Before posting in the WTB (Want To Buy) section I need to understand WIN (What I Need). I have an 83 RX-7 GS, and I believe it was all stock. We have been replacing major components from the engine compartment back, and then from the top, down. The suspension is next.

I'm not looking to race, or jump tall buildings in a single bound. I just don't know if I have struts or shocks or both (and springs). I know zip about suspensions and I apologize up front for that lack of knowledge. But after I learn, I will be happy to share what I know (and I usually include pictures).

What do I need, to replace what I have, and since I want to replace it all, "just because it's old", what specifically do I need to ask for in the WTB section? (And what's a reasonable price?)

I want quality and I don't mind paying for it, but I don't need anything gold plated, if you know what I mean.

Thanks,

DD

 

Quick link http://www.racingbeat.com/FRhome.asp. Now as far as what the first gens have. You have struts in the front and shocks in the rear. If you are wanting to do it on a budget, you really don't want to buy used suspension parts. Old mechanic, seen people do this before, and usually wind up spending twice as much in the long run.

 

Thanks bad 83,

Good advice. And I don't mind buying new. Practically everything else is.

But I've been to that link already which made me question the whole shock/strut thing.

They say:
1979-85 RX-7 Suspension Package
...
If your RX-7 has logged many miles (75,000+) on those tired old shocks, now may be the time to consider replacing them with a new set of performance shocks. We suggest either KONI or Tokico shocks as suitable replacements.
...

But no mention of struts...that's why Im confused.

Thanks,

DD

 

I think they just group everything under the category, 'shocks" Most people do.


If you want to go to the adjustable route (coil-overs), and add camber plates, vistit ground-control.com, or racersareme.com Last time I check however, racersareme was not working. Ground control is a big name in coil-overs, while racersareme is just some guy operating out of his machine shop or something. A couple people have his stuff and are pleased with it.

 

rbf41182gt,

OK, now you've done it. "(coil-overs), and add camber plates"...I thought I was lost before...???

Since I don't know what I have, I don't know what I need, so I don't know what I want.

Thanks for the input though and I'll keep absorbing info until I understand!

(And I'll continue to search because I'm sure it's been covered but it just hasn't sunk in yet.)

Thanks,

DD

 

get some replacement springs, front struts, and rear shocks from racing beat. Koni's are good, tokicos are good, kyb's are good. Any of them will work, and you will be happy with all of them.

Go to victoria british, er black dragon auto (they just changed their name) www.blackdragonauto.com

they have suspension bushings, new tie rods with greasable boots, and anything else you will probably need.

Good luck.

 

Well, sorry about that lol

coil-overs are basically a adjustable lower spring perch. Stock, there is a spring perch welded onto the stut tube. But with coil-overs, that perch is taken off and a threaded collar slips over it and is welded on. The threaded color has a spring perch that can be moved up or down to adjust your ride height. Different spring are used (2.5" ID), and their rates can vary depending on what you use your car for.

Camber plates adjust the angle of the wheel. The top of the struts and spring go into them, and they can only be used on the front in our cars. Looking at your car from the front, they change the position of the top of the wheel in (toward the engine, negative camber) or out (away from the engine, positive camber) Generally, you want negative camber for increased grip and less understeer around corners.

http://www.ground-control-store.com/...hp/II=40/CA=87

http://www.ground-control-store.com/...p/II=697/CA=87

 

rbf41182gt, (and Cowboyfun, and bad 83),

Thanks for the detailed explanation! And thanks for taking the time to offer it. Sorry I didn't reply sooner. Now I know what I need!

I am constantly surprised at the amount of info and help available and given on this forum!

Thanks a million,

DD

 

just doing my part, and giving back