X-SIN-X

Flexibility defined: I would not want to buy an application that only allows for a one inch drop (for example). I after installing I find that a 1 1/2 inch drop is what I wanted then I want an application to give me that option, hence flexibilty. I would like to dial in the exact height I want and if "re-corner weighting" or "re-aligning" is needed then so be it. I am not bothered by the fact that this would have to be done any time that I decided to make changes. Again, what I am looking for is valuable input from RX8 car owners or other car make owners that can provide their personal opininions on the installed coilover applications that are installed on their cars. I am appreciative of the great input and links people have sent. Thanks.

dsmdriver

iTrader: (3)

Do you want to lower it for looks or for handling?

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Of the coilovers in the $1500-2000 range, we're familiar with Tein Flex, JIC FLT-A2, and HKS Hipermax RS. We also had Tein Basics installed on one of our cars for quite awhile. As has been made clear, Tein Basics offer only height adjustability, and while they are a good quality product it doesn't sound like they would really meet your needs. In addition, if you are going to spend around $700 on a suspension for your RX-8, this is a better setup: https://www.rx8club.com/driven-performance-equipment-98/konis-tein-spring-specials%3B-package-deals-too-95369/

Also in that link you'll see links to JIC FLT-A2s and HKS Hipermax RS for some pretty attractive prices that include shipping.

As for what to get? Quality-wise HKS, Tein and JIC all make good products. You couldn't go too wrong with any of them. Technically the JIC and Tein offer more adjustability by having both an adjustable spring perch and an adjustable lower bracket. What this allows you do to is change ride height without changing the preload on the spring or changing the effective length of the damper, thereby providing a bit more consistency in performance when you do adjust height.

HKS and JIC are monotube dampers, while Tein is a twin tube. You'll have many people try and convince you that monotube is vastly better, but for street cars that are predominantly driven on the street it's virtually a non-factor. In fact, I'd say the twin-tube Koni Sport shock is probably a better quality damper than the vast majority of the coilovers out there by virtue of superior (and more complex) internal valving design. Don't get hung up on that when making your decision, in other words.

JIC seems to show up more often in race cars, but I really can't say for sure they are used more than Tein or HKS. The fact that they make a race-spec coilover for the RX-8 with firmer springs and appropriate valving modifications might be the reason I perceive that.

Anyway, good luck in making your choice, and feel free to PM or email me if you have any further questions.

X-SIN-X

Is it possible in your opinion to arrive at both with any coilover application that you might recommend?
BTW, I have had my car lowered for just about 3 years now with lowering springs. The shocks are going out so I want to replace with coilovers. I did not have any degradation in road handling performance when I lowered the car with the springs until just recently.

X-SIN-X

DPE, Thanks. Your reply to this thread was exactly what I was asking for. I was narrowing my choices to the 3 you mentioned but started looking into the CUSCO coilovers as a forth possibility. Thanks again, I do appreciate it.

Spin9k

I just did check, and yes the Cusco 2E is available, part 107483. There is a part w/pillowball mount too, but they say it is a total waste of money on a double-A arm suspension, and I agree.

The 2Es for any car are not listed on the Cusco website at all, but of course they exist. I think the site needs updating. There is a note for the part that the electronic controller is not compatible w/the OEM strut bar, as it covers the top of the shock where the motor would mount, but on 3rd party...like my Autoexe, that is not the case, but they are checking anyway.

darnellm

iTrader: (1)

X-SIN-X, It was good meeting you at the MSCW meeting last week.
I was driving the Ti Grey RX8.
Similair to you, I will be purchasing a set of coilovers in the next two weeks in the same
price range. My focus is mainly for performance on the track.
I am leaning towards the JICs.
I have located a source for Bilstein coilovers for the RX8 and would highly recommend them.
I was told that they are more suited for the street so thet would not meet my needs

Red Devil

I started a thread on the Bilsteins...the spring rate bias is really off on those as compared to how Mazda positioned this car from the factory. Really turned me off on getting them.

C_RX8

Just picked up a set of TEIN Flex coilovers for 1340 tax/shipping included......from SCO

takahashi j

iTrader: (2)

Is this even coming out for our car? if so when?