Pololo_RX8

I was finally able to install the MS suspension in my 8.

To summarize it in one word: AWESOME!!

I already had the MS sways bars and the front MS strut bar but the car was still a bit soft and some body roll, although needed, was still present.

So I installed it and these are my impressions:

Ride: If stock ride was 10 (comfortable wise) MS is about 8. No major issues here. This can easily be the daily commuter.

Height: Supposedly MS gives you a drop of 20 mm (~.8"). Well I found out that in my car the measurement was ~ 1.2" Indeed with the stock suspension the distance from the fender to the wheel outer edge was ~ 5.5" all around. Now the distance is 4.25" all around. Nice drop without affecting the ride dramatically.

I will wait until the suspension settles a bit more and see.

Installation: This was not bad except for compressing the springs. The best thing is that I re-used all the stock parts and the bump stop didn't have to be cut, unlike all the other suspensions this affecting the ride comfort and handling. Just beacuse you are lowered doesn't mean your car handles better.

You need to maintain the suspension geometry and the CG will be lowered but everything else needs to compensate for this difference which the MS definitely does.

I used a combination of different instructions from RB to a Coilover install.

Do not tighten the bolts before the suspension has been settled on its wheels. Otherwise you will be pre-loading your poor bushings.

Handling: The car handles even better, corner way flatter than before. Of course a bit of body roll but this is needed based on the suspension design. I still need to get the car aligned although I marked everything and I put it together the same way.

The one thing I did notice is that the car now follows every little imperfection in the road. Indeed it was a "handful" to drive due to the notchiness of the steering. I know this will probably be fixed adjusting the Toe, so definitely a need for an alignment. I decided to park it until I get the alignment done next week.

Which brings me to this question (I did search but nothing good came out):
What will be a good alignment specs with the MS suspension? I don't want it too agressive (not too much negative camber) but a good compromise of a mountain drive machine with commute.

Something similar to the Miata.net Alignment settings.

I am sure other suspensions are better but for what I was looking for, this was PERFECT.

And please if you change the springs, change the shocks unless you want to do this twice.

Needless to say, it was a productive weekend. I will not add the rear strut bar since the 8 doesn't even need one for the front (not a McPherson dsign) but I have it anyway.

Great mod and this is the way the Sports Package should have come in the first place.

I think I am done with mods... Now just need to enjoy it and start attending more track days and AX events. Need to invest in the nut behind the wheel right?

Carlos

SiLVeRE8

iTrader: (8)

right now i am debating on either the mazdaspeed or the tien basic coilovers.. i dont know which one is more worth it because of them overpricing everything...

IZoomZoomI

I'm looking to purchase some zeal coilovers soon and departing with my jic coilovers. Silvere8 if your interested I sell you my setup for cheap since its used.

sorry for the thread jack po'

Pololo_RX8

Yes please take it off the topic... PM is best for that.

But seriously, it really depends on what you'll be using your car for. I was in the same predicament as you are now.

I know there are some crazy setups outthere but in my book and "pocketbook" they are just not practical.

I did my search JIC vs Tein vs RB vs MS just to name a few but I decided to stay with MS especially since the warranty will not be voided. Of course the dealer wanted $878.00 for the installation alone... I was like.. Yeah sure.. what do I look like?

I had my turbo Miata with a crazy setup: turbo, FM ECU, suspension, rollbar, hardtop... etc... but now I am back to experience the minimalist approach that I have come to appreciate in the 8.

Going back to the topic and the question that "nobody seems to answer" is the alignment settings.. Hopefully some experienced RX8 forum members can help...

NoCones

Start at -1.5 deg camber and 0 toe all around and see how you like it.

As long as your toe is zero, I wouldn't worry about negative camber much...you could probably go 2 degrees or higher without really noticeable affects on tire wear. In fact, if you drive it like it wants to be driven, you might be better off with more neg camber.

iridearocket

Glad to hear you are so happy with the MS install... I have also driven an 8 with the full MS package, thicker bars and all. I was also very surprised that the ride was comfortable and sporty at the same time. I would have thought the MS package might be a little more agressive. In my oppinion, the 8 should have come from the factory with the MS setup feel as stock. Cars like the 350Z have a much sportier setup from the factory (I've driven the 350 with track pack) and the MS package puts the 8 into this kind of performance category.

In my oppinion, the MS may be one of the best setups, with only perhaps track performance requiring a firmer ride. Only price is the MS disadvantage.

Pololo_RX8

I love the setup. Indeed I will be getting the alignment done next week. I agree that the "Sport Package" from the factory should have been the MS package... but of course Marketing has a BIG thing to do here.

Not all the RX8 owners are performance driven aficionados so since this car was supposed to be sold to the "masses" then they had to compromise somewhere along the line.

MS upgrades, if you think about, are not that expensive and they are OEM parts with warranty!

The full MS suspension will set you back ~ 1300.00 and this is including everything (springs, shocks, sways and strut bars). Just look at how much some teins, JIC, H&R will cost you just for the springs/shock combo (coilover type) and then you think... "The MS full kit is not that expensive after all"

Of course it helps when you are a member of the Mazdaspeed Motorsports

All and all ... so far the setup is working great. The car is just too nervous. This will hopefully be fixed by adjusting the Toe.

Carlos

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

an IMPORTANT thing to consider for the MS suspension, is that the whole setup is pre-tuned by Mazdaspeed so that everything WORKS TOGETHER, eg the spring rate, damper compress/rebound rate, sway bar thickness, they have all been taken into consideration AS A WHOLE when they released this kit. A lot simpler than piecing together other aftermarket parts and *hoping* that they work well together...

Pololo_RX8

AMEN...
Carlos

PIGBAIT

Can you post pictures of your 8 with the new suspension? I want to lower my car but don't want to lose my warranty so was thinking of going the mazdaspeed route.

Pololo_RX8

I'll post the pics as soon as I get my alignment done in about 1 week. It looks just perfect...not too low so I am hitting the bumpstops all the time... Indeed I didn't even have to cut them since this package is full OEM.

With my Miata I went RB/Konis and I went waaay too low, and since the RB springs are not as stiff as they "should be" all the force is being "handled" by the shocks... To me this is a big mistake and I was hitting the bupstops all the time... Yes it looked lowered but the handling was aweful...I definitely affected the geometry... so this time I decided to go with a proven design...thus MS.

Carlos

PIGBAIT

Did the dealer charge you for installation? If so, how much?

Edit~ nevermind, you installed them yourself

Pololo_RX8

The dealer wanted $885.00 for installation ALONE!!! Then I asked how will this affect alignment and I was told "nothing changes"... then I said but what about camber adjustments... then the guy told me... "It's fixed you can't adjust camber in the RX8!!"...

That tells you how much these morons know...

Carlos

avenger

I got mine installed today. Mazdaspeed Springs and struts. I really like it. I'm suprised that it's very comfortable. Not a bumpy ride at all. I did think that it would have rested a little lower. The rear is about where I thought it would end up but the front is higher than i thought it would be.

dasaints1967

Dammit! All this talk about better suspensions has got me wanting to spend!.spend spend!!!

Actually have about $1800 to spend on something...........already blew off getting a nice HDTV.......ummmmmmmmm.......

MazdaSpeed setup, Man, that's gotta be a sweet ride.... Can't really do the install myself tho....gotta factor in labor..............


................to be continued..........................

DOMINION

Get the MS kit

PIGBAIT

please god, someone post good pictures of this setup!!

Pololo_RX8

I will post pics this week I promise. I also installed the other set of wheels I have for the track. The car LOOKS AWESOME!!!

Ride height is measured between center of the wheel and fender lip. My car, before the installation was about 15-15.25" higher in the front.

Now it's 14" all the way around.

Carlos

Pololo_RX8

Guys,

Here we go. I just took pics of my car. I know these are other wheels but it'll give you a pretty good idea. All I can say is that the setup is AWESOME. Not only lowers the car enough not to hit bumpstops but also looks great. In just 2 days I have received at least 5 compliments of people "loving" the RX8.

Hope this helps,
Carlos

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

well done, that drop is just about perfect

PIGBAIT

Great Pictures!! Looks like I'll be going the mazdaspeed route.

Is that another blue 8 behind yours in the photos? Have any pictures of that one?

Pololo_RX8

Good choice.

Yes the car behing mine is another blue from Rishie at Autornd.com (one of the forum vendors and a cool guy). Of course, his car has a full suspension setup with nice coilover$$$ and a nice body kit.

I am more into suspension and engine mods than body mods.

Indeed here is a link where you can see my car stock and his car.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-exterior-appearance-body-kits-27/winning-blue-stock-vs-mazdaspeed-75871/

You will not go wrong with this choice... Good luck.

Carlos

icyur2

Question:

For those who can't afford to get the whole MS kit, would it hurt the overall system if you just upgrade the sway bars (front & rear) only? Looking at cost, it will be around $500 (not including labor)...what do you think guys?

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

i'd recommend you to keep saving up $$$ until you have enough to do the complete setup... don't rush to spend money.... do it right the first time...

icyur2

Hmm..in that case, any good links that sells the full MS kit? And..hate to ask, anyone out there made a DIY on the MS kit?