grinn253

Hello,

It is said that the OEM (even on the 6-speed) are inadequate for some aftermarket springs. When changing to 'stiffer'/lower springs it is also advised to change the shocks. The popular aftermarket shock right now seems to be the Koni Yellow (also the Tokico) I don't know if there is another option right now? (shocks only, not coilovers).

Well, what about the Mazdaspeed shock? Since the spring rates for the Mazdaspeed Springs are extremely high, then the Mazdaspeed shock must be pretty 'burly' as well, and up to the task of accommodating aftermarket springs. Or is the Mazdaspeed 'too much shock' for even aftermarket springs? If so, what statistics are necessary to compare between the Mazdaspeed shock and Koni/Tokico?

Thanks for any replies, basically i'm curious if there are any ill effects with a strong shock paired to aftermarket 'stiff' springs -- though i don't think the Mazdaspeed is much 'stronger' than Tokico/Koni if so?

Thanks!
Edgardo

(Yes it is already known that Mazdaspeed springs on stock shocks, is tremendously not advised)
This thread has some related info:https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/why-should-i-change-my-shocks-84162/

iridearocket

Bottom line is you will be very pleased with whichever of these 3 you choose... all are a good improvement over stock. From reading these forums you can see that most spring combo's suit the Koni and Tokico's well.

Only if you are racing may you need to be picky... and if you are racing you will need better equipment than these setups anyway.

Pick whichever of these 3 you can get for the least money and you'll be just as happy as if you bought the other one. Everybody here posts how happy they are with the setup they chose to go with, but almost nobody has tried the other one. (Who buys 2 sets of shocks for their car and tries out both?) Rarely can you get a fair comparison... just take the plunge and you'll be happy you did.

diggs

interesting little fact i noticed when i was putting on my mazdaspeed springs/shocks the other day.....

oem and mazdaspeed shocks are made by tokico

it was a liiiiitle off topic, but i would suggest the mazdaspeed. they're great. ive driven the koni's on a friends 8, a tad less responsive.

unreal89

Are the mazdaspeed made by tokico? Or does mazdaspeed accually manufacture them? Just curious. Sorry if im "thread jacking"

grinn253

Wow, thanks for your input! As i've read around Mazdaspeed actually 'partners' up with other companies to rebadge their products as Mazdaspeed -- another such product is their newly arriving Intake, which has been said to be produced by AEM.

Maybe Mazdaspeed shocks are like the Tokico D-Specs that RB sells: http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtNumber=14368

If i go this route (Mazdaspeed shocks with my current Tanabe GF210) i'll relay my experiences.

Edit: Just realized the Mazdaspeed shocks are not adjustable, so thus not very similar to the Tokico D-Specs. I'm somewhat leaning toward Tokico shocks now since they can adjust both rebound and compression (Koni = rebound only)

Thanks!

swoope

iTrader: (5)

mazdaspeed shocks are not adjustable... read around for the other options..

beers

grinn253

Yeah, i decided to search and came up with the same answer and edited my post, but thanks for your quick reply as well!

Goodbye!

swoope

iTrader: (5)

cool.
options are konis. adjustible front have to remove to adjust the rear.

tokico d adjustible front and rear, but you have to buy the cables for the rear..

beers

iridearocket

I would suggest to go with options that are adjustable. Although you may not tinker with the settings after the first 2 weeks of owning your car, it really gives you the ability to set the car up the way you want it. Too stiff, no problem, back the screw out a couple turns. Too soft, just dial it up. With an adjustable shock, there is virtually no chance you will not be pleased with the final results.... and if you want to change the ride quality from winter to summer, or street use to autocross... no problem.

You won't be disapointed with the Mazdaspeed package, but you just can not change the ride quality if that is something you want to play with. As swoope mentions, the Tokico D specs can be adjusted in under 5 minutes. To change the Koni's, you must remove the rear shocks to adjust them, but still possible none the less. You'll probably spend $600-900 to purchase the Koni's or Tokiko's. If you want somebody else to install them it will be under $200 extra.