whats the going rate to install springs only? I got one quote a while ago about installing coilovers for $340 + 80 for alignment.

Thanks in advance . . .
Rob

 

of course i do, so you dont have to throw up

but i stiffen the shocks to about 75% when I do a track day but on full soft they are softer than stock

 

My Mazda Dealership quoted $550 plus $80 for alignment - I was flabbergasted. I think they really didn't want to do it (not Mazdaspeed), thus the high price.

I found a very reputable Front end/alignment shop in town that has quoted $250 for the springs (same as strut replacements) plus $75 more for the alignment - $325 total.

 

try looking into the tanabe. we have them in stock and ready to be shipped

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=113180

 

lazi has some of the best prices for tanabe stuff

 

I had my NF210 Springs installed today - install went very smoothly with me watching over and providing key guidance on some nuances for the 8, like the TPMS sensors, headlight level sensors, loading front suspension before tightening upper control arms, and driving vehicle some to settle springs before alignment.

Height - The advertised lowering of Front 1.4" and Rear 1.2 seems right on. I now have about .5" fender gap in the rear and a .75" gap for the front, running stock 18's with 225/45 tires.

One key thing I noticed here as part of the install is that when each strut assembly was rebuilt before install, it was VERY important to get this nut fully tightened down onto the bolt, creating a lot of rubber mount assembly compression. I think this is the area where many are having differing amounts of lowering as some are tightening very tight (compressing more, creating more lowering) and others are not tightening enough (creating little to no lowering).

Performance - On a good drive after installation, my goal of stock-like ride was achieved with ride almost exactly the same. I did notice a better overall handling feel with less corner leaning as I think the combination of a lower center of gravity, slightly higher spring rate, and (I think) more preloading on the stock sways is helps the handling overall. To tighten things up just a bit more, I am looking at replacing the sway frame bushings with Energy Suspension (greaseable) for just a little more sway support. Like I said before, this is a street only car and these provide some improvements with little to no impact on ride quality.

Alignment - Of course, this is needed after a spring install. I had mine set to following:
Front and Rear Toe, Zero
Front Camber, -.5
Front Caster, 6
Rear Camber, -.75

My rear camber of -.75 and my front camber of -.5 was as little as I could get with these springs - but was exactly what I wanted. I could not have adjusted any more out as they were at the end of the adjustment range.