SymSym

I am going to try to increase the damping on the rear end of my car as it is underdamped on standard shocks. Mazdaspeed have stiffer shocks for the car. I was wondering if anyone has used these shocks with standard springs, and if they have, what was the ride and handling like after they were installed. Mazda uses Bilstein HD on upmarket RX8s here in Australia. Has anyone used these at all and can they comment on the ride and handling after installation. WHat other alternatives are out there that people recommend. I still want a streetable car to drive but want to improve rear end stability under brakes and in high speed corners. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

rotalution

Bilstein HD for upmarket rx8 in Australia.. thats new for me.. some1 shine me some lights pls o.oa

some1 has Mazdaspeed here.. cant remember who... but better do more research.. as there are some Mazdaspeed parts different from JDM and USDM.. of course JDM is the REAL Mazdaspeed.. where as the USDM ones.. are either OEM from some other US company.. or.. US Mazda made themself.

auzoom

40th Anniversary has bilstein. Revolver has the MS coilover kit.

Personally I would go with stiffer springs as well.

takahashi

Get some sway bars and struts first and see what it does and think of the shocks later on.

Revolver

I've got the MazdaSpeed shocks and springs - have had them for a couple of years now and have been very happy with them.

Only a mild drop in ride height and the ride is firmer but not uncomfortable, so the car is still a practical proposition for street use. MACCAA and I drove it down to Phillip Island and back and thought it was fine for fatigue, etc - I think long trips like that bring out the shortcomings in suspension packages (i.e. easy to live with a bad ride on short journeys).

And yes, they made a noticeable difference in high speed corners. Mind you, I also have Whiteline sways (and now end links), so the car is tied down pretty well - adult rear passengers complain from time to time about the ride on Sydney's goat tracks but that's their problem.

I'd caution against changing only the shocks or the springs - there's been plenty of reports of the ride and and handling being negatively affected by such a mix (either way) and it's not too expensive to get both at the same time. Order them from the US or Japanparts.com. Mine were about $AUS1,100 delivered to my door - much cheaper than adjustable coilovers, which are really only necessary for hard core trackers.

Revolver

Taka, I've often thought about getting the tower struts but don't really want to lose too much boot space.

Do you think boot space is terribly compromised by the MS rear struts?

Do you think just getting the front struts would unbalance the car??

Anyone else with thoughts on this, please feel free...

takahashi

Years ago I remeber I managed to put a medium size suitcase every weekend with lots of other soft bags into the boot even with the rear struts. You cannot put any wheels where anymore so the spare is out.

The small soft bags can be placed in the front of the rear strut. It will keep them secure too!

rotalution

O yes .. the anniversary edition.. sorry but that was such a time waster that i dont even remember.. or perhaps i have goldfish memories.. o.o

speaking of Mazdaspeed... 1k landed for shocks and springs is farking good price.. although not adjustable.. but looking at Revolver's pic.. it seems like it has nice drop of height for everyday use.. i would think its a optinium height as it has been developed by Mazdaspeed !.. also i believe being lowest doesnt neccessary mean good as there are no suspension travel for road car suspension.. unlike Karts.. where the suspension design and gemotry is different altogether..

I think i would've tried Mazdaspeed if wasnt the custom Koni coilovers already on my car. A good price to "try".

Revolver

Thanks Taka. Sounds good to me. I don't carry the spare anyway.

Hmm, might go online shopping (again)...

Revolver

My thoughts exactly. I think it is a great option for people who want to sharpen the car up in both the looks and handling depts without going to extremes in terms of cost, ride height and ride comfort.

Adjustable coilovers are the sexy option but I reckon all but the serious trackday guys just set them and forget them anyway. It's extra money better spent elsewhere IMHO.

rotalution

speaking about rather coil over is neccessary or not.. u will have to ask urself.. rather you are a person that can be *** adjusting the coil over and find that so call optimum point for your own taste / style of driving.

Usually if you can proof it by reducting time.. then yes.. it will be enjoyable and interesting process..

However if you are the type that cbf adjusting and worry too much about adjusting and not ever finding the optimum setting..or simply.. install and forget.. get non adjustable..

to be honest.. on club / ocassion sprint level.. rather u have coilovers or not .. doesnt really make that much diff.. of course.. thats theory.. in pratice .. I would buy Ohlins or Bilstein if i can afford it .. just to try it.. and explore what it can do..

In Taka's theory of having the best equipment but not performing the time is a waste. I do agree with that but I also want to point out that some people make these modification purely for the *** of it .. lol... some ppl just naturally like having bling parts on their cars.. I am a bit of both.. i like bling parts.. as well as trying to get better time ~~

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

just recently fitted MS shocks and springs - : 100% agree with revolver on the comfort level . Not tried it on the track yet though .

Revolver

Rotalution makes some good points. I'm not dissing people who have installed coilovers - just offering my view on their value for the average pedaller. Everyone has their own reason for mods and bling is as good as another I suppose if it's your money.

Welcome to the club Brettus.

matt13b

I have adjustable shocks and I've never touched them.Set and forget.It is nice to think I can but really I never will..
Also, I changed my front strut for looks in the engine bay and assumed it would do nothing more than the thin factory one as it is much thicker.I couldn't be bothered upgrading the back one as it looked like to much work for me. Wondering now as Revolver touched on whether this may unbalance my car??

SymSym

Thinking of taking your advice and getting sway bars only. What brand should I get. WHat are other people using? IF I put them on does the ride get affected at all?

takahashi

I use MazdaSpeed because it does not need to have a new brush/bracket and only one available at the time.

Other people get whiteline in Australia because it is easy to get.

In fact, just get one.....

Revolver

I've got Whitelines - I still think it is the best value for money mod you can do to the RX8. Car feels much better through corners.

You'll notice the ride gets a little sharper over ruts, etc but it's not painful by any means and the reduction in body roll is worth it IMHO.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

so if comfort level going from stock to MS shocks and springs was like going from
10 down to 7
What would adding the sway bars take it to ?

takahashi

Another 1. 7 to 6 I suppose

Revolver

I had sways first, so it's hard to comment but Taka's about right.

It's been so long since my car's been standard, I'm struggling to remember the stock ride.

I guess it depends what you want the car to do. If it's a daily driver over goat tracks, just keep it stock and forget it. Mine's a weekend toy, so I don't have to put up with it every day. That said, I think it would be a liveable proposition. See if you can have a ride in a similar setup.

skc

Does an upgrade of the suspension cut down the amount of wheel hop you get when taking off in a hurry.

skc

swoope

iTrader: (5)

yes

beers

swoope

iTrader: (5)

no change in comfort level sways do nothing in a straight line.. and if you are cornering hard enough, comfort does not matter, does it?

beers