I'm debating if I want to lower my RX-8 or not. I have never lowered a car before, or have even researched it, so if some of you could please inform me of some information that would be great. From what I've heard, a lot of people are using Tein S springs? I have no idea what the difference of springs and coilovers or and stuff, but I was just wondering if you guys have before and after pictures of your lowering, or just regular pictures of your lowered RX-8 and how much it's lowered and the estimated cost to buy them and then get them installed. Thanks!

 

There are probably a hundred threads for you to look at on this forum to see pics of lowered 8's. Just type it in the search and you'll see enough to answer all your questions. I'll cheat and give you mine to start. After this though you are on your own. :D

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/lighting-yellow-w-19x8-5-falken-koblenz-black-w-polished-lip-53976/

 

basically you have a couple of viable options:

1) buy lowering springs (tein s-tech for example) and have them installed. these springs are either shorter or allow the weight of the car to push them down farther. in this case, you use the stock shocks with the new springs. this is the cheapest option. some say that you should replace the shocks along with the springs so they match up better.

2) replace shocks and springs. same as #1.

3) coilovers. generally, coilovers are springs and shocks connected in one unit. these are your best option, but they are much more expensive. they are also adjustable so that you can control the amount you want to lower the ride. they might give you a harsher ride too.

 

Tein S tech's - Got them for 140 on ebay and paid another 100 to have them installed. Sorry, no pics yet.

 

my choice too... had eibachs first, but they were too low in the rear so now i have tein s-techs. love them and the drop is perfect.

 

$100 for install!! I'm having mine done this weekend and the cheapest install I could find was $250 in Dallas!! The good news, the install is being done by an individual that has worked on Mazda's and rotaries for over 20 years.

Apparently the install is not an easy one!!

I bought the Sprint springs. Going for the 2" drop. Car should look and feel good.

- Irish

 

from what i understand (and i've had this done twice), the install is as easy as pie. there's nothing more complicated about installing springs on the 8 than any other car. see if you can find someone who's done it before. $250 is way expensive, especially in a big city like Dallas. There's bound to be a shop that works on civics in the area.

 

Thanks buddy. According to the shops I have spoken to the install on the 8 is not easy. The control arms need to be removed etc. In fact....according to the Mazda shop princing manual, spring replacement is approx 6 hrs!! I am hoping the install is quick and my installer cuts me a price break!!

- Irish

 

the lower control arms need to be removed in the rear. 6hrs is way too long though. good luck.

 

Place I took it to did it in under 2 hours and they've only done 1 other 8. They did my civic for $50...

 

the front ones can be done in less than 10 mins. i got the front guards rolled while i was there, knowing i will have bigger wheels.
the rear ones are pain in the back side.
you have to remove the side boot trim to get to the top of the structs, move the rear lower arm and dislocate the rear structs then change the springs.
all up it takes around 15 - 20 mins per side.
i have my springs supplied, fitted and wheel aligned for AUD$300 (which is around US$200).... gotta love the "connections" :D

EDIT: thought might as well put a pic up :D

 

^^^ Thanks guys!! ^^^

Hardhitter....sorry to hijack your thread

- Irish

 

i have the hks hipermaxx II installed. I love them!!

 

I heard lowering the car voids your warranty - is this true?