I need to replace the shocks and struts on my SE and wanted to to get your opinion. I am looking for something that is obviously better than stock but will still give a fairly soft ride. For the rear, I really would like something that would allow it to sit a little higher than stock.

Mike

 

Get some RB springs, it is soft and will probably raise the car compare to your sagging stock springs

 

I dont know if theyre avail over in the US but
KYB standard/base model shocks um...the ones painted black
are a massive improvement over new standard or worn/blown shocks
they perform brilliantly without comprimise in ride at all
only improvement in ride quality and massive difference in handling
Japanese quality, cheap price!!!!!
sitting slightly higher shouldnt be of concern at all

 

I think they are called KYB GR-2 here. The Tokico HP is not bad for a street car too

 

doesnt kyb offer gr2s for the front and the rear are called gas-a-just? i have them and i was told t hey are used to basically raise the rear a little more if you go with springs with a low drop. I was using kyb gr2s in the front and kyb gas a just in the rear with st springs. They rode pretty damn good.

 

dont remembr the exact name the were the base model KYBs
and painted "factory black" satin in colour!!!!
think they were the gas-adjusts???
shocks only control the bounce of the spring they dont effect or raise or lower height at all!!!!!

 

yeah ur right. IDk but it said something on mazdatrix about the rear gas-a-just shocks.

 

How could shocks raise the car??? Springs determine the ride height, not shocks.

 

Normally this is true.

However the stock rear shocks were of a low pressure type of shock such as the GR2 Kyb. The Gas a just are of a higher pressure and will raise the rear by 3/4 to 1 inch. I have personally compared both of these shocks on my own 7's.

 

The "Gas-A-Just" is a higher pressure shock and will normally raise the rear of the car approximately 1/2" ??? i got that mazdatrix. I dont get it either i thought springs were also the factor in ride hight. woops u beat me too it doc.

 

Mike,

I have RB springs w/ Illuminas and I like the combo. Little bit stiffer than stock, but not harsh at all. The Illuminas are adjustable, so you can go from softer than stock to rattle your fillings out with a quick turn of the dial.

If you don't have the cash for the Illuminas, then I would go with the 'Blues'. They aren't adjustable, but are about half the cost of the Illuminas and should get the ride that you are looking for.

 

Agreed... If you want to go cheap, check out the Tokico Blues. If you can afford it, then go with the Illuminas. Just like Kent said, set on 1 they are nice and cushy. But if you want to tear up some asphalt, just set them higher. I used to run as high as 5 for autocross, and usually left them at a 2 or 3 for daily driving. Good shocks.

The only really practical way to set rear ride height is with the adjustable perches. You order the perches, and choose your desired spring rate for a custom ride. This is the setup I've been using for this past year, and I like it a lot!

Any of these parts can be ordered from www.re-speed.com If you have any questions concerning what to order, just PM Billy from Respeed (Bwaits) and he will help you out. They are second to none when it comes to customer service, and those that order from Respeed tend to be very loyal customers.

.

 

Also hopping on the Tokico HP (Blues) bandwagon.