Just a preface, I've read a lot of threads in this forum and have gotten some great advice. I'm about to spend some cash and wanted to run a few things by the group.

I have been driving a bone stock 05 GT for 65K as my DD which I had bought new. I really like the car, but have recently had a few issues that I've been rectifying. One was seized slide pins in the brake calipers (which caused a hydraulic brake pedal problem) which has since been fixed. While getting the brakes repaired, I saw that the stock rear OEM Tokico shocks are also leaking fluid and need to be replaced.

The shop quoted a price to replace them with the Bilstein HDs at about $580 with labor. I thought that if I need to replace them, why not get replacement performance springs and stiffer shocks and struts. Seeing that this is a DD, will S-Techs and the adjustable D-Spec (or Koni Yellow Sports) be a reasonable change regarding general comfort and a reasonable driving upgrade? I used to drive an E36 M3, and 10th Anniversary MX-5, so can I expect a slightly stiffer ride compared to those cars?

Also, I know that S-Techs and Yellows seem to be a popular mix, is there any issue with the S-Techs and the max lowering (35mm) that the Yellows support? The 1.4 ~ 1.7 lower of the S-Techs is closer to 36mm - 43mm as I don't want to have issues with bottoming the suspension at all.

My current choices are:

1. S-Tech with D-Spec or Koni Yellow Sport shocks & struts
2. H-Tech with D-Spec or Koni Yellow Sport shocks & struts
3. Eibach with D-Spec or Koni Yellow Sport shocks & struts

What I'm leaning towards is the S-Tech with the D-Specs, but the best price is currently with S-Tech and Yellows. Just not sure if I want to commit to the Yellow settings since I probably won't be getting under the car to make adjustments. I guess I'm looking for any tips, or a "you'll be fine" from those that have made the change. Thanks for reading and for any advice you might want to share.

 

D-Spec with H-Tech would be my choice. I presently have D-Spec + RB springs. On full soft, 7 turns, it feels a little softer than stock. ~5.5 turns is about stock, ~4 turns gives very sharp handling. It's really nice to be able to adjust response easily.

 

Thanks for the reply. Although I really like the look of the slightly lower S-Techs the H-Techs might be easier around town. It's a few more bucks, but being able to adjust easily is a nice option. Any suggestions where I can find a good dealer? I'm in the SF Bay Area.

 

Try Andysautosport.com, they are in the Bay Area.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll give them a call.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/good-guy-bad...%2A%2A-239428/

Though I suppose if you walk in, some problems can be avoided.

Tokiko also sells the D-specs already mounted onto their own label springs.

 

H-Tech over S-Tech in my opinion. ,with the D-Specs. Make sure to get the adjuster cables for the rears. I read some issues with the S-TEch awhile back. H gives you a nice drop in the front, rear is slight, the gap above the front wheel goes away, the lower front give better MPG (really, I kid you not). I track the car 3 or 4 weekends a year and springs are fine.

WRT D-spec, drive to the track on 6 or 7, laughing at all the guys getting beat up by road work, twist the ***** to 3 or 4 to tighten up for track and pass them, then drive home on 6 or 7.

All adjustments without getting under the car (which on H-Tech is really low, would be royal pain with the S-Tech).

Another thought about H-Tech. I had to buy a low profile jack to get it to fit under the car. If I had S-Tech, I am not sure even that would work. Car still scrapes a bit on alignment machines...

So, Option 2, with D-Spec, and rear adjuster cables routed to where you can easily reach them from the trunk..

 

04Green: Did the D-Spec + H Tech combo give you the advertised drop? In my case, D-Spec + RB gave me much more drop than advertised by RB.