ptr_5

Well, since I started my first post, I suppose that I might as well post another while I'm at it. Though it won't be pertinent until next spring at the earliest, I was looking into coilovers and after reading through the threads, it would seem as though everyone is either running the TEIN Flex's or the JIC FLT setup. A few people have mentioned the HKS Hypermax II, but I don't recall seeing that anyone had any experience with this setup on the RX-8. I have seen coilovers from Feed, AutoExe, and RE AMEMIYA, but I haven't seen any information about them besides the spring rates for the AutoExe units (393/168 f/r). I have also seen many people mention that Zeal makes great coilovers, but I haven't seen anything about availability. Are there any other coilover manufacturers that are just under the JIC/TEIN radar that we may have missed? Does anyone have any more information about the Feed, RE AMEMIYA, AutoExe, Zeal or HKS setups?

I'm sure that you will need some background information as well. You see, I bought the RX-8 because it was a very sophisticated GT: composed, lithe, graceful and possessed of an almost effortless road presence. In my opinion at least, I wouldn't call it an all out sports car as it has a bit more composure and a bit less sharpness than one would expect from say an F430. As a result, I believe it to be a fun car that is still comfortable enough to drive everyday. Though perhaps a little naive, I liken it to a BMW M3 with a $22k factory rebate, *slightly* better fuel economy (at least it doesn't have a gas guzzler excise penalty), and far more originality. Granted, I do give up quite a few hp versus the M3, but with an extra $22k in my pocket and lower insurance rates, I would imagine that it's a fair trade off. In my short time with the car, and from reading through the forums, I have noticed that the suspension is more prone to roll than I would like. While I am not Sterling Moss, it would be nice to have a suspension setup that is compliant enough for a daily driver (with the roads around here, we are looking at Tarmac rally type setup... and in winter it should probably be made even a bit more compliant), but that could be dialed in to suit a Track Day. Road Racing would appear to have rather different concerns versus that of Auto-X, so I would much rather have my car setup with an eye to the Track as opposed to the tight confines of Auto-X cones.

Obviously, I was also looking into sway bars, but I haven't seen any adjustable bars besides the ones from Whiteline, and they're from Australia. Are there any other adjustable sways available? And, if the Whiteline's are the only available bars, has anyone tried to get a pair to North America? Flexibility is obviously of tremendous importance as the car will doubtless be wearing track-specific tires and will be far quicker if it can be tuned to conditions rather than relying on a single, compromise setup which is setup for a generic track on an average day. Anyway, if anyone can provide any more information, it would be most appreciated. It will be hard to wait out the winter, but I will try to be patient and choose the best suspension parts for my needs.

Thanks,

ptr_5

Endless Rotaries

iTrader: (6)

I would highly recommend the Zeal suspension for the specific purposes you've indicated. Something that is streetable, minimizes body roll, and is suitable for weekend soloII or warrior stuff. hehe.

I have extensive experiences with JIC, Tein, and HKS coilovers. I also have several references for you who have used these suspensions and upgraded to the Zeals ultimately. Some for comfort and build quality, some for their amazing willingness to please their clientele, and finally some simply because it is the ONLY coilover that offers a vast number of overhauling services including custom valving for future changes in vehicle "objective". This would truly be the last coilover you would need to buy as Zeal is willing to change the suspension setup so it can grow with your growing needs should you keep the car for a long period of time.

I use Zeals on my RX7;s, silvias, and miata. They are hands down at the top of their class. If you want everything and are willing to sacrifice quality for budget, then Zeal would be your best bet in the long run. If you are in need of suspension at a budget price then there are most likely other options, but there will always be a sacrifice.

Zeal has released their 6 way adjustable Function Xs and their 30 way adjustable Function X. From laymen's terms this is what I can provide you. I am currently looking for an 8 to sponsor with Zeal coilovers at a discounted price in return for feedback and testimony. I will be glad to post specs but i'm not at the office right now.

Thanks, Rishie

davefzr

I am looking into purchasing a coilover as I have posted on other threads. If you can get a discount on the Zeal coilover that would definitely put me in a position to consider that type of system... Could you please see what can be done.. I want to make a purchase here within the next few weeks as another track event is coming up..

Thankx a lot..

Endless Rotaries

iTrader: (6)

I am in the process of offerring a discount on Zeal coilovers for the RX8 as we're looking for feedback and testimony. Please pm me with your information so I may compare your location with other potential sponsees. I am also going to be asking some basic questions like the uses for your vehicle etc...

Thanks, Rishie

JanSolo

Having dealt with Zeals (ran Function V6s on my Evo), I can attest to how good they are. I ran Ohlins on my WRX and the Zeals on the Evo felt better in ride quality even though the Evo is a much stiffer car than the WRX - and this is with harsher settings and spring rates on the Zeals.

Rishie, you forgot the mention things like the dual height adjustments on the Zeals, the more compliant ride quality and the bling factor of the Zeals. They're so purty!

SuPerHerO::tOnY

Dude...freakin go for zeal. zeal coilovers will not fail you. i garuntee it

ptr_5

Well, it sounds like Zeal is the crowd favorite. Does anyone have the specs? And what about all of the other coilovers out there? Surely someone must know something about them. I mean, Feed, AutoExe and RE AMEMIYA would not have made them unless they were intended to be sold, right?

Rishie:
While I am interested in running the Zeal coilovers, I think that it would be wise if you looked elsewhere for someone to sponsor. Obviously, I am more than happy to run the Zeal's through the ringer for you, but you're rather unlikely to get much in the way of promotional value from the arrangement.

ptr_5

SuPerHerO::tOnY

man zeal will satisfy yu like no other. silk road are pretty crazy too. tein's arent bad. but seriously go with zeal. talk to the guy from www.autornd.com he'll hook you up.

suzuka

Hello, here are some info for those coilover, auto exe unit are made by Apex-I, and Re AMEMIYA are made by Quantium, and I forgot Feed. On those brand, I would say Quantium by far are the best, but very expensive. Because they are one of the best in the world, and they been involve all kinds of racing, they know how to make damping right!

JanSolo

Specs on the zeals are found at www.endlessusa.com

Spin9k

Am I wrong here... The Zeal site says "We're sorry, but there are no products for your Mazda RX-8 in this category. "

...so what's the fuss about as they don't even exist??

JanSolo

They have brake pads for the RX8. Maybe they are so new that Endless hasn't been able to update their web site with the info.

ptr_5

I too have checked the Endless site. While there isn't any mention of an RX-8 coilover, I looked at the RX-7 models. Are there only "Hard" springs with the Function X models and "Street" with the Function Xs version? And, since the RX-7 isn't likely to use idetical spring rates, does anyone have any idea as to what the actual rates will be?

From the AutoExe site, via google, it lists their coilovers as:

Spring rate front 68.6 N mm rear 29.4 N mm with 12 way adjustability.

From the RE AMEMIYA site, all I can find is:

front 16 kg rear 8 kg

And, provided that I actually have the right site, FEED's are:

Spring rate F: 10kg R: 6kg
Attenuation power adjustment F: 30 steps R: 30 step

But, the real question is, does anyone have any experience with these sets?

ptr_5

Spin9k

Indeed, and experience that means something...like track use of some sort... certainly stock is sufficient for street use. The mind wanders.... either no one cares to share.... they gotum and are having to much fun to come here anymore.... or perhaps most that have coilovers got them for show more than real use on the track? Ummm... what else could explain this situation?

I've searched too and so much talk about coilovers and so little emperical information, WUWT? Most of what I read is like "it lowered it 1.7", or "it looks sick now with 20" wheels and XXX coilovers installed", and "I'm a test mule for brand x, but really only commute with them", and the like.... Reminds me of the story of the Emperor's clothes....almost ... I hope.

sinkas

Hi all,
Just letting you knw that Whiteline swaybars are freely available for shipping internationally,

Just contact them from thier website www.whiteline.com.au and someone will help you with deatails about the bars, pricing, shipping etc. Or you can buy them through thier dealers in the USA etc.

Cheers

Case

Spin9k

Here are the KW Suspensions coilovers to consider. They (will) have three different flavors for the RX-8 which is nice depending on how much adjustability you need and how much money you want to spend. Their site is comprehensive and has damper rates and discussion on what each adjustment can change on the car.

I contacted them as they didn't have an application for the RX-8 on their site. This is their reply:

Cam

iTrader: (1)

Rishie (Endless Rotaries) posted information on Zeals that are now available for the Rx8 in the AutoRnD vendor forum. Ive been reading up on coilovers all day (and not working ) but dont understand something he posted.

The Zeal Function X can be "CUSTOM VALVED AND RATED PER REQUEST"

What does this mean, and what are the benefits?

Any help in explaining this is appreciated. Ive searched all over this forum, the Endlessusa.com site, and even the Subaru STI forums for info.

Cam

iTrader: (1)

Ok, I may have missed the answer on Endlessusa.com FAQ. Let me see if I have this right.
Per Rishie (Endless/AutoRnD Vendor) the specs are:

Zeal Coilover Specs:

Function Xs: 8kg/mm Front, 6kg/mm rear
6 way Adjustable - $2775.00

Function X: 10kg/mm Front, 8kg/mm rear
30 way Adjustable - $3190.00

So does "custom valved" etc. mean that if I want the Function X, which has the 30 way adjustable, I can have the spring load fitted/adjusted to be softer like what is on the Function Xs? That is how Im interpreting the FAQ from Endless (see below)



"Q: Can I order my ZEAL suspension system kit with different spring rates than the ones listed?Our kits can be ordered with custom rates upon request for the very knowledgeable race enthusiast. Depending on the difference between our recommend spring rates and the requested spring rates, custom attenuation (revalving) may be necessary. If revalving is necessary, an additional service fee of $60.00 per set is generally required. If revalving is not necessary, there will be no additional charge. Please inquire within for your specific vehicle application. Note 1: We do not charge for custom attenuation for Function-X. It is a special service only for this particular model. Note 2: We do not allow for custom spring rates on the Function-Xs series systems