310Guy

Anyone know the rebound or damper on these shocks?


Also, for those with the Mazdaspeed springs and shocks how is the car for everyday driving?


I currently have the springs installed and the ride is a bit bouncy for me. Therefore, my options are currently:

1. Install the Mazdaspeed shocks (and hope it'll improve ride quality); or

2. Install a new set of springs.


Thanks for any info.

Old Rotor

Your ride will get even more bouncy...they are alittle firmer..

takahashi

I have this figure from the MazdaSpeed Catalogue from Japan.

i think this is front and rear

MazdaSpeed
Front rebound 1.813 (130%) compression 882 (70%)
Rear rebound 1.019 (143%) compression 686 (137%).

I don't know the unit though. The bracket it is for comparison of the SPort suspension in the Type S.

Hope it helps

paradigm

I have mazdaspeed springs/struts, along with the racing beat sway bars AND a slightly lower profile tire (245/45 as opposed to 225/45). I think it's fine, and I put over 80 miles a day on mine on some pretty nasty sections of highway.


You have the AT, which has lower spring rates and damping than the MT. That's probably why you have a bouncy ride with just the springs.

ScudRunner

um, if you're running 245/45s, that's not a "lower profile" tire than a 225/45...in fact, it has nearly a 3/4 inch greater diameter than a 225/45 does...

takahashi

I think paradigm means 245/40-18

Kochan

I have 4AT and changed to Mazdaspeed spring and shock set. It lowered abt.20mm(actually 17mm), good feeling in drive and no uncomfortable bouncings, no problem in parking lot. After all I recommend this combination. I don't know other makes but I suppose they have much harder spring rate and lowered more that you may feel some inconvenience in driving in town.

Point is, to change springs and shocks at the same time with same makes, or recommended combination by some famous tuner(e.g. Bilstein + Eibach). The combination of different makes would be risky, unless you are rich enough to try as many combination as you like.

One other reason why I chose MS kit... Cheapest among all when I wanted to buy.(Maybe reliable for the second reason) :p

310Guy

Thanks for the info.

Any idea what the stock rates are (auto with GT package)?

310Guy

How long were you driving with the stock set-up before switching to the MS kit?



In my previous cars I've had the following:

2000 Eclipse GT: Eibach w/ factory shocks. Same ride quality, just lowered a bit.

2003 Acura TL Type-S: H&R w/ factory shocks. Again, same ride quality, just lowered a bit.

While I understand the "reason" for switching both shocks and springs, I've never come across this type of road feeling with a factory shock and aftermarket spring. Looking at the spring rate sticky in this forum, Mazdaspeed has the greatest difference from the factory spring rates (compared to other brands).

While the additional co$t is a consideration, I don't want to spend the money on the Mazdaspeed shocks and be disappointed with the ride quality. I am leaning towards just replacing the springs with another brand, but I'm still looking into the Mazdaspeed shocks...

Keep the opinions/comments coming. Thanks. :D

takahashi

310 Guy

I am not sure. I think if they are the same aren't they? Aus Auto have the Type S suspension.

Tell you what, if you want to find out if you have the sport suspension in the Type S, check your front rotor. It is larger than the standard suspension (come in a package). Normal RX-8 in Japan have 16 inch wheel. If your car have a 16 inch from the factory, then most likely you have the normal type, if 18, then highly likely you have the sport suspension.

Make sense? I am trying to say I have no info on standard suspension :o

310Guy

I have the Sport Suspension. I was wondering what the shock rates are for the "standard" sport suspension package available as an option on the RX-8. I want to know (if I can) the numbers to compare them between the factory shock and the Mazdaspeed shock. Thanks.

Kochan

I just drove a couple of months before change to the kit. My purpose to get the standard grade was to change every part to my taste. The first one was MS shocks and springs kit.

That is why you need correspond shocks=MS.

Hey, Mazdaspeed is not bad at all. Instead buying another springs, I honestly recommend to install MS shocks as you already have MS springs. With my MS spring and shock combination, it is not bumpy at all(surely stiff ride as a sports car though), the steering got much quicker(surely it is already good enough with stock). The Best Mortoring Video(or DVD) tested stock and MS A spec. and they prooved the performance of MS A spec was much better than the stock.(A spec comes also with body enforcement braces, not only MS muffler, aero kit, sprin&shock, light arroy wheels) Don't waste your MS spring sets.

cortc

The shocks will solve the problem, the bounce will go away...

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

What cortc said. The ride will get less bouncy with the MS shocks, not more bouncy.

Now, looking at the numbers in takahashi's post, I'd venture a guess that not only will the ride with the MS springs & shocks be less bouncy than the MS springs/Sport shocks combo, it will be more comfortable as well. I say this because the front MS shocks have less compression damping than the sport shocks (but more rebound).

Why do they do this? Because, you want the wheel to respond to bumps by moving up, as opposed to remaining stationary and focing the sidewall of the tire to deform. So, when you fit stiffer springs, you need to back down on the compression damping in the shock to counteract the tendency of the stiffer spring to resist upward motion. So, the combination of MS springs & shocks will offer less upward resistance than the MS/Sport combination will, giving a better ride, but the MS spring/shock combo has more rebound damping than the MS/Sport combo, eliminating the bounce. So, installing the MS shocks would be a win/win situation over your current setup - better ride, less bounce (sounds like a beer comercial, LOL).

Now, will the MS spring/shock combo ride better than some other aftermarket spring mated to the Sport shock? I can't answer that, but I can restate the importance of matched springs & shocks. With the Sport shock & aftermarket spring you still don't get the reduced compression valving the MS shocks have.

You are one step away from having the holy grail of suspension tuning - a well-engineered, matched spring/shock combo. Go for it!

310Guy

Thanks (again) everyone for the feedback.

cortc

GeorgeH: That is right on, one of the best explanations of the relationship between the shocks and springs as related to damping...

I actually prefer the ride with the MS setup as compared to the stock sport setup; and the performance is much better...

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

cortc: Thanks. I may have to get the MS setup myself. I really think MS does good work - the MS Miata is regarded as the best handling factory Miata ever (at least by some) and it appears they are continuing the trend with the RX-8. I want a better handling car, not a "tuner" car. I just wish it had height adjustability, but then now we are getting back into that "tuner" thing again...

George

cortc

Well looks like they (MS) are coming out with another set that is adjustable...

310Guy

Cool, thanks for the info.

My only "concern" is wondering if the shocks are "race" shocks and not necessarily for daily driving...

310Guy

What the hell... I pulled the trigger today. Ordered the shocks.

cortc

You will be very happy with them...

paradigm

I agree with cortc. You will not be disappointed.

310Guy

Cool. They'll be in my hands (except for a UPS screw up) on the 23rd. If all goes well with time, I'll have them in on the 24th. Just over a week from today. :D

310Guy

Got them installed. Here are my initial impressions:

1. The car is "firm" but not the harsh ride I was feeling with the MS springs and factory shocks. It's not as soft as an all factory set-up either but I can live with it.

2. What really surprised me was how different the steering felt. VERY solid and quick.

3. Also, the braking feels different as well; firm. Again, an improvement.


Now I’m know for sure I’m going to want new tires to compliment this set-up! :D

Thanks everyone for the feedback and recommendations.

Kochan

Congrats!
Show me your new tires, and maybe new rims when you got.