05rex8

iTrader: (7)

Ok...I got some cross drilled and slotted brake rotors and a set of lowering springs. I got quoted from a local wheel shop that it would cost $550 to have the rotors and springs installed plus an alignment. Does this sound expensive to you? Seems a little steep to me but then again I have no clue because this is the first time I'm doing something like this.

Aipex8

iTrader: (1)

I installed my springs myself, but called around before I did and most places quoted around $300. A 4 wheel alignment afterwards cost me about $100. So factoring in the brakes too, I think $550 sounds about right.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

If I had the tools I would do all of this myself except for the alignment obviously....for the springs did you need any special tools?

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

^Find a local RX8 owner who knows how to do it, and most likely they will help you out for free.

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

A spring compressor, a torque wrench, and it would help alot to have an impact wrench but not necessary.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

^yeah I have none of those tools.......

I tried doing the rotors myself before and it would be super easy but I can't get the stupid bolts off that hold it to the hub. So frustrating!!!!!!!!! The screws are made of play doh, I swear.

Smoke Honda

iTrader: (1)

Go rent one of those Brake Kits from Advance Auto. It comes with everything you need. You only need to put a deposit ($109) down to rent it and you get everything back after you return it.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

^great idea. the only thing is I stripped those stupid bolts....so I think I need to drill them out......afja;ljffja;dfja;flj;fj;fjad;fadfadjfadfa sreafewafewf

shaunv74

That sounds about right for springs and brakes. I paid $500 for just my springs here.

My only advice is to replace your shocks at the same time. They have to do all the work to take your shocks out as well. You might as well put new ones in while your at it. They should do it for the same price since they have to be taken completely apart anyway.

imput1234

iTrader: (6)

Do it your self.

I got my alignment for $50including taxes.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

is it really necessary to replace the shocks? my car only has about 19K on it. what kind of shocks would you suggest if I do that?

MazdaJeff

I had my springs installed for $200, believe it or not at the dealership. Not sure what the brakes should cost.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

I'm going to a different shop tomorrow to get a price for the rotors, springs, and alignment. They think around 350, but they have to see the springs first...which I don't know why...springs are springs right..?

DarkBrew

Installation of my springs, shocks, swaybars and a 4 wheel alignment ran me $260

It pays to have install meets at the local performance shop!

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

^ geez your telling me. Thats a killer price!

shaunv74

No it's not necessary. I suspect though after you install your springs your shocks will be underdamped and not be able to handle the lower stiffer shocks and your ride will feel bouncy and crappy.

The shocks will depend somewhat on what you want to achieve. Personally my opinion is if you are looking for better street performance and still have comfort go with the tokico d-spec shocks. They adjustable and high pressure so they can be very comfy or very stiff as well as provide better support for progressive rate springs. Ask me why I know this is important.

If you are looking to do more track days or autox then go with the Koni shocks. They are stiffer and do a better job on the track but don't have the comfyness of the Tokicos.

HCTR154

^^^Gotta agree with the above post. Go ahead and get the shocks replaced while you are at it. Yes, your stockers are probably still in good shape with your relatively low mileage, but aftermarket springs have a tendency to wear out the stockers much faster.

I installed Eibach springs with stock shocks and 5 months later was taking it all apart to install some Bilsteins....

As far as install prices, go to some RX8 club meets and just ask around. You'd be surprised at who might volunteer their time, tools and effort to give you a hand. Just be kind enought to provide free beer and food!

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

thanks everyone for your replies and thanks for the suggestion shaunv74. I ended up having the springs installed and rotors today cuz it would only cost me $280! I will keep the Tokico's in mind tho, they sound great. The ride is actually really not any different than stock springs. I was quite suprised as they dropped the car 2". I did notice the camber was off on the rear...can this be fixed with an alignment? I didn't have time for one today.

VarneyMazda

Yes the alignment will fix your rear camber. Get alignment soon or you will eat your tires up pretty bad

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

^thanks...will do. getting new rims and tires this week anyways, so I will do it when i get them installed
might do some burnouts b4 I change to new tires....

kevinD1226

for all thoose who got alingments after spring installs, did they adjust ur camber again too? is that something they do anyways?

shaunv74

^^Camber setting is part of the alignment.

Do you mean did people adjust it from spec to something more aggressive?

If you are looking to change your alignment settings from OEM I would check out the stickies at the top of this section of the forum. Unless you are tracking or AutoXing the car diverging from OEM alignment isn't really worth the potential to mess up your tire life.