Chris_Bangle

iTrader: (2)

I have decided to get Koni dampers. I already have RB sways on the car and now thinking about what springs to will work best the RB Koni combo.

The car is a daily driver, which I am hoping is going to do about 12-15 track events per season. Lapping, driving schools and possibly solosprint. All this is done with the objective to become a better driver and having fun, I am not competing.

In the future I will probably add a set of 17" RA1 for the track.

I am currently deciding between Swift and H&R. Their rates seem well suited to work with the RB sways (not overly firm, whatever that means).

I know that rates don't tell the whole story but don't have much more then this and people's inputs to rely on.

Here are a few points I have been thinking about:

H&R seems to have a decent reputation where as Swift is somewhat of a dark horse.

Swift has comparatively low rate for the rear spring but I am not sure what to make of this, on one hand this means more grip for the rear or understeer which might be good considering the aggressive nature of the RB sways and me starting up. On the other hand I don’t get this.


H&R drop is lower 1.25 to 0.8, which is probably better for the track.

Any other springs which would work well with the RB sways and Koni dampers?

Another related point;

Will I have to set up the Koni's differently based on the springs I go with?

Completely new to suspension set up,
All positive input is appreciated...

Spring Info:

stock sport
Front rate 156 lb
Rear rate 113 lb

Swift:
drop: -0.8 inch front and rear
front spring rate: 3.7 Kg/mm 207 lbs/inch (does this mean that only the rear springs are progressive?)

rear spring rate: 1.6-2.3 Kg/mm 90-129 lbs/inch

H&R Sport
Front drop 1.25"
Front rate 195 lb Progressive
Rear Drop 1.25"
Rear rate 141 lb Progressive


stock sport I verified these spring rates on post number 97 of this thred
Front drop 0"
Front rate 156 lb
Rear Drop 0"
Rear rate 113 lb


Sway info:

Off the RB site:
The diameter of the front tubular bar is 1.25” (32mm) x .1875” wall thickness, as compared to the stock 1.05” (27mm) x .134” wall thickness front bar.

The diameter of the rear tubular bar is .75” (19mm) x .125” wall thickness, as compared to the stock .632” (16mm) x .097” wall thickness rear bar

.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

This might be a stupid question, but why not use RB springs since they're a known match for RB swaybars?

The low rear rate of the Swift springs is likely not a good match for the RB bars because those bars are biased toward the front rate.

Or you could get H&R sways to go with H&R springs.

Since you have to ask these questions then you're probably not a good candidate for mixing and matching brands, just get a package deal and be done with it ...

and please no more multiple identical posts, that's a forum no-no

Chris_Bangle

iTrader: (2)

Team, I sincerely thank you for the detailed response (I did not expect this).


The reason I excluded RB springs is that they a bit softer, not sure if they are good for the track. Was reading TrackAddict's post on Bilstein (with RB springs) where he posts some pictures on the track looks like the car is under-sprung. I know that he is running a different shock but I am not quite sure how to interpret that.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=bilstein

On the other hand the H&R are lower and not much stiffer so perhaps they are not ideal either.
OldDragger who has Koni and RB sways went with Tein H Tech which are even softer then RB and that seems to work.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...highlight=koni

But his priorities where more for the street then the track and I can diffidently live with a harsher ride on the street for track benefits.

What are the major factors I should be looking in? (Except the fact that the product is made by the same company)

If RB is the best match I will buy it but for now I am not quite sure if H&R should be discarded.

P.S

Should I completely forget about the matching Tein Basic with the RB sways?

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Then IMO you should go with the Mazdaspeed springs and bars with the Koni shocks. Adjust the rear shock rebound to 50% before installing and then adjust front rebound full soft for general street use and stiffer for track use. I think you'll be very happy with this setup and not find it to be all that harsh for street use either.

SouthFL

I just had a set of Koni + H-Tech's (50% front, 25% rear) installed yesterday. The ride is much more comfortable than I had imagined for day to day use.

Chris_Bangle

iTrader: (2)

I am an arrogant tool

Did a driving school at the full shannonville track on Friday

(http://www.saabclub.ca/school/shannonville/full)

and some lapping at the developmental track at mosport today. Here is what I came to:
First I got to get a set of 17' R compound rubber (like most of the people on here told me to) for the track and then buy the koni + springs.

Thanks for the help.