’s comments on matching RB sways and RB springs to Koni’s I got the idea that going to a very stiff spring with the RB sways is not a good idea, so I am leaning towards the Swift. Anyone has any ideas why the Swift springs rear rate seems kind a low comparing to others? Should I just forget them and go with something more proven like H&R (but the drop is more aggressive) some list it as 1.25" other sites 4cm which is more. Swift: 0.8' drop 207 lbs/inch 90-129 lbs/inch (progressive) H&R: 1.25" drop 195/141 (progressive) Or maybe go with another spring all together. |
A big thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge, I have decided on the Koni's and I now have to figure out what spring do I want to match up with the Koni shocks and RB sway. I will close this thread and start a new one dedicated to doing just that.
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Originally Posted by ULLLOSE
(Post 2080201)
Best I have seen on one set is dpeweb.com, forum vendor, for $550 shipped.
Anyone know of a source with a similar price? Best I could find is $650. |
Originally Posted by WpgDSMer
(Post 2221907)
Going out of business.
Anyone know of a source with a similar price? Best I could find is $650. |
Originally Posted by Chris_Bangle
(Post 2080794)
A big thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge, I have decided on the Koni's and I now have to figure out what spring do I want to match up with the Koni shocks and RB sway. I will close this thread and start a new one dedicated to doing just that.
You’ll get far more benefit from upgrading your alignment and tires. |
Why not buy an eBay coilover kit, then have your choice of ride height and aftermarket spring rates from 150 lb. / in. to 1500 lb. / in.?
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as posted before in From SpeedDemon's springs springs springs the MS springs have a spring rate of much less than 280/190 ... its more like 180/100 and the shocks are what allow for the stiffer feel once on the car.
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Originally Posted by Shinka-05
(Post 2222848)
as posted before in From SpeedDemon's springs springs springs the MS springs have a spring rate of much less than 280/190 ... its more like 180/100 and the shocks are what allow for the stiffer feel once on the car.
I agree though, get yourself some tires. I'd be scared to lap the stock ones for 4 20 minute sessions. |
so you are telling me and Speeddemon that your butt and hands are better rating than a rate test that speeddemon did himself?
Also there is a whole section about this and maybe, cosmo, you have the spring and shock combo... Shocks make a major differance on how the car feels |
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