Ok, I have been doing some research for the suspension on my recently purchased 79 RX-7. The stock suspension is actually in pretty good order, but I am looking to go lower and firmer. Unfortunately (as most of you already know) the 79-80 front shock body is longer than on the 81-85. The only solution I have been able to find are the KYB GR-2/Excel-G inserts and the Racing Beat springs.

The Racing Beat springs only give a 1 inch drop, and I question the adequacy of the nearly stock replacement KYB's with aftermarket springs. Can anybody suggest a different solution (confirmed, not theoretical) for my suspension? I just want to go a bit lower and firmer than the KYB/Racing Beat solution mentioned above. Thanks!

 

I have had fine luck with them on my 85 for daily driving and mountain fun for the past 4 years/15k miles, however it may be worth looking into Techno Toy tuning coilovers if your demands are for more than what RB and KYB can offer.

 

Hey, thanks for the info. The KYB and RB combo is still a consideration. The streets here in Columbus can be rough. The stock ride height is just so high. I'm concerned that 1 inch won't be enough. I am also going to a 15" wheel. Maybe the larger wheel/tire combo will fill the wheelwells better. Any pics of yours by chance?

 

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Hope this helps.... I was in the same boat, and went with the KYB's and B&G springs. The drop is a it more than the RBs, at 1.25 inch. They're progressive rate, and the increase is about 25% over stock.

Here's how mine sits on 15 inch wheels. Mind you, my tires are 195/50s, so the overall diameter is actually smaller than stock. I'll be switching to 205/50s pretty soon.

 

Konig Rewinds 2

 

That looks pretty good! About what I had in mind! Thanks for the info on the T3's. Their a little pricey though. The B&G's look right. Are they bouncy at all?

 

That doesn't look too bad. Definitely better than the pickup truck ride height I have right now! I was looking at the rewinds too.

 

Not bouncy at all. Being progressive rate, they feel almost like stock until they're "pressed". Then, they stiffen up a bit.

 

I have the RB springs and KYBs. The KYBs cannot handle the RB spring rate very well. My
KYBs are getting older now and they grow worse.

I'm thinking of going to the progressives if I can find them and then switch to the tokico blues
or adjustables. Going coilover is kind of overkill unless your really track the car a lot and
require the adjustability provided by an adjustable coilover setup..

 

Thanks! I was under the impression the RB's were progressive. This really leans me towards the B&G's.

 

Here's a couple pics of the ride as it sits.

 

Here are a few pics of mine, before, after, after wheels and tires, and as it sits today. The rear is currently a little higher than I want it to be. I plan on cutting 1/4 to 1/2 coil off of the rear RB springs when I do the GSL rear end swap in the spring. I don't remember where I read this, but someone at some point said RB is fine with it to help with possible raking effects.





Picture at recent Car show



Before



After



New wheels and tires



taken last year.

 

I chopped a ring off of each RB spring to get a little lower. No noticable difference in spring rate or
anything. Other than my KYBs can't handle the springs.

 

Yeah, im looking at doing some mustang shocks in the rear. I figure they will handle the extra half inch or so lower fairly well. That may be part of the problem is riding the KYB too low if you cut off a coil. No matter which way you go, the KYB's will be better than nothing.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies! I have some options now! It's too bad T3 doesn't make a less expensive fixed-height solution. I think they would sell a crap-ton of that setup!

 

That sounds like it would be a good idea. Maybe you should pitch it to him?

 

Recently installed RB springs with Kyb's on 15" wheels. So far I'm happy with this combo especially since I only drive it like four times a month. Here's how mine sits

 

 

Nice! What wheels are those? They look really good! Mind sharing info on them? Brand, size, offset etc.

 

Thanks! Yeah sure, they are original enkei 92's from the mid 80's. 15x7 +7 offset all around.

 

Thanks for the info! Those should only be slightly easier than impossible to find lmao!

 

Hahaha! Yeah that's for sure. Took me a few months looking in Craigslist pretty much everyday. Finally found it in Texas and had to convince the guy to ship them to me

 

i swapped my sa stuff for gslse stuff with t3 coilovers and koni yellows. 15x9 wheels. Rear has welded on adjustable afco perches.

 

I just started running 15x7 Rewinds +20 with 205/50/15 - on top RB springs with KYB G2 shocks. So far so good - absolutely no issues... I don't track mine, though - and I'm too old for a truck like ride.