TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

I am new to the Rx7 world, but have already noticed the limited choices we have on shocks. I work for a racing shock company that makes anything from nonadjustable custom valved shocks to full blown 4-way adjustable remote reservoir coil over shocks. I won't mention the company name yet as I don't want people thinking this is a shameless ad.

The question here is: would others like to see another choice in the market? If so, what would you like to see and what would you be willing to pay? Of course the more adjustments you want, the more expensive the shock is going to be, but all of our shocks can be custom valved.

Im just a warehouse worker here, I'm not a sales person or into marketing, but I would like to see another option out there for us. I will say even our single adjustable shocks have a lot more than 5 clicks of adjustment like the illuminas have. I haven't talked to the marketing people about this yet, I wanted some other input before I do so.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Biggest issue is performance front inserts for the struts. Especially for SAs. Performance rear
shocks are pretty easy considering theres so many options, even fox body mustang shocks
will work from what I hear.

On a side note, do you go to the Cars and Coffee in Charlotte? We had about 10 rotarys there
this month, love to see more.

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

No I have not, but would like to meet up with some local people as I still need some help on the car. When is it and where?

I figured the fronts are the issue. So far I have seen everyone debate between gr2 or illimunas. and then of course the issue with springs. even going to a non adjustable coilover shock would give you a lot more options with springs. currently i only know the going price for the non coilover shocks, have not had a chance to look into the price on coilovers.

and on another side note, my phone and typing on messageboards do not get along.

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

Kind of funny, today they were recording some video going over the different shocks/struts we can make and the differences between them all. I think the easiest ones to talk them into for our cars would be non adjustable and single adjustable, but once that is done, if someone wanted to lay down the money for more adjustments, the base would already be there.

I did work in the parts room for a year here and know everything that goes into making these. I think we already have most of what would be needed on the shelf, it would just require a new piece for where the strut goes into the spindle.

LizardFC

iTrader: (1)

If someone sold good adjustable struts cheaper than the Illuminas, I would be in. I was about to buy a full set of Illuminas to go with the RB springs I have waiting. Although adjustable coilovers would be even better. I'd sell my springs and buy those if the price was right. I use my car for autocross, rallycross, and occasional street drives so a wide range of adjustment is gold to me.

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

I will say I wouldnt see the single adjustable shock being cheaper than iluminas, but like I said earlier our single adjustables have more than 5 clicks of adjustment to them and valving for your purpose. Someone has said on here before, you get what you pay for.

seattle-se

One thing I would like to see is a shorter shock for those guys who want to go lower with weld on coils.

Fungus Mungus

iTrader: (9)

I don't find the Illuminas to be outrageous. Consider what a set of Ohlins will set you back, and you know what I mean.

As a previous poster stated, the biggest issue is getting a good performance shock that can allow you to run stiffer spring rates up front. And the biggest limitation appears to be the nature of the inserts...the diameter of the stock shock casings don't allow for the "big boys" that can handle higher spring rates. Even my stock Civic shocks/springs were almost double the spring rates than my FB's.

Adjustability wouldn't be my primary goal in a front setup...the ability to handle higher spring rates would be. As a previous poster stated, the rears aren't really an issue as there are more options there (unless you want a true coilover).

fm

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

Well as for a shorter length, the way our shocks are designed, making a custom length would be an issue after the initial design. A lot of our shock parts are interchangeable so its easy to come up with what you need. As I mentioned before I think we have everything already except for where it would go into the spindle.

As for handling higher spring rates, that wouldn't be an issue. I can't answer how heavy of a spring it could handle, but I can find out when I go back to work Monday. I will also try to talk to the market manager sometime and see what he says about all of this. I have mentioned it before, but never followed up on it. If someone local happens to have a front strut laying around I could borrow to have them look at, that would make it much easier.

I do think the Illuminas are a good price. I just feel if your really want some adjustment out of a shock, 5 clicks with generic valving is nothing. I'm just trying to see if there is more interest in a better shock.

I will say, our normal shocks that we were making when I first joined the company was are the price of Ohlin's if not more expensive. But since then, we have been able to cut the cost on some of the builds, but not kill the quality of what we make.

Fungus Mungus

iTrader: (9)

I agree that more adjustability is a good thing. The Ohlinsi had were 20 way adjustable. But a shock that can handle high spring rates, are rebuild able, and offer 2-way dampening would be a welcome sight in the SA/FB market.

fm

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

They were not 20 way adjustable, 20 clicks maybe and at that price I would say they might be double adjustables. There just aren't that many adjustments you can make in a shock. Most of the market for street application is a single adjustable shock, where you can adjust either the compression or the rebound of the shock. We offer double adjustable where you can adjust both rebound and compression. And then we go even further with 4 way adjustable and I haven't wrapped my head around those yet, but you have the 2 adjustments on the shock and then 2 more on the remote reservoir.

Like I mentioned before, if I can get them to bite on this, once even a non-adjustable is made, going to a single or double shouldn't be a problem other than on your wallet(doubles are expensive thanks to all the small parts)

Fungus Mungus

iTrader: (9)

Yes, I meant 20 clicks to adjust the dampening. Of course they're not 20-way adjustable.

Looking forward to see if we'll see some new products enter our limited, but enthusiastic market.

fm

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

not to say that this is the end all, but there is an illumina that we run on the FB's that handles higher rates, because its from the rear of an MR2, the BZ1086. the Rx7 illumina is meant for softer rates.

that is because there is a different motion ratio, the honda's have the spring/strut in the middle of the control arm, and the FB is at the end, so because the leverage is different the honda needs stiffer springs to have the same spring rate at the wheel.

i'm not sure if these are the 4 adjustments on your shocks, but generally there are two valves in a shock/damper. there is a low speed valve and a high speed valve. the low speed valve is for slow damper piston speeds, and is mostly responsible for how the car handles.

the high speed valve is for bumps.

so it actually is possible to have a car that rides really nicely, and handles awesome, because there is a different valve for each thing.

Fungus Mungus

iTrader: (9)

I had heard about this. What is involved with adapting the MR2 Illuminas for use? I didn't think this was a plug-n-play deal.

Yes, that makes sense. I'd forgotten that the shocks were mounted in the middle of the LCA.

fm

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

the BZ1086 is the exact same size as the Rx7 strut so it drops right in, if there is a difference its that the diameter where the upper mount goes is a little larger. i'm unclear on that because usually you'd use camber plates with them, and its just a different bushing

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

You are correct about the high speed and low speed, that is the adjustments in our 4way shocks.

I talked to them at work today and currently I have to get my hands on some to bring in to have a look at. I know where 2 7s are at in local yards and can go see if i can snag a set off of them this weekend, unless someone local has some laying around that i could borrow.

Fungus Mungus

iTrader: (9)

Will have to look into getting camber plates then.

fm

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

oh if you're driving around with stock camber its gonna be slow and burn the outside of the tires off

ArmyOfOne

iTrader: (12)

I would like to see independent compression/rebound. With an available adjustability to 90/10. Sorry I drag race and have not found a viable alternative. I'm sure I could have then revolved but that is a pain to find anyone up here.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

i wonder if you could do a revalved bilstein?

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

You sir sound like you know exactly what your looking for. When I go back in tomorrow I will actually get the contact info from our Drag manager and get it to you. Outside influence trumps a guy working there asking for them for his car.

I have not had a change to go snag a set from the salvage yard yet, and might be a bit before I do get time, so please bear with me. I am not giving up on this, just got a lot of other things going on at the moment and trying to juggle all of it. I know there is a yard not far from my house that has an 85 SE and then there is an 80 sitting at Pull A Part in Charlotte. I have not had a chance to go see whats left on the 80, I know it would be cheaper to go there over the closer yard but I know the closer yard has the suspension because I don't think many know its there.

Fungus Mungus

iTrader: (9)

Suspension bits from an '85 SE wouldn't last long, I suspect. Good luck!

fm

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

Alright, I haven't forgotten about this, just more stuff stacked up on my plate. We went without a fridge for 3 weeks, had to get some work done on the house and had to work on parting out the Civic.

I did finally go today and grabbed a front strut and rear shock off the 85 SE that is in the salvage yard near me. I will take them into work with me Monday and we will see what we can do. I know the rear shocks shouldn't be an issue making. The front will be interesting because we usually don't mess with inserts, but we will see.

ArmyOfOne

iTrader: (12)

Still waiting patiently.

TheOdditie

iTrader: (1)

Shocks are at the shop now. Armyofone shoot Pete an email or call the shop and tell him Shaggy brought some stock shocks in to spec out for it.

I know the rear shocks wont be an issue making. So far from first quick look they said the fronts would have to have the stock strut tube cut and welded to accept our insert, which means less parts we would have to get made specifically for this car. We will see when we actually get a chance to spec it out.

For anyone else for street, road racing, or autocross, the company is JRi shocks and you would need to speak with JJ Furillo. If your like Armyofone and drag racing, talk with Pete Brower. Contact info can be found at JRi Shocks