I know the rear suspension is different between S1 and S2 cars, but is the front different? I found a full kit online but it’s 04-08. Would it fit? I don’t mean to open an old thread if it’s already been asked and answered

 

The front is interchangeable. The rear is interchangeable as well, you just need S2 shocks and springs together, can't mix and match.

 

Often wondered exactly what the differences are, Many of the Mazda Parts (most) are different and Mazda does not have any interchangeability or supersession string, as a "set of" then I can't see why not.
But if you are changing the part SINGULARLY then I think you would be in trouble.
IF you had Zero Choice then will the Single Part get you out of a problem...if it fits..yeah.

Mazda does not or rarely list or shows exactly what the details are, even when part numbers are different.
A majority of S2 RX-8 Part Numbers from Mazda starts with F189- (Model Code) and most as I say are exclusive for RX-8 Series 2.

A few examples ..
The Roll Bars or Sway bars will install, the difference mostly being the thickness of the Bar (the thicker the harder the ride but sharper handling (cornering) usually.
Like the Rear Sway Bar on the R3 is basically solid steel, the rubber mounts are also different because of bar diameter.
Rear Uprights (alloy) are different (F189), but in what way, rear wheel bearing collar is the same as are rear Bearings is F151 (S1 Model Code).
The Rear Suspension Torsion Bars are different part number to S1, but again I have not physically compared, on S2 new car release Mazda said these bars were stronger and thicker by
a few millimetre. Is the fixing/mounting pattern slightly different to S1?.

Brakes, well we all know the 'sport' brake was carried over and used in all S2's for North America, Australia and R3 (Europe).
Shocks and Springs front and rear are different P/N.

Fronts Suspension, the Sways are different but will install perfectly.
The alloy upper and lower Control Arms (F189) are different P/N to the S1, but again what exactly are the changes and will an S2 fit on a S1, say driver side only?
I heard the Steel Upright (also different P/N) has a slightly changed mounting point, from memory is was moved slightly lower for the Steering Tie-Rod Connections.
Steering Rack Unlit (electric) are identical as are the Tie Rods, etc, But the Driver and Power Steering Control Unit P/N are different.

Engine, well we all know the changes there, internally 95% has not changed compared to late model S1.
Transmission, Mazda used a beefed up NC2 tranny with slightly different ratios, NOTHING is the same with S1, but the Tranny assembly will fit in S1,
remember you also need a change Gear Lever and plastic bush as a new Tranny does not come with it.
Radiator, Fans and blades etc are not the same.
Radiator Hoses (upper and lower are the same as S1)
Oil Coolers are not the same nor are the fittings, also remember Oil Pump is different on S2 (cannot swap without major mods).

Interior well most 97% of all the electronics are S2 Specific.
Clearly what you can see is also different over S1 as are Seats, be careful with SRS Air Bags and Seat ABs.

Body Panels..
Well again a visual will confirm changes to plastics, mouldings etc.
List what is the same, the Hood/Bonnet, Doors and Glass, Front and Rear Windscreens, Roof Panel and Floor Pan.
Inner Skirts in the Front are the same Steel (after supersession) New for old but not Old in S2.
Radiator Support and Headlamp Panels are listed as different.

Electrical Wiring Looms 80% is S2 Specific.

So there you have it, I did a thread showing from Mazda's EPC ALL of the hundreds of New Parts Numbers for S2.
It was a huge cost to Mazda as basically everything was changed and was a total loss as far as sales and recouping the cost of production change.
Mazda's target for S2 unit sales Worldwide was down by 75%, it wasn't until the Word got out that 2012 was the final production year that demand
grew again (slightly) I believe most knew was the last truly Rotary Powered Mazda.
For Japan Mazda announced that they would make another 1,000 S2 RX-8s in June of 2012 as demand was also high locally.

I said I would never see another RE Powered Car again and so far I was correct (I wish I was wrong), these RE Generators are not RX-9's or 10's or Visions.
Plus the Cost, a RE Generator adds another $20,000 on top of a standard ICE model.

I don't know anyone who previously owned any Rotary Mazda who has gone for the MX-30 RE in Europe, do you guys.

Anyway..

 

The rear spring on an S2 is shorter, and the upper (the strut tower "cup") and lower perches are positioned differently as a result. The overall length of the assembly is the same, which is why you can interchange them as a unit only.

Are you OK Ash?

 

I bought an entire set of S2 rear suspension arms for my 2005 S1 and compared them directly in the swap. The lengths on all the arms were identical. The diameters were increased on a few of the arms, strengthening them where the ball joints attach to the tubular inner arm section.

Identically same overall lengths though. My conclusion is that whatever supposed geometry changes occured were either on the rear subframe and/or rear pickup hub attachment points. I did later buy a set of S2 rear pickup hubs with axles, but haven't installed them yet. The S2 rear axles axles are thicker and thus likely heavier as well.
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