I'm looking to buy a used RX8. it is a n 05, 6MT, GT. all stock.

i want a car that is fairly stiff and handles GREAT. this will be a third car. i plan to use it to commute part time - and i'd like to take it to some track days. not to beat everyone - but to have a total blast.

i want to eliminate body roll - and have a car that really handles. i don't mind a rough ride or bumps to accomplish this.

i maybe able to negotiate for the dealer to discount the mazdaspeed suspension upgrades at the time of purchase - or get it at cost, or labor discounts, etc to move the car.

question - how much better will the car really handle with the mazdaspeed stuff (might be better for warranty issues) vs aftermarket stuff likie tein, bilstein, or konis, or Tokicsos?

i don't necessarily have to go full out and do coilovers - i could just do high performance shocks/springs/sways if that's enoug - i belive mazdaspede has BOTH a shock/spring setup AND they offer a coilover setup...

is the mazdaspeed stuff kind of soft compared to the other aftermarket stuff out there, or is it just as kood as say Koni yellows and H&R springs...soemthign like that?

 

i am not a suspension guru by any means... but,

MazdaSpeed does offer shock/springs as well as coilovers

the MS shocks ARE Tokicos

Koni's tend to be a bit more favored around here depending on who you talk to

the ACTAUL spring rate of the MS springs have been highly debated... look for a thread called springs, springs, springs i think....


as far as strut bars.... the rear one is some, but not extremely functional as the car is as stiff as they come as for as torsion ratings

sways.... the Racing beat are very popular but still fairly mild. the Progress Technology are very good adjustable sways and can be found at a very good price. contact Charles R. Hill....

 

I'll say what I always tell everyone, go to the track days first and learn the car, and then move from there. Keep reading the forums more, you'll learn more about the car and may decide to go another route.

 

I have MS springs and Koni shocks. Personally, I chose the MS springs for the dramatically higher compression rate and the Koni's because I'm accustomed to German cars. The combination is terrific. And after a year of this setup, I just ordered the RB sways, MS struts, MS CAI and exhaust.

So much of this is subjective. Personally, I'd say if you can get a deal on a complete or partial MS suspension at time of purchase, you can't go wrong. It will add a huge difference in handling and IMHO, enjoyment. MS kit is high quality and you won't regret anything you buy.

 

so are the stocks

 

MazdaSpeed shocks are NOT the same as the stock shocks. It just happens that Tokicos makes both.

 

yeah i was just pointing it out

 

also, just to point out, the stock suspension is already a coilover system.

 

Went from stock to MS shock and springs recently - I'm a fan . Great improvement in handling but not too much of a rough ride .

 

I have the MS springs/shocks and am happy with them as well. If you're not a serious racer and drive your car on the street a fair amount I think they're a decent compromise. The progress tech sways are also very nice.

imput1234 is correct as well; if you aren't a really good driver and super familiar with the 8, none of this stuff is really going to matter in terms of actually making the car faster. I stiffened mine up so people would stop asking me for rides It's actually not that harsh though.

 

i don't care if it's a bit on the stiff side. i've driven stiffly sprung cars and it doesn't bother me. i'm wiling to go a bit stiff to gain performance/handling.

my dad has a boxster wsith 18s and the factory upgraded supseniosn - quite stiff factory stuff..more stiff than a regualr or S model boxster setup...and it handles amazing, but it stiff. you FEEL the road...but it's cool. it's a spots car, so it shoudl be stiff.

if i wanted a softly sprung car i'd get a family sedan...

i want to be able to take corners and twisties and put a permagrin on my face.