iridearocket

I've discussed ride height changes when installing different shocks with Tokico. (assuming the spring stays the same)

They mention that if the compression pressure in a new shock is different from the ones currently on the vehicle, it will alter the ride height. However, changing the setting on the shock from soft to hard will not alter this compression pressure. The pressure is somewhat factory determined. eg. Dead shocks will not have enough compression pressure and installing new shocks may increase the ride height after installation. (assuming the spring stays the same)

Since Tokico shocks are the OE supplier for the RX-8, I'm hoping they might be best able to match aftermarket shocks to the RX-8. I've just got the D-specs and will mount them in the spring.

They also mentioned the stock RX-8 does not have a lot of suspension travel, so dropping the car much below 1" may not allow for a desirable amount of travel.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

that's what I've been trying to tell you ... but WRT to pressure vs ride height changes that mainly applies to high pressure monotube shocks. If you replace low pressure or hydraulic shocks with high pressure monotube and all else being equal the ride height can jump substantially, dependent on the actual gas pressure being used and the size of the shaft diameter.

Most of us running custom Koni double tubes for Factory Stock autox and track have them degassed for hydraulic operation. It doesn't drop the car much from the low pressure gas ride height, but you do what you can within the limitations of the rules. The side benefit is that the front camber also increases slightly.

In a monotube shock as the shaft pushes ino the shock such as low ride height it displaces oil which in turn compresses the free gas chamber piston and gas, but if the gas chamber is sized properly the change in internal gas pressure is so small as to be considered a constant. Think of shock gas pressure as a constant spring force. It can affect ride height, but the force magnitude doesn't change with travel like a coil spring.