David Wiggins

First, I'm a newbie at performance mods in general, but my base knowledge of suspension is weakest.

1st question -

I've been looking at the different strut bars, sway bars, springs, coilovers, etc. and I ran across a part the other day that I haven't seen any one else making. The part is a "JIC Lower RX8 Arm Bar 2 Front" and also one for the rear. The problem I think it's trying to solve is flex in the front crossmember (and maybe transverse member) and flex in the rear crossmember. Am I correct on what this upgrade part is for? Also, is it REALLY a problem? the crossmembers and transverse member all look pretty beefy, do they really need any shoring up?

2nd question -

Do I have this right in my mind? On springs and dampers, you have the option of changing out the springs to lower the ride height, or you can change the dampers for more or less damping, or you can do a combination of the two. Am I correct in my thinking that coilovers replace the whole spring/damper assembly, thus freeing you from taking apart the spring/damper assembly? If yes, how long does the integrated damper last? When it's time to replace, can you replace just the damper, or do you get to buy a whole new set of coilovers?

Looks to me like a fully upgraded suspension would consist of:

front/rear sway bars (& upgraded links, if desired)
front/rear strut tower bars
front/rear lower arm bars
coilovers OR lowering springs & adjustable dampers

and then the full racing setup would also include adjustable length control arms and links so you could adjust your suspension geometry until your head exploded.

Am I reading all this stuff right, or am I confused somewhere?

Charles R. Hill

iTrader: (7)

My opinion is that, unless you are seriously considering racing your 8, you are over-thinking this issue. To do suspension mods depends on what your desired performance level is compared to the reality of how you will actually drive the car. I think the latter is the more important of the two. I have the Racing Beat swaybars, links, and springs on my car. Those parts lowered the ride by about 3/4" with only a slightly firmer feel. The swaybars also comfortably lowered body roll. The package, as a unit, is quite comfotable on the street and has good autocross performance without need for a kidney belt. Plus, the cost was very reasonable.

Charles