I am certainly not a mechanic and can not stand the wheel hop issue anymore. Aparently from what I have read, only the LSD equipped cars have this problem and people have changed their springs/bars/shocks to varying degrees of success.

Therefore, If there is someone in this forum out there that knows exactly why our 8's have such severe wheel hop on strong launches, please let us know the following:

1) Exactly what is the component/scientific explanation that causes the 8 to have such severe wheel hop ? Is it because of the diffy, engine/transmission mounts, springs, shocks, tire pressure, weight shift, independent suspension vs solid axle, frame braces etc...

2) Is there a 100% fool proof way to completely eliminate it?

3) If you do takes ther necessary steps to eliminate wheel hop via some mods/additional hardware, what is the trade off? Do we lose wet/snow traction because of the lack of give in the suspension/body rigidity, lose some control of the vehicle by some other means, harsher ride, etc....

I hope someone can answer these questions as it is a topic that keeps coming out.

 

Well these links don't answer much of anything, but reading these old threads crack me up... the consensus seems to be that if you drop the tire pressure is one quick way to remove some hop.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=wheel+hop

 

When adjustable shocks are available they will go a long ways towards eliminating hop. Since I installed my JICs I am hop free.

 

Dark8, can you specify what you actually installed/replaced and what you left alone. Also if you have time, describe the difference in ride quality and if you noticed any cons in the process.

 

When I do autocross I increase my tire pressure from 32/34 to 42/44. With the increased tire pressure I get zero wheel hop off the launch (yes I spin the heck out of my tires depending on the first leg of the course). With my tires inflated normally, I get a tiny bit of wheel hop. I also have the Racing Beat springs and f/r sway bars.

 

I changed my entire suspension and it seem to have taken care of the problem: Springs, Shocks, Sway Bars, and Strut Bars

 

just load the trunk with bricks....that's the cheap fix!!

 

Haha... not driving your 8 is also another one, and probably more practical than filling it up with weight

 

I have the JIC FLT-A2S coilovers. Spring rate and damping rates are much higher then stock. I'm still running stock sways and don't yet see a need to change them. With OEM wheels and tires with 38 psi on the rear, I get no wheel hop.

As for the ride quality, it is firmer then stock. Borderline harsh over the big stuff like railroad track crossings, pot holes, etc. If you are mainly driving on smooth road you will not notice much of a difference. Handling and feedback are great. Makes you feel like you are "one" with the tires and know exactly what they are doing. Body control is great with almost no body lean in sharp corners. You will need tires that are better then OEM to get the most out of the coilovers. With less give in the suspension you need more tire grip to handle the faster weight transfer to the tires. I actually put my stock suspension back on during the 5 month period (winter) when we have no autocross in this area. I do this mainly because the mountain passes I travel in the winter get real rough with the trucks chained up and tearing up the ice and packed snow. And the coilovers will probably last longer not having to deal with the gravel and harsh conditions. Hope this helps.

 

Dark 8, thanks for the details. It certainly helps.

To all, I am starting to get a better handle on this matter with your feedback. Many thanks for your feedback guys/gals.

 

Dark8 do you have any idea if the tein flex coilovers are going to eliminate the hop?

 

Good info you guys. I was wondering about this same topic. I don't have to create a new thread now :D

 

Anyone with Tien coilovers want to chime in? I would guess that they would help in the same way since their spring rates are a little higher then JICs.