rmon

Hey all,

Been a while. Happy New Year, fellow rotary runners!

I'm looking around for some advice and recommendations on a nice set of coilovers. Nothing too cheap, probably would prefer something on the higher end, but not overkill. I've found a GREDDY TYPE-S COILOVER KIT that seems to be a good deal at ~$1400 and an HKS HIPERMAX RS KIT for about a grand.

Also, I found a GREX 6-Piston Brake Kit for around $2500 and that seems to be a bit steep for my budget since I want to get both new suspension and brakes. I haven't even begun to think of the labor costs.

I actually like my brakes very much. Mazda makes some damn good hardware. What do you guys think? Any other recommendations? Sound words of wisdom? Any places in LA that you know will install it right and for a fair price?

Thanks much!

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

the standard Mazda brakes are VERY good, I say stick with them. It's not really worth the money to get the BBK. If you want to make them look nice, get some good drilled / slotted rotors and paint your calipers.
Get some better brake pads though, I recommend Hawk Ceramic pads

I happen to know that xdeedubbx' HKS coilovers are about to go on the market...cheap! (don't PM him yet, just keep an eye out on the F/S section)

rmon

Thanks for the tip on the pads Jedi. I think I'll just get those instead of a whole kit. I could really care less about looks (past a certain point!). To me, a clean ride is one that performs. That's where the real shiny is.

Will keep an eye out for those coilovers. I suppose any of the big brands are safe bets? HKS, Greddy, Tein etc.

justjim

I agree that the Mazda brakes are very good. I just change the pads and upgrade the fluid for a hard day at the track (Sebring) on R-compound tires and the brakes are never an issue. Spend your money on something else. Tires and wheels would be my suggestion.

JantzenRX-8

iTrader: (9)

I'm looking at upgrading my brakes real soon. I'm going with either Axxis Ultimate or Hawk Ceramic pads, Mazdatrix stainless steel lines, ATE Super Blue brake fluid installed for $350. I'd say not too shabby.

Not to kick a dead horse or anything but the BBK idea has been crushed by pretty much everyone who knows anything on this site. But it sounds like you've already made up your mind so that's good.

Flashwing

Looks like I'm late to the party, thanks Jedi for posting those great suggestions.

First, as Jedi pointed out, save your money with the BBK. The brakes on the RX8 are well designed. If you're looking for a nice upgrade, matching the pads Jedi suggested and a nice set of OEM slotted rotors would take care of you.

To a certain extend, the slotted feature isn't going to give you a serious difference in braking power unless you're on the track. Still, it's a great looking piece and if you do any performance driving it will help.

Pads first, then rotors if the budget allows it.

As for coilovers...

I don't know your suspension experience, but I would evaluate your suspension needs before purchasing a set of coilovers. I have owned a set of ksports for about a year now and have found the complex nature of coilovers gives me a headache.

I'm the person who loves to tweak stuff, but too much adjustability can make things worse.

Have you looked into spring/strut combos at all? There's two great types between the Tokiko d-specs and the Koni's. It takes adjustable ride height out of the question, as well as preload. You're left with dampening adjustability which will give you some freedom to tune your suspension.

Best of luck in your search! If you have any specific products you're looking for don't hesitate to PM me.

rmon

Thanks for the great responses guys.

Yeah, I was merely entertaining the idea of a BBK. I already know from experience that the brakes that came with the car are fantastic. Just wanted to get a feeling of how others felt about that particular mod. I think I have it figured out as far as brakes go, so onto suspension..

I don't have much experience with suspension. I would like to get some coilovers as that seems to be the most robust option, and if I'm going to make a significant change to my car it may as well be something I can use as a learning tool at the same time. I do not go to the tracks yet but probably will in the future. I do most of my spirited driving in canyons (away from others where it's safe) and usually start to feel a bit of body roll when hitting the corners and I'm trying to mitigate that effect. Unless I'm missing something obvious, aren't coilovers supposed to be better than just getting some lowered springs? I'll have to educate myself further on this, but I am open to learning more about it.

As far as budget goes, I have a little bit saved up that I want to blow away on my car. Let's say my suspension budget's around $1200 for the parts alone. Does that make it easier? Hit me up if you have any good ideas Flashwing!

Geforce07

iTrader: (1)

I say get a nice set of sway bars! Those really make a difference. They're several good brands to choose from like progress, racing beat, tanabe, etc.

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

can't speak to the coilovers but man, I love my RacingBrake slotted and drilled rotors coupled with hawk ceramics...

The big difference is that with rotors like RB, you'll get quite a bit more life out of them than OEM.

The hawk ceramics will quiet down your squeaky stock setup if that's all you're after.

WantedTwo

iTrader: (4)

I bought the RB BBK and rear two piece mainly because I can't stand the way the stock brakes look. Just has such a cheap look. RacingBrake has some really nice stuff, I just dropped 2200 bones there for a complete set up.

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

For $1200 you will only have a few coilovers available for you. Megan Racing coilovers are around $1000. But alot of people are against Megan products...but there are also a few people on these forums that love their Megans.. Anyways, there are also STANCE coilovers that will be in your price range, and some people say are better for the money. Sway Bars make a big difference in how your car handles, as long as some adjustable endlinks. Swaybars are usually between 3-400$. For your price range, I would recommend some good sway bars, Koni Yellow's(shocks) and a good set of springs.(H-Techs are very popular with the Koni's) If you want to get Coilovers, they will cost you over a grand, and won't be as good as the Sway Bars paired with the springs + shocks.