My question is regarding the rear strut assembly. I recently changed my rotors and found out that the base model and the Sport model (which I have). Is their a difference in the strut assembly. Also, any thoughts on struts I'm getting are the Monroe quick strut 171123L and 171123R.

 

Kinda cool it comes with the spring. Makes them a lot easier to install. I've never used them before but understand they are a good replacement option. Yes, they will fit, the pictures appear to be correct. I would still prefer KYB over these but they will at least work well enough.

 

Well, Monroe's own web site says that their QuickStrut offering is for the base model, and when I was searching for parts (especially springs), I did find indications that the springs are different, with some web sites offering springs for the base model only. So, this would make me cautious about getting these for a car with the "sport" suspension.

 

They all fit the same as long as its for the RX8.

 

OK, then what does it mean to have a "sport suspension" as opposed to the "regular" one (base model)?
I have no doubt they will "fit" but is there no difference?

 

Sport is for all intents and purposes the regular suspension, most RX8s you're likely to come across have it. The non-sport was only for the early automatics that came with 16" wheels, smaller brakes and a few other downgrades. Not exactly sure what all are the suspension differences, but it doesn't matter.

 

Thanks for the help. I installed them and the ride is a lot better.

 

Can anyone that knows please give me the dimensions of the rear bump stops in the OEM coilovers? Mainly looking for the length.
Searching reveals part numbers and images that are not what i am after.
Thanks in advance for info if you have it.

 

Just so happens I have an unused OE set. Length is 74.6mm.

 

Thanks. Just ordered a set of aftermarket f and r bumpstops and f dustcovers for a lowish km set of OEM coilovers i had lying around. For very little outlay i thought i would test the theory that most seem to think the factory setup has gone bad due to the destroyed bump stops. We will see.

 

the factory suspension is designed to use the long bump stops as secondary springs so it most likely is going to make a difference depending on how the rate of the aftermarket stops compares to the OE stops.
.

 

Thanks Team for the info. I have sourced both f and r bump stops. The stops are basically the same size or maybe slightly longer. The fronts feel about 25% firmer than OEM that are currently in tact. I am unable to compare the rear stops.
I wiil report back when installed and tested.
Could be a cheap win or a worthwhile test either way. If no good i will go down the aftermarket coilover route.

 

A question for those that know. Is there a reason for 07 rear OEM shocks to feel softer in springrate than 05 ones? 07 left of pic/ 05 right of pic.

Front shocks look and feel the same off the car.
The rears however are different in that tired 05 shocks almost feel seized compared the 07 units.
Or are the softer shocks blown, be surprised as no oil leaking and i removed them off a car myself so i know they were not cleaned up at all prior! No idea.



Using my mass of 80kg i can only compress about 5mm compared to about 25mm with the 07 units.
The obvious differences are red stickers and metal dust cover on the older models.
Can anyone enlighten me on this before i bolt these back in?

 

I would take them apart and figure this out. 5mm sounds too stiff, as I recall the stock rear is softer that that. The springs, if they're both from a 6sp 6 port are 112lb/inch so your 80 kg should be producing more travel.

See if the shocks in both extend and compress properly and if the bump stops are OK.

 

Thanks for reply. Agree 5 mm is too stiff. These are the old and tired ones and wont be used again. The rear of car was basically hopping over bumps on roads. A big concern at speed. The 25mm travel on the newer units sounds about right then. Yes bumpstops were replaced also.

Not sure if this is a common failure of the older shocks as i have not read anything about this. Moreso sagging, oil leaks and broken springs. I have not experienced any of these. Anyway thats why i am replacing them!

I'm also replacing all the multilinks while i am in there and it is a lot easier without the shocks in place. I will definitely get the car realigned after torquing the suspension to spec. 😉

 

the rear of your car was hopping over bumps, it should be obvious that those shocks have a problem, likely internal binding

the OE springs and shocks are supposed to be soft, that’s where the bumpstops come in as we discussed many times. That’s how the factory system was intended to work; on the bumpstops.
.

 

I originally believed the rear bumpstops were toast with the displayed characteristics. Thats why i sourced a newer s1 set of coilovers plus bumps all round. Upon removal i discovered this was not the case. The bumps were in fact in vg condition. Surprise! One or possibly both rear coilovers had failed. Further testing needed but safe to say they dead.

I have replaced the coilovers and multilinks. Due to current lockdown here in Aus i have not been able to road test yet. So while the car is on stands, are there any other suggestions to check or do while i have time and before alignment? Front or rear?

Completed the following:
Torqued to spec while suspension was equally loaded across each axle. I have used a quality Molly grease on all bush contact points and bolt shafts. Also copper antiseize on every bolt removed. I guess i had time and knew i would be back again in due time to replace coilovers! I am getting to know this car well.

 

Thanks to those that pointed me in the right direction. I ended up replacing all the coilovers on the car along with the bumpstops and also front dustcovers.
Replaced all the multilinks in rear fine although none appeared bent at all.
Just got the car aligned, good news in that it came up perfect. After some serious road testing this car is simply amazing.
It looks like some decent DIY along with info from awesome folk has sorted this car and saved me a fortune! With the $$ saved i have just splashed some cash on a set of Michelin PS4 tyres. Beers. 🍺