Suspension options for first gen RX7
03-11-14, 05:02 PM
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Suspension options for first gen RX7
Hey guys.
So I've had my '83 GS for a few months now and I've done some basic maintenance, tuneup, etc. My next area I would like to improve is the suspension. Following a Miata through some twisties a few weekends ago and feeling all of the body roll, slop, and looseness is making me think about getting this thing tighter.
I am thinking I will start with springs and shocks, then front swaybar and bushings. Only problem is that with the Tokico shortage, I'm not sure what else to look at for shocks. Any ideas? Looks like there are pretty much no other decent options. I'm also interested in opinions on the various springs for this car such as Eibach, RB, Suspension Techniques. Any input is appreciated.
So I've had my '83 GS for a few months now and I've done some basic maintenance, tuneup, etc. My next area I would like to improve is the suspension. Following a Miata through some twisties a few weekends ago and feeling all of the body roll, slop, and looseness is making me think about getting this thing tighter.
I am thinking I will start with springs and shocks, then front swaybar and bushings. Only problem is that with the Tokico shortage, I'm not sure what else to look at for shocks. Any ideas? Looks like there are pretty much no other decent options. I'm also interested in opinions on the various springs for this car such as Eibach, RB, Suspension Techniques. Any input is appreciated.
03-11-14, 07:55 PM
#2
ultimately, the questions that you'll need to answer are how much of a difference in handling you seek and what are the characteristics that best fit your driving style. i know some good sway bays will take up a noticeable amount of the "slop", but it also makes the car much less forgiving if you screw up - and while driving ability plays a role in screws up, just remember that it is NOT mutually exclusive.
As for the Tokicos, you can use cross-referenced parts for other cars. I believe the AW11 MR2 and mid-80s Camaros are two of them. if I recall, there is a thread in the Gen I forum that has part numbers.
personally, i'm not impressed by the aftermarket springs available out there, but as far as if there's a head-over-shoulders "best" choice among the ones you listed, i don't know. you'll have to dig around and see what others have to say. i've used the RB springs in the past, but none of the others.
however, again, it comes back to what you're looking for.
As for the Tokicos, you can use cross-referenced parts for other cars. I believe the AW11 MR2 and mid-80s Camaros are two of them. if I recall, there is a thread in the Gen I forum that has part numbers.
personally, i'm not impressed by the aftermarket springs available out there, but as far as if there's a head-over-shoulders "best" choice among the ones you listed, i don't know. you'll have to dig around and see what others have to say. i've used the RB springs in the past, but none of the others.
however, again, it comes back to what you're looking for.
03-12-14, 12:16 AM
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ultimately, the questions that you'll need to answer are how much of a difference in handling you seek and what are the characteristics that best fit your driving style. i know some good sway bays will take up a noticeable amount of the "slop", but it also makes the car much less forgiving if you screw up - and while driving ability plays a role in screws up, just remember that it is NOT mutually exclusive.
As for the Tokicos, you can use cross-referenced parts for other cars. I believe the AW11 MR2 and mid-80s Camaros are two of them. if I recall, there is a thread in the Gen I forum that has part numbers.
personally, i'm not impressed by the aftermarket springs available out there, but as far as if there's a head-over-shoulders "best" choice among the ones you listed, i don't know. you'll have to dig around and see what others have to say. i've used the RB springs in the past, but none of the others.
however, again, it comes back to what you're looking for.
As for the Tokicos, you can use cross-referenced parts for other cars. I believe the AW11 MR2 and mid-80s Camaros are two of them. if I recall, there is a thread in the Gen I forum that has part numbers.
personally, i'm not impressed by the aftermarket springs available out there, but as far as if there's a head-over-shoulders "best" choice among the ones you listed, i don't know. you'll have to dig around and see what others have to say. i've used the RB springs in the past, but none of the others.
however, again, it comes back to what you're looking for.
How was your experience with the RB springs? Would you recommend them>
03-12-14, 08:03 PM
#4
Any available spring will be an improvement. 20 years ago I autocrossed successfully on RB springs with kyb 's and RB front sway bar.
Now I drive for fun on some nos factory springs with a bigger front bar. Bushings and steering components are more important though.
Even more important is driving what one has as well as it can be driven. Very few ever achieve this. I hope to one day.
Now I drive for fun on some nos factory springs with a bigger front bar. Bushings and steering components are more important though.
Even more important is driving what one has as well as it can be driven. Very few ever achieve this. I hope to one day.
03-13-14, 11:17 PM
#5
well, from what you said about wanting it to see street duty primarily, i would think some springs and struts/shocks and, like Cookboy said, a front sway bar and bushings should be plenty.
one thing on the subject of bushings: be careful with some of the rear ones. look for Gen I suspension threads that Rx7Carl spoke on binding and some of the issues that can lead to.
honestly? i couldn't tell that i had changed the springs. to me, it seemed to handle the same as it did prior to changing them. keep in mind though that i changed ONLY the springs. i was younger, less wise and poorer (actually, the jury's still out on that last one
) - at the time i was more focused on dropping the car just as much as any performance gains and i seemed to fail all around. my point is don't take my experience as typical or even expected if your research points you toward RB.
one thing on the subject of bushings: be careful with some of the rear ones. look for Gen I suspension threads that Rx7Carl spoke on binding and some of the issues that can lead to.
honestly? i couldn't tell that i had changed the springs. to me, it seemed to handle the same as it did prior to changing them. keep in mind though that i changed ONLY the springs. i was younger, less wise and poorer (actually, the jury's still out on that last one
) - at the time i was more focused on dropping the car just as much as any performance gains and i seemed to fail all around. my point is don't take my experience as typical or even expected if your research points you toward RB.
03-14-14, 02:07 PM
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Yeah I am looking at doing springs and shocks at the same time. Only issue is that it seems like there are no shock/strut options with the Tokicos unavailable. Guess I will have to wait.
03-14-14, 05:59 PM
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Do you have any maintenance records on the car? Perhaps the shocks are the originals (that's not unheard of) or are just worn out. Also check all the bushings, tie rod ends etc. for wear. When all the OEM stuff is up to date, they handle pretty darn good!
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03-15-14, 07:00 AM
#8
Replace all front bushings with The good stuff. Energy suspension I think is the name. Get 4 new KYB's. Drive the car. You'll be pleased. That's all there is to it.
People have a tendency to want to do too much at one time. As stated above, learning to maximize what one has is the mark of a good driver.
People have a tendency to want to do too much at one time. As stated above, learning to maximize what one has is the mark of a good driver.
03-16-14, 07:43 PM
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Replace all front bushings with The good stuff. Energy suspension I think is the name. Get 4 new KYB's. Drive the car. You'll be pleased. That's all there is to it.
People have a tendency to want to do too much at one time. As stated above, learning to maximize what one has is the mark of a good driver.
People have a tendency to want to do too much at one time. As stated above, learning to maximize what one has is the mark of a good driver.
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