Good morning/evening/night,

Long time fan first time owner, got myself a 2011 RX-8 GT 2 months ago to have some fun with. Been wrenching on VW/Audis for years.

I've replaced plugs/coils/wires, new sway links and went for some wider 245\40\18 tires.

Currently trying to setup the car with Bilstein B6 shocks and H&R Sport springs. Fitment seems to be the same 04-11 but some listings don't include the 09-11 S2 stuff.

Can anyone confirm this will all be straight forward and compatible paired up for install?

-JB

 

As a fellow long time fan and recent owner of a 2009 Touring, I searched and searched..plenty of information regarding the differences between S1 and S2 suspension setups. There was even a thread about making sure you order the correct B6 for S2 but I could not find any thread specifically highlighting the S2 part number for B6. In the end, I just ordered some Koni Yellow (those were properly identified in threads, along with Koni Orange) but definitely interested if someone can chime in with a correct S2 part number for Bilstein B6.

 

As long as both the springs and shocks are for the same generation they will work on either generation. What you can't do is mix S1 springs with S2 shocks or vise versa. Since you're piecing together a setup be careful to get the right ones.

A B12 kit is a way better upgrade and obviates the need to piece stuff together.. but it's a bit more than I imagine you're paying for the parts individually.

 

Appreciate the replies, the only thing i really find causing an issue is using aftermarket Bilsteins on the R3 model that came with them stock, or trying to use S1 stock springs on an S2

I've never come across (yet) any springs or shocks that specifically say S1 vs S2, but there must be something different with the spring perch/height.

Biltein B6 and B8 lists 2004-2011
the H&R springs list for 2004-2011
And the B12 Pro kit 46-190338 the same 2004-2011 fitment but i've seen a member install it in an S2 it was not an even drop and they removed them for coilovers.

Really I only need 2 rear shocks at the moment so I think i'll install the B6 in the rear with stock springs and just carry on enjoying it.

 

Koni lists a different part number for the rear shocks on S1 vs S2 for both the Yellow and Orange versions of their shocks. But I believe they are the only manufacturer that does so. This is what gave me pause...I came across a thread where someone insisted that you verify getting the correct part number for S2 Bilstein, yet no one verified what that was.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/shocks-266559/

Edit: here's the thread above...no one seemed to be able to verify if Bilstein HD would work properly on an S2.