Winter project/upcoming mods
- Thread starter solidtrance
- Start date
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
I'm going to have to start looking for one of those used in the near future.
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Well, I got the suspension pieces on. What a PITA. Unfortunately the directions were very minimal, and I did this by my self, so it took a lot of trial and error. Mostly error to be sure. All in all I am very happy with the end result. I have a few things to report. This combo (Koni's + Progress springs) drops more than the advertised amount. It seems, from measurements, to be down two or more inches already. Not sure It will settle any more, but it is already down plenty far. The progress Front Sway Bar is a great piece. Well made and solid. I put it on the middle setting and it really improves the feel, and eliminates body roll. Finally, the AP endlinks are great too. I didn't put the rear one on since I am still on the OEM sway back there, but the front one went in easily and was easy to adjust.
EDIT: Updated OP
EDIT: Updated OP
Yea, suspension work goes much faster when you have done it before and have help. I've swapped about 5 RX-8 struts/springs with friends. The front sway was the b**** of it all. My friend had Koni yellow and they made a huge difference in the drop over other strut brands. In fact he did not like how low the car was and swapped them out for another brand.
Here you can see the difference.
Your setup is similar to mine, just different named parts.
Mazdaspeed Struts
Tein S-Tech Springs
Beatrush front/rear strut bar
Racing Beat end links
Agency Power front/rear sway bar (max stiffness)
FYI, I cut my engine cover the fit the Beatrush bar with a Dremel. However I much rather see the engine parts then the big plastic cover so I never put it on.
Old photo.
Here you can see the difference.
Your setup is similar to mine, just different named parts.
Mazdaspeed Struts
Tein S-Tech Springs
Beatrush front/rear strut bar
Racing Beat end links
Agency Power front/rear sway bar (max stiffness)
FYI, I cut my engine cover the fit the Beatrush bar with a Dremel. However I much rather see the engine parts then the big plastic cover so I never put it on.
Old photo.
Last edited:
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
The FSB was not that bad, but I had it up on a lift, and I took a lot of stuff off of the car to make it easy. The main thing was I did this all by myself. Another set of hands would have been just as valuable as knowing how to do in the first place.
Looking at your pics (josh) my car is sitting about where yours is. I don't think it is as low as your buddies. I'll post some pics when the weather improves (winter storm warning and snowing currently).
Looking at your pics (josh) my car is sitting about where yours is. I don't think it is as low as your buddies. I'll post some pics when the weather improves (winter storm warning and snowing currently).
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Tires, tires, tires?
My plan was to go with a set of Star specs (245/40's) but I am thinking about getting a set of the new Hankook ventus R-S3's. They are a bit more expensive, but not much and they look great. Hankook Ventus R-S3
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=245/&ratio=40&diameter=18&x=44&y=12
Just click on the link above and then click the compare button. You should get the specs for both.
My plan was to go with a set of Star specs (245/40's) but I am thinking about getting a set of the new Hankook ventus R-S3's. They are a bit more expensive, but not much and they look great. Hankook Ventus R-S3
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=245/&ratio=40&diameter=18&x=44&y=12
Just click on the link above and then click the compare button. You should get the specs for both.
Last edited:
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
A quick update on the Koni + Progress combo. They drop more than the advertised 1.2" front 0.8" rear.
I can't find my camera but I did take some measurements out on the driveway (pretty level). All measurements were taken from the ground through the center of the rim and to the bottom of the wheel well. Not scientific I know.
Front Left: 26.5 inches (about 1 in gap between wheel and wheel well)
Front Right: 26.5 inches
Rear Left: 26 inches (no gap at all)
Rear Right: 26 inches
I think stock is really close to 28 inches all around, so that is 1.5 inches in the front and 2 inches in the rear. No issues with scraping the bottom of the car yet, but it turned out lower than I expected.
I must say that the ride is great. Virtually no body roll, not bouncing off the bump stops. Feels very solid. Can't wait to get some decent weather so I can take a nice long drive.
I can't find my camera but I did take some measurements out on the driveway (pretty level). All measurements were taken from the ground through the center of the rim and to the bottom of the wheel well. Not scientific I know.
Front Left: 26.5 inches (about 1 in gap between wheel and wheel well)
Front Right: 26.5 inches
Rear Left: 26 inches (no gap at all)
Rear Right: 26 inches
I think stock is really close to 28 inches all around, so that is 1.5 inches in the front and 2 inches in the rear. No issues with scraping the bottom of the car yet, but it turned out lower than I expected.
I must say that the ride is great. Virtually no body roll, not bouncing off the bump stops. Feels very solid. Can't wait to get some decent weather so I can take a nice long drive.
Last edited:
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Allignment and emissions
Took it easy all week as the car settled. Just got back from getting an alignment and I am really happy with the results. The car definitely rides a little more harshly than stock, but with the koni's set full soft it is not that bad. The FSB takes care of almost all of the body roll, and now that the alignment is done, the grip seems to be really good. All season tires, cold temps, and wet roads keep me from getting anywhere near the limits of the car, but the turn in seems to be a lot more crisp and once it sets in a corner it is really easy to control. All in all its just what the doctor ordered. Can't wait to get some good tires on the car once the temps get a little better. I am thinking about trying out the new R-S3's from Hankook, either that or a set of Star Specs.
On a completely different note I had to register the car today too. I am happy to note that the Access Port did its job flawlessly. I was able to pass the emissions test (In IL it is just an OBDII test) without re-installing the stock midpipe (with a cat). So if you have a properly tuned Access Port with no cats you can pass emissions (OBDII testing only) without any hassles.
Took it easy all week as the car settled. Just got back from getting an alignment and I am really happy with the results. The car definitely rides a little more harshly than stock, but with the koni's set full soft it is not that bad. The FSB takes care of almost all of the body roll, and now that the alignment is done, the grip seems to be really good. All season tires, cold temps, and wet roads keep me from getting anywhere near the limits of the car, but the turn in seems to be a lot more crisp and once it sets in a corner it is really easy to control. All in all its just what the doctor ordered. Can't wait to get some good tires on the car once the temps get a little better. I am thinking about trying out the new R-S3's from Hankook, either that or a set of Star Specs.
On a completely different note I had to register the car today too. I am happy to note that the Access Port did its job flawlessly. I was able to pass the emissions test (In IL it is just an OBDII test) without re-installing the stock midpipe (with a cat). So if you have a properly tuned Access Port with no cats you can pass emissions (OBDII testing only) without any hassles.
Last edited:
Hey Solid,
Just curious. What were the factors in your decision to go with the Koni's and springs as opposed to coilovers? I know pricing would be a major consideration. I have read countless threads on another RX8 forum of what the advantages or disadvantages of going with strut/spring combo's or with some of the lower price coilovers. After all that reading, I think there are equal arguments for either. The cost of the Koni's and springs are very close to some of the lower cost coilovers. Seems many love the Koni/spring combo, while others say for the money your better off with Tein basics or Megan's.
Just wondering what the deciding factor for you was?
Thanks
Fred
Just curious. What were the factors in your decision to go with the Koni's and springs as opposed to coilovers? I know pricing would be a major consideration. I have read countless threads on another RX8 forum of what the advantages or disadvantages of going with strut/spring combo's or with some of the lower price coilovers. After all that reading, I think there are equal arguments for either. The cost of the Koni's and springs are very close to some of the lower cost coilovers. Seems many love the Koni/spring combo, while others say for the money your better off with Tein basics or Megan's.
Just wondering what the deciding factor for you was?
Thanks
Fred
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Fred,
Great question, now were talking.
When I decided to change my suspension I did a lot or research and I cam to the same conclusion you stated in your post. It has to be said that I changed my mind many times throughout the process. I came very close indeed to getting a set of Stance GR+ coilovers from THMotorsports (vendor here). Adam can get great deals on those and has them on his car. I was really impressed with the way he described their function and performance. If you want to go that route I definitely think you should send him a PM.
Basically the more I thought about it the more I realized that I would not take advantage of the functions that a coilover offers that are not possible with the spring/shock combo. Basically I didn't think I would ever play with the height adjustment, and it is my understanding that the cheaper coilovers allow dampening adjustment, but it is not very precise. Since those are the two principle advantages I determined that I didn't need coilovers. I also didn't want the harsh ride that is generally associated with coilovers.
At this point I started looking for a spring / strut combo that I would like. I settled on Progress tech because I liked the drop and spring rates. The last think I decided on was the struts. Initially I was set on getting some Tokico Dspec's, but was also looking at the Koni's. I was confident that either of the two would be great, so I just needed to figure out which was the best for my situation. The principle advantage that the Tokico's offered was ease of adjustment. the Koni's principle advantage was that they are rebuild-able. When weighing on against the other the Koni's came out on top. Mostly because if I wanted adjustment then I should get coilovers.
I added a FSB to improve the cars grip. So far I am really happy with my decision. I would not suggest that this is the right way to go about picking a suspension for everyone, just that it is the way I did it. As with anything, research is your friend. The one thing that I didn't figure out until I had the Koni's on the car is that they tend to increase the amount that a spring will drop your car.
Caleb
Great question, now were talking.
When I decided to change my suspension I did a lot or research and I cam to the same conclusion you stated in your post. It has to be said that I changed my mind many times throughout the process. I came very close indeed to getting a set of Stance GR+ coilovers from THMotorsports (vendor here). Adam can get great deals on those and has them on his car. I was really impressed with the way he described their function and performance. If you want to go that route I definitely think you should send him a PM.
Basically the more I thought about it the more I realized that I would not take advantage of the functions that a coilover offers that are not possible with the spring/shock combo. Basically I didn't think I would ever play with the height adjustment, and it is my understanding that the cheaper coilovers allow dampening adjustment, but it is not very precise. Since those are the two principle advantages I determined that I didn't need coilovers. I also didn't want the harsh ride that is generally associated with coilovers.
At this point I started looking for a spring / strut combo that I would like. I settled on Progress tech because I liked the drop and spring rates. The last think I decided on was the struts. Initially I was set on getting some Tokico Dspec's, but was also looking at the Koni's. I was confident that either of the two would be great, so I just needed to figure out which was the best for my situation. The principle advantage that the Tokico's offered was ease of adjustment. the Koni's principle advantage was that they are rebuild-able. When weighing on against the other the Koni's came out on top. Mostly because if I wanted adjustment then I should get coilovers.
I added a FSB to improve the cars grip. So far I am really happy with my decision. I would not suggest that this is the right way to go about picking a suspension for everyone, just that it is the way I did it. As with anything, research is your friend. The one thing that I didn't figure out until I had the Koni's on the car is that they tend to increase the amount that a spring will drop your car.
Caleb
Caleb,
Thanks for the informative reply. I guess you went through what I will be going through. Unfortunately it will not be a mod made very soon, so I am sure I will be changing my mind many times between now and the time I actually upgrade my suspension. All I really want is something to upgrade the handling for "passionate" driving on the twisties, with out making the ride to harsh for daily driving. When I had my Speed 3, I went with just springs, Eibach pro-kit, and the drop was perfect for me, aggresive stance, but not too low. I did not measure so I don't know if the drop was what was stated by the manufactuer. But the ride was great, firm but not harsh at all.
So when it comes time for the 8, I want to repeat that. Was orginially thinking about Koni's and springs, but got reading about coilovers and just got confused.
The spring rates listed by the coilover companies scare me, really stiff but I do like the fact of height adjustablity, I could dial in the stance to my taste.
Again, thanks for the reply. Good information to help me in my decision. Of course that won't be for awhile so I still have lots of reading to do. Got a buddy with Basics on his 8, so I am sure I will have him give me a ride at our next Mazda meet this month, that will give me a better impression of the coilovers.
Thanks
Fred
Thanks for the informative reply. I guess you went through what I will be going through. Unfortunately it will not be a mod made very soon, so I am sure I will be changing my mind many times between now and the time I actually upgrade my suspension. All I really want is something to upgrade the handling for "passionate" driving on the twisties, with out making the ride to harsh for daily driving. When I had my Speed 3, I went with just springs, Eibach pro-kit, and the drop was perfect for me, aggresive stance, but not too low. I did not measure so I don't know if the drop was what was stated by the manufactuer. But the ride was great, firm but not harsh at all.
So when it comes time for the 8, I want to repeat that. Was orginially thinking about Koni's and springs, but got reading about coilovers and just got confused.
The spring rates listed by the coilover companies scare me, really stiff but I do like the fact of height adjustablity, I could dial in the stance to my taste. Again, thanks for the reply. Good information to help me in my decision. Of course that won't be for awhile so I still have lots of reading to do. Got a buddy with Basics on his 8, so I am sure I will have him give me a ride at our next Mazda meet this month, that will give me a better impression of the coilovers.
Thanks
Fred
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Yep, sounds like you are starting down the same path I am finishing. You know, a good Front Sway Bar would be a good first step. Should eliminate most of the body roll, give you a more planted feel in the twisties, and will continue to work well with either coilovers or a spring/strut combo in the future. Shouldn't make the comfort of the ride much worse either.
I totally agree with you and since I am no suspension expert I have to rely on info that I can find here and on 8club to make decisions. Coilovers and spring seem to be measured using a different scale and method. Regarding tuning the Stance GR+, when you are getting ready to buy some, or are getting close to a decission, get in touch with Adam from THMotorsports. He can take care of you and I think he can get a set of Stance with exactly the rates you are looking for. He has a really good relationship with Stance and can help you with your decision.
Get the FSB, you wont be disappointed. I got the Progress Tech and it is a nice piece. Fair warning, its a PITA to swap, but worth the trouble.
I totally agree with you and since I am no suspension expert I have to rely on info that I can find here and on 8club to make decisions. Coilovers and spring seem to be measured using a different scale and method. Regarding tuning the Stance GR+, when you are getting ready to buy some, or are getting close to a decission, get in touch with Adam from THMotorsports. He can take care of you and I think he can get a set of Stance with exactly the rates you are looking for. He has a really good relationship with Stance and can help you with your decision.
Get the FSB, you wont be disappointed. I got the Progress Tech and it is a nice piece. Fair warning, its a PITA to swap, but worth the trouble.
As I am always trying to gather information to make a more educated decision I was able to talk to a gentleman I work with today. He does a lot of work at VIR, working with race teams, driver education and what not. Does a lot of suspension set ups. So I asked him what he thought. His quick answer of course was "if it is mainly for the streets, go with the strut/spring combo." Funny thing, we continued to talk, he was bringing up good points about going with coilovers. We ended up laughing over it and it leaves me no further along than I was.
He said the same thing about springs and coilovers though. Comparing the rates is sort of like apples and oranges.
On the Speed, when I got my springs I also purchased the Hotchkis sway bars. We put the springs and RSB on at the same time.(just ran out of steam to do the front.) Again, I really loved the ride. About a month later we put the FSB on, at that point the ride became a little more harsh than I liked. In fact I was getting ready to take it off, when I sold it, with all the mods still on it. So I am a little leary of the bars, but if I do, will probably only do the front and not both. Yes, I know what a pita the front can be.
Thanks again for the info.
He said the same thing about springs and coilovers though. Comparing the rates is sort of like apples and oranges.
On the Speed, when I got my springs I also purchased the Hotchkis sway bars. We put the springs and RSB on at the same time.(just ran out of steam to do the front.) Again, I really loved the ride. About a month later we put the FSB on, at that point the ride became a little more harsh than I liked. In fact I was getting ready to take it off, when I sold it, with all the mods still on it. So I am a little leary of the bars, but if I do, will probably only do the front and not both. Yes, I know what a pita the front can be.
Thanks again for the info.
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Coils, plugs and wires are done. Took it for a little drive and it idles a bit smoother, no other changes that I noticed. Took about 1.5 hrs.
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Tomarrow I will put the RB gauge pod in. Last major project for the winter. Looking forward to getting the last few things on the car, but reqally happy with the way things have worked out so far.
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
Upddate: RB gauge pod never went in, maybe this weekend? I had the tips cut off and replaced for the exhaust. I am much happier with the new smaller tips (from 4.5 down to 3.5 inches), and it is a bit quieter unless wot which is fine with me. The only thing I am waiting on is wheels/tires. Not sure how I am going to go for now????
Last edited:
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
They just made another batch of these and they will most likely go really quickly. Too bad I need to get a new fuel pump, hope the supply lasts a few weeks.
I have noticed significant hesitation around 7-8k under hard acceleration. Doesnt happen unless I floor it almost from a stand still, and I am think that my stock fuel pump is on its way out. After a lot of research I see that this is a fairly common failure and the stock pump is underpowered anyway. There is a walbro model that will drop right in to the fuel pump housing and works much better (about3x the flow rate). Looks like that will be the next purchase and maybe I will be able to get it in this weekend (crosses fingers).
The local Rotary club (evolvchicago) is having a dyno day on the 24th of april so I want to get the fp in and maybedo some e-tuning through Surgeline before then. Not expectingmuch for the dyno day, but it would be good to be all done with the major mods by the time I test it.
Last edited:
solidtrance
Member
- :
- HIS: 2005 RX-8 WWP GT 6MT* HERS: 2006 Speed6 BCM 6MT**
They put a thread up on 8club so you should be good. Fair winds and following seas.
