Well in trying to replace my bump stops I stripped out the little hex head socket at the end of the shock shaft on one my front shocks. Only way to get it apart now is to cut it with a grinder. What a PITA!

So looks like it's time for new shocks. I don't want to change the ride at all but OEM R3 shocks are stupid pricey now. Any suggestions for something similar? Will the Bilstein B6s be about the same?

 

Koni Orange “non-adjustable” maybe

I bought a set from Tire Rack couple of months ago, but haven’t gotten them installed yet. They were on sale then and may still be; ~$455 shipped for all four.
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Interested in your feedback if you get a set.

Also, the rear S2 shock perch is positioned different than the S1. So you need to be sure and order the 2009+ rear shocks for a Series 2 RX8. Or vice versa for an S1.
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Can you confirm which Koni rear shocks for Series 2 R3 model should be ordered? .. Racing Beat has them available but they state that there are no Koni rear shocks made for Bilstein equipped cars (R3 models).. some clarification from a fellow 8club member would be nice! Thanks in advance

 

This is straight off the Koni NA website, applies to all 2009 - 2012 Series 2 RX8s including the R3:




The Bilstein S1 shocks had a different perch height than non-Bilstein, not so on the S2. This is also the case on the "Yellow" Sport shocks; different shocks for Bilstein vs. non-Bilstein on S1, same for S2.

The springs are different on the S2 R3, but all the same for the same model package on the S1 is likely why. HTHs.
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@Mr.ThunderMakeR What did you end up getting? The B6s?

@TeamRX8 Thanks for the insight on S1 vs S2. Did you install your Oranges yet? How's the ride?

 

@Prescription-8 Someone off reddit/r/rx8 was kind enough to send me their used OEM R3 Bilsteins after they upgraded to a B14 kit.

 

Koni told me a few months back that the Koni Orange for the S2 is no longer made or available.

 

A shame, but expected.

I'm strongly considering a Bilstein B12 kit to replace the stock B6 look-a-like set. Will lower the ride height an inch or so and it's readily available through RockAuto.

 

I didn't realize the springs themselves were different on the R3s. I thought it was just shocks. Any other suspension differences? I'll probably hit 100K next season, and I was thinking struts are a good PM/upgrade item.

 

www.sakebombgarage.com/rx8/suspension/