Tein S-Tech - What Else Required or Suggested?
 

I ran a search and didn't get any comprehensive results...

I'm purchasing the Tein S-tech springs, but I've been hearing that I should always replace the shocks along with springs. Which company's do you all suggest I go with in replacing my shocks? Is there anything else I should replace along with the shocks and springs in regards to suspension (exluding strut, sway, and complete coil-overs of course). Thanks in advance!

- Chris

IMHO I think you should do the springs and follow that up with front and rear sway bars.

I don't believe the S-tech's drop the car low enough for you to automatically warrant a shock swap.

I've just lowered mine with H&R springs (approx 1.0" all around) and the standard shocks seem to be up to the task so far.

Next on the list are swaybars front and rear since this is what Ric Shaw recommended to me.

But doesn't replacing springs without corresponding shocks reduce the life of the original shocks, and/or negatively affect the ride quality/handling ?

Maybe.... but what are you gonna do with the original shocks you remove anyway?

You might as well use them and replace them when their effectiveness has diminished.

As for negatively affecting ride quality and handling, it depends on the spring ratings.

I'm not too familiar with the Tein units, but I know that the Eibachs and the H&R units are not set too agressively so that stock shocks can still be used.

I've got H&R springs on the standard shocks in my 8 and it handles beautifully whilst maintaining ride comfort.

Check this thread on spring rates:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...t=spring+rates

you can use the stock shocks with the S-Tech's, how long they will last is another question, but they seemed to have a good match with my friends 8. Other the the MS shocks, they are no other aftermarket ones out yet, Koni and KYB should have some out in the next 6 months. the MS shocks are designed for the MS springs, so you wouldn't want to use those.

We are in uncharted territory as far as the durability of the stock shocks go, Racing Beat seems to think highly of them, but the RB springs only drop the car about 2/3 of an inch. We'll find out over the next year as some of the people who first put the Tein's on cross the 25-30K mileage mark.

Hmm good point - I've decided to just replace the springs and worry about the shocks...as it comes. Thanks for your help everyone.

- Chris

So have you definitely decided on the S-techs?

Yep, I found a supplier who is willing to sell them to me for $140. I'll post back here with impressions once they're installed.

I found the same supplier too Chris :D
I'm also install the S-techs and Give my comments when I get them on. Hoping next weekend providing there here by then. I also had concers about the shock, but why not use them up and replace them with nice adjustable unit when someone comes out with them.

Congrats to the new springs !!

09Factor,

Hey that's great - I won't be able to get mine installed until next week or so. If you already have yours installed before me please post a personal review of the tein's! I'll do the same.

- Chris

Will do !

Well I have the box of springs and headed to put at least one on 2nite. Wife willing.....

Sounds good - You're definitely ahead of me. I'm planning on getting them next next week.

Well they're on the car, ok under the car. After following the Tein install https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-lowering-springs-install-23403/
(bump stops cut according to Tien inst about an inch) the front gap between the edge of the rim and top of the wheel well is 4 1/2". The rear gap is the same. BTW there NO miles on the springs yet. I expecting them to settle some and repost in a week.
I'll also post pics.
But now to a Company softball/free food thing !

the rear is almost stock with s techs ... high as a mofo ...