I'm sure the shocks on my SE are wornout (I plan to install Tokico Blues, like my other two FBs), and I suspect the springs are shot too. Bought this SE in delapidated condition with 150k (saved it from the crusher) and now that it runs and looks good, I find that the suspension is harsh and insecure. It bottoms out against the snubbers easily (just like every SE I've ever driven).

So maybe I need to shop for springs, too, but I have no idea what to get, except maybe whatever mazdatrix recommends. Maybe I should get OEM?

I suspect that many SEs are running with wornout suspensions. I remember reading guys comments that they have a hard time keeping up with Miatas on winding roads, and it's hard to believe the Miata suspension is that much better. I suspect some people FEEL their suspension is OK as long as it's harsh, but are deceived by the harshness of the snubbed travel. Many people equate harshness with stiffness. Maybe they are victimized by bumpsteer of wornout shocks.

When the shocks (which are lowpass filters) are worn, high frequency vibrations get to the springs which overheat and lose springiness. Without proper damping the wheels are unable to follow bumps and lose contact with the paving.

 

I have found sagging springs and new lowering springs will put the center of all 4 wheel arches about 24" from the ground. With your mileage, I would replace tham. Bottom out frequently has the potential of blowing out the new shocks.

 

Yes, I agree, alot of this vintage RX-7's have worn suspension...

 

I absolutely love my Racing Beat springs. I havent tried anything else on my 7, although I have eibach progressive springs on my 01 protege.

 

The only thing that would be wrong with your springs is if they have "sagged", meaning they are giving you a ride height lower than stock. The suggestion that they get hot enough in service to affect the temper of the steel is absurd. The only heat they will see is radiated from the brakes and shocks. If the springs had enough internal friction to get that hot, you would not need shocks!

It is the shocks that keep your suspension from bottoming out. If the ride height is within an inch of stock, the spring rate will not be much affected. If both sides are about the same, put in some really good gas shocks and go for it.

If you want to be sure both springs are the same, put a floor jack under the center of the differential and lift the rear wheels just off the ground. Then check that the front is level from side to side.

 

i went the cheap way with spring compressors from autozone..... lowered my car and also made it a little stiffer...this is just a temp fix until i get tired of them and buy some good springs