Handling without sacrificing ride Height.
#1
6Spd Blue 230
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: U.K.
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Handling without sacrificing ride Height.
I would like to improve the handling of my 8 without sacrificing ride height (any lower would mean damage where I live - I've already scuffed the underside). I would like to keep the nice factory ride settings, but improve cornering ability. I'm thinking that maybe I could add something underneath front and rear? I am hesitant about adding strutt bars at the top because the rear one takes up boot space, and the front one doesn't allow for the fitment of the factory covers (or am I wrong?). The car is only for street use, and I would rather not go to the expense of replacing the shocks, and springs. Also, what is the best tyre fitment? I was thinking 245's, but would 255's be a problem on the standard rims (I am trying to keep my car looking standard )
Thanks.
Thanks.
#3
New Member
Two things
1. Agree with cgrx, sway bars are the best bang on bucks modifications. In fact, I dislike the fact that sway bars is not upgrade before the coilovers.
MazdaSpeed sways.
https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum-37/where-sway-sway-bar-31563/
2. Strut bars does not quite as improve in handling. It make the car very stiff though. With your concerns: boot space is ok, in fact you can still tie the emergency tie kit and a 1L bottle in. Same as with a spare tyre kit.
MazdaSpeed struts.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/mazdaspeed-4-point-strut-bar-rear-bar-little-problem-31600/
Cheers
Taka
1. Agree with cgrx, sway bars are the best bang on bucks modifications. In fact, I dislike the fact that sway bars is not upgrade before the coilovers.
MazdaSpeed sways.
https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum-37/where-sway-sway-bar-31563/
2. Strut bars does not quite as improve in handling. It make the car very stiff though. With your concerns: boot space is ok, in fact you can still tie the emergency tie kit and a 1L bottle in. Same as with a spare tyre kit.
MazdaSpeed struts.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/mazdaspeed-4-point-strut-bar-rear-bar-little-problem-31600/
Cheers
Taka
#5
6Spd Blue 230
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: U.K.
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
But will 255's be O.K. with steering lock-lock? And how will these affect grip in the wet? I want to add 255's if they fit the standard rims O.K., but not if they affect grip in a bad way...
#6
6Spd Blue 230
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: U.K.
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And what profile would I need for 255's? And how close is the wheel size to the standard fitment; I understand that when 245/40's are fitted, the overall wheel size is slightly smaller than the factory 225's. I would kinda like to retain speedo accuracy as much as possible...
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cgrx
upgrade sway bars and strut bars
In addition to those two items, lighter wheels and wider tires (although those two don't always go together) also help handling without dropping the ride height.
---jps
#9
New Member
Originally Posted by tokenbrit
And what profile would I need for 255's? And how close is the wheel size to the standard fitment; I understand that when 245/40's are fitted, the overall wheel size is slightly smaller than the factory 225's. I would kinda like to retain speedo accuracy as much as possible...
1. 255 will NOT fit to standard wheel, you need a 8.5"x18
2. 245 is smaller but it is the best balance at this point for standard wheel. If I go aftermarket wheel. I will go 8.5"x and 255/35-18. 255/40-18 is the closest but it is a touch bigger (0.2% for something) - so it is illegal in Japan, Australia but I am not sure about US. dumb isn't it.
3. Speedo accuracy can be checked with GPS - that is the most accurate. Remember you are doing 98 when speedo said 100 for 100 when it says 102 when you upgrade to 245/40-18.
Taka
#10
6Spd Blue 230
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: U.K.
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheers guys. I think I can live with 2Mph speedo inaccuracy, and I think 245's are more than enough for a daily drive although I think 255's would look better... :D Maybe if/when I change the wheels...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hufflepuff
Series I Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension
6
05-30-2016 10:45 AM
Michael Bryant
Series I Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension
5
10-12-2015 03:07 PM
duworm
Series I Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension
1
10-01-2015 04:57 PM
Racingjunkie
Series I Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension
2
09-29-2015 05:05 PM
CMRine04
Series I Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension
5
09-17-2015 10:04 AM