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Spring/Shock Change Suggestions Please

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Old 04-12-2006 | 03:55 AM
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Spring/Shock Change Suggestions Please

Okay, I'm running Whiteline adjustable sways, 18x8.5 rims with 38 offset and 235/40R18 rubber.

I'm thinking about replacing the OEM springs and shocks. Budget is not unlimited and I have no need for adjustables - car will not be tracked (again).

I don't want super low nor super hard. Moderate drop and handling improvement is all I'm after.

First thoughts were the MS spring and shock package but I've also read good things about the Tein H-tech's with Koni's (read the thread that got bumped recently - very helpful).

Any recommendations welcome.
Old 04-12-2006 | 07:48 AM
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I think MazdaSpeed is your friend.

It is fussless, good quality, last forever and it is not hard in ride and flatten your corners.

Alternatively you can go for Tein SuperStreet. It is double tube fully adjustable coilover. Someone told me that the softest setting is softer or equal to OEM and hard is much harder. The plus side is you can get as low or as high as you want. There is more adjustment of your alignment too.

Since you are not tracking any more (sigh). Tein Flex, HKS, JIC, or even Koni would be your style.

Want to spend money? Get Bilstein.

I have seen Rot8's Bilstein last Nats and it is not rough (according to Rot8) and it is trackable, streetable and have progressive spring.

$3000 though.

Taka
Old 04-12-2006 | 07:13 PM
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Thanks Taka.

I'm thinking MS is the way to go too but was curious to see what the other options are.

Not keen on spending $3K on it (cuts into my MX5 budget too heavily - which I will track! ).

How do the Tein SuperStreet's compare price-wise to the MS springs/shocks??

Your comment: "Tein Flex, HKS, JIC, or even Koni would be your style" confused me. Do you mean that these would have been my options if I planned to continue to track the 8??

Anybody else have some suggestions?
Old 04-12-2006 | 08:47 PM
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Yes Tein flex HKS JIC and Koni will be either over budget or too harsh your street use - but I am sure you will like it more and wanting to track your 8 again
Old 04-12-2006 | 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by takahashi
Yes Tein flex HKS JIC and Koni will be either over budget or too harsh your street use - but I am sure you will like it more and wanting to track your 8 again
Begone tempter!

Well, unless anyone else has any bright suggestions, sounds like MS is the way to go. As you say - simple, dependable, no fuss.
Old 04-12-2006 | 09:25 PM
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and very affordable

i recommend them as well
Old 04-12-2006 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Revolver
Okay, I'm running Whiteline adjustable sways, 18x8.5 rims with 38 offset and 235/40R18 rubber.

I'm thinking about replacing the OEM springs and shocks. Budget is not unlimited and I have no need for adjustables - car will not be tracked (again).

I don't want super low nor super hard. Moderate drop and handling improvement is all I'm after.

First thoughts were the MS spring and shock package but I've also read good things about the Tein H-tech's with Koni's (read the thread that got bumped recently - very helpful).

Any recommendations welcome.
Why are you looking to replace the springs and shocks if you arent tracking the car?
Old 04-12-2006 | 10:57 PM
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because he wants to reach the next level in handling with his car, which he will be able to feel on the street. more responsive, etc.

i'm about to go with MS for a street-only setup, minus a trip or two to HPDE courses each year...
Old 04-12-2006 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by BlueRenesis82
Why are you looking to replace the springs and shocks if you arent tracking the car?
Do I need a reason??

Just playing. Can always take them out again if it doesn't suit me.

And when the moon is full, the night is dark, the road is twisty and the black evil is upon me, the improved handling will come in handy.
Old 04-12-2006 | 11:58 PM
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well, your money is your money. FWIW I wouldnt pull out the stock stuff unless you were planning on having fun at the track, but whatever for you
Old 04-13-2006 | 12:02 AM
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Well I upgraded my shocks and springs recently and my car's never been on the track, and probably never will.
Old 04-13-2006 | 12:59 AM
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Originally Posted by BlueRenesis82
well, your money is your money. FWIW I wouldnt pull out the stock stuff unless you were planning on having fun at the track, but whatever for you
I am very interested in this thread...and I will never track mine, either. I would like to lower it an inch. I'm a little too busy to worry about it right now, though...
Old 04-13-2006 | 01:16 AM
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I think Revolver is going for look... since he does not have much himself just kidding mate
Old 04-13-2006 | 01:32 AM
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just a quick question

How rigid is the whiteline sways to the mazdaspeed sways?

If i remember correctly the mazdaspeed sways are not that much stiffer than oem and they went with a stiffer spring/shock combo to the setup.

If the whiteline are much stiffer than MS sways, will that have an effect on how rough the ride might be?
Old 04-13-2006 | 01:45 AM
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Originally Posted by BlueRenesis82
well, your money is your money. FWIW I wouldnt pull out the stock stuff unless you were planning on having fun at the track, but whatever for you
We're all different.

Corner speed and feel is fun whether on road or track.

And who knows, I may be tempted back onto a circuit one of these days.
Old 04-13-2006 | 01:46 AM
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Wink

Originally Posted by takahashi
I think Revolver is going for look... since he does not have much himself just kidding mate
You need to take a good hard long look at yourself Taka...if you've got the stomach for it.

Last edited by Revolver; 04-13-2006 at 01:54 AM.
Old 04-13-2006 | 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Punksux
just a quick question

How rigid is the whiteline sways to the mazdaspeed sways?

If i remember correctly the mazdaspeed sways are not that much stiffer than oem and they went with a stiffer spring/shock combo to the setup.

If the whiteline are much stiffer than MS sways, will that have an effect on how rough the ride might be?
Good question - that's why I specified what mods I'd already made to suspension and wheels.

You're right about the Whiteline's being stiffer than the MS sways - indeed I think I remember reading a thread on it in this forum that went into excruciating detail. By the time the word 'metallurgy' came up I kinda glazed over.

You're also right that the MS springs/shocks are stiffer than a lot of other options like say the Tein H-techs (from memory).

That's why I was keen to hear from someone who may have fitted both the Whiteline's AND the MS spring/shock kit.

Anyone?
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:01 AM
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here is the info you need.

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...53&postcount=1

most is damn accurate.

my story, got a set of used eibachs for 120 shipped 2k miles on them.... owner went lower. the tanabe gf would be another good idea...

my springs look great in my trunk right now..

beers
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by swoope
set of used eibachs for 120 shipped 2k miles on them....
Thanks for the link.

Not sure what the above means (must be slow today).

and why are your springs in your boot (trunk)?
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by swoope
my springs look great in my trunk right now..

beers

Well at least your making progress. Their not sitting on a shelf in the garage anymore.
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:11 AM
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Originally Posted by tiggerlee
Well at least your making progress. Their not sitting on a shelf in the garage anymore.
yea,
and i got the name this time. other car issues right now have EVERYTHING ON HOLD.

and the thing i most want i am going to lose. o well.

beers
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Punksux
just a quick question

How rigid is the whiteline sways to the mazdaspeed sways?

If i remember correctly the mazdaspeed sways are not that much stiffer than oem and they went with a stiffer spring/shock combo to the setup.

If the whiteline are much stiffer than MS sways, will that have an effect on how rough the ride might be?
I don't know about US MazdaSpeed. JDM MazdaSpeed sway is much stronger than OEM and certainly much better in quality.

I can make the stock sway move a little bit but the MS sway is much stronger ...

The ride is flatten just with sway but coilover will make it completely flat.

My 0.02$.

Revolver - I know I am better looking than you, since I have more hair follicles on my scalp. j/k

And I think MazdaSpeed shock and spring and Whiteline sway will do well together . Revolver
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:18 AM
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Originally Posted by swoope
yea,
and i got the name this time.
beers

Well don't keep me in suspense.....was I right?
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Revolver
Thanks for the link.

Not sure what the above means (must be slow today).

and why are your springs in your boot (trunk)?
got used springs instead of new. had 2k miles on them.

the springs i got sell for ~250 so i saved a bit of loot.

in the boot because other issues are making me wait.

beers
Old 04-13-2006 | 02:24 AM
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Here's a link to that sway comparo thread I was talking about earlier:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/sway-bar-comparo-opinions-83908/


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