Here's what I got. 1985 GSL-SE. I just completely rebuilt the engine and replaced everything under the hood. Now its time to move onto suspension. I'm on a really low budget but would like a decent suspension. Whats everyone have, how much do you like it, was it very expensive? Any suggestions on where I should shop. I looked at Mazda trix but didn't see anything that I'd want other then sway bars. Any help on this would be awesome

Thanks,
Chase.

 

Here is some fun stuff: http://mrcmfg.com/catalog/index.php?...ab0981d15bcfb5

I know KYB makes GR2 shocks/struts, Tokico Blues and the Illuminas have been a popular choice for a while, springs you have Racing Beat, Suspension Techniques, etc. Bushings are good to upgrade (see link above), sway bars too of course, etc.

It all really depends on what you are aiming for. Just "freshening up" things (IE - stock but new), a daily driver with decent ride comfort and some "sport", full on race car adjustability, etc.

~T.J.

 

First up do the poly bushing upgrade. Get a set of poly bushings for the front
suspension and the rear sway bars and replace all the old rubber. Note I didn't say
to replace the rear link bushings with poly. Unless the rear link bushings are falling
apart, leave them be for now. The rear links need to be fairly flexible or they will
bind, so no poly bushings on the 4 links.

I would then get a set of new springs like the RB or ST springs. Buy all 4 from the
same vendor as they are matched for each other.

Replace the idler arm bushings or replace the stock idler arm with the Moog one
that uses copper bearings.

While doing the springs get new shocks all around. KYB GR2s will work just fine but if
you want to spring for the Illuminas or Tokicos go for it.

Just doing these will radically improve the handling and feel of the car. Shouldn't
need to change out the sway bars unless your getting a very aggressive spring
set and plan to autocross or do advanced track days with it.

 

i had the eibach springs and rx7 illuminas in my last GSL-SE and it was really fun.

 

If you can wait about a month, I am removing a good spec rx7 suspension from one of my cars. ST front 1-1/8" sway bar, front and rear TMC springs (lower car about 1"), front and rear tokico hp shocks and strut inserts. I just had the parts off as I was moving them from one car to another and they are definitely in good condition. You can have it all for $200 plus shipping (which could be a bit, since the parts are heavy and I am in California).

These are basically all the parts described in the posts above. The performance of this system is definitely in the sport range not OEM comfort. The stance of the car is great and it handles really well. The ride is on the rough side though. It is also noisy if you don't have the stock rubber spring pads installed.

 

It all depends on what you want the car to be able to do...

You can go cheap with just springs and some shocks and come up with a nice weekend sporty cruiser.

Or, you can spend a smallish amount more and get much better stuff. Coilovers, adjustable shocks, lightweight hollow swaybar instead of super heavy solid bar, etc.

The cost difference really isn't that much. What you really don't want to do (I speak from personal experience) is go cheap, and then realize that you are not satisfied with the results. Then you have to redo your entire setup before you are happy with it.

If you decide to go with the better parts, then www.re-speed.com will be your BFF.




.

 

yep, got mine today.

 

RE-Speed Coilovers.

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Im wanting a good stiff suspension. i will be doing autox and with everything i have done to the engine im pretty sure i cant run csp anymore. with that said oem parts will not do. i looked at re-speed and that is partially affordable. but the deal form carl is the best

since im going to be wanting the parts anyways and im sure shipping is going to be a ton no matter what. thats sounds good like i said b4 im on a budget so it would take me longer to save up for the brand new parts. im not in too much of a rush for the parts as i just decided to replace more stuff on the engine when ever you are ready to part with them let me know.

 

^You'll miss the adjustable spring-perch's. Adjustability on your suspension is such a luxury,

 

I am just running bacing beat springs and tokeko blues, if you want stiff this the way to go as a dd it will be a little hard on you ...........but Ilove it and it turns really well.

 

OK13B,

I'll let you know when they are pulled and available. Hopefully in few weeks. Also I'll let you know how much shipping is at that point. I think you will like the set-up if you are autox-ing and driving on the street. I believe the springs are very similar to the RB springs.

 

I have Tokico HP shocks/springs and like them a lot. I put them on a month ago and it corners very well, I got them for $180 and they were used for only three races. The improvement over stock is night and day, and I am very happy with them. However I drive it everyday so maybe you will want to take the next step up for an autocross and all that.

 

GR2s are junk and don't last long.

 

If he doesnt take the blues, I'm interested. LMK. thanks