I need some advice from experts in the 2008 40th A.Ed.model
The car came with the sport suspension which I assume is only different from the Touring by the use of stiffer Bilstein shocks? Searched on line and can not determine if the springs are the same across all three models in the 2008. The Bilsteins are too stiff for the roads I have to deal with and wanted to see if I can just swap in Touring shocks all the way around to smooth the ride?

Thanks for any advice on these specs.

 

Springs are the same as any other 6 speed manual. You can also swap shocks with no issues. Take a look at KYB gas adjusts, they are great OEM replacement high pressure monotube shock. I like mine.

 

Mmmm....I thought the springs and bars where actually different on the 40th AE (same rate as the R3) But this is something I read somewhere a long time ago on a post, so I really don't know!!

Yes, the ride on the 40th AE is certainly firmer and harsher than other 8s. Actually, having driven both, I would say the 40 AE and the R3 have pretty much the exact suspension tuning (or at least very close).

And yes, part of that harshness is directly connected to the Bilsteins. I think Bilsteins are generally harsher than other shocks across applications. I have custom Bilsteins in my 4X4 truck, and the ride is way harsher now but certainly better offroad (less body roll and more control under heavy loads)

 

The springs and bars are not different, they do have foam filled cross-members in the Shinka's and R3, not sure if the 40th has the foam filled cross members but it does have the Bilsteins.

 

40 AE, R3 & 2006+ shinka came with the Blistein shocks. otherwise their suspensions is identical to all other 6-speed manual RX-8's

So, ou're looking to downgrade your suspension? (Although I do understand the reasoning behind it.)

If your roads are that bad, a set of 17 in wheels, & the higher profile tire size of the AT Rx-8 may also help insulate you from lunar-surface roads, albeit at the expense of aesthetics.

If your Blisteins are in good condition, you can get a pretty good deal for them here in th eforum... hell, I d be interested in seeing ow much you want for them. (to have as a spare set of shocks)

 

Thanks for clarifying that!

Yes, the 40th AE does have the foam filled cross-members as well.

 

Thanks guys for the advice on suspension. So it seems what Mazda did for the 2008 was to set the 40th AE and the later R3 with HD Bilsteins and the other models for touring are just softer shocks while keeping the same springs/ If so, the touring shocks should be the ticket. I might try doing just the fronts first to see how the ride improves while hoping a slightly stiffer rear end won't cause over steer?

 

I would not expect a huge change, the stock sport shocks are actually pretty decent high pressure monotube tokico shocks. I have driven a couple Shinka's, an R3's, and one 40th and aside from the R3, they felt no different than my Touring did stock. The bilstein HD's are "better" probably at the limit but I doubt you will feel that on the street.

If you really want a change in ride look into the Koni yellows or Tokico D specs. They are adjustable. A lot of people with R3's, 40ths, and Shinka's seem to like to think they are something special but mechanically they really are not. Looks wise they are special though IMO.

 

I would agree with that statement. Most changes on those "special" edition cars were mostly on looks. So that makes then special I guess.

However, i've never driven a touring but have driven pretty much every other model. To me - and this is certainly subjective - there was a difference in the Shinka, 40th AE and certainly the R3. I think the different wheel/tire size on the R3 plays a role on this. Both the R3 and 40th AE felt very similar to me.

I test drove last a 2010 Sport and the suspension felt the softest of all, softer than a series 1 sport .