85 GS with rebuilt motor

Looking to upgrade the suspension. What's out there other than T3? I would like to use the T3 yet the sticker price is crazy

Jackson

 

There aren't too many options out there for a true bolt in solution (which T3 offers). Since our chassis has one piece spindles/struts, typical coilover mods will need machine shop modification and proper welding. Doing this properly costs $!

I'll also say that I am not a fan of rear suspension mods that introduce a spring and shock into the original shock mounting location. I don't think Mazda designed the chassis to have the mount take both spring and shock loads. But that's just my opinion!

What are your goals with the car?

You could put in lowering springs, new dampers, and refresh the suspension with new parts (especially Mazda OEM rear suspension links). Refurbish your tie rods, get an alignment, and a set of wheels and tires (I run 15x7, very happy with them). That will go a long way for a street car.

 

I would echo tommyeflight89 and suggest you determine what you want to do with the car and let that be your guide. For example, if you wish to use your car in organized competition understand that there will be rules that limit/allow what you can do. So I would couch any of the advice I provide or what ever is provided by others until you land that decision. Also, as tommyeflight89 pointed out, you need to make sure that the fundamentals of your cars suspension is right before you start making updates.

If you are looking for examples of a CHEAP setup that works very well (I have followed these cars on track) that involves very few suspension modifications, check out these rules from Colorado:https://www.coloradoscca.org/wp-cont...V_S7_Rules.pdf Basically these cars are allowed to run a bigger front sway bar, optional rear bars (or no bar at all), some urethane bushings in certain locations and some lowering springs. They seemed to drive pretty good from where I was setting!

Using the Colorado Spec 7 suspension rules as a guideline, I would add camber plates and some adjustable shocks/struts that fit in the stock location. I would also add strut spacers like the these: https://technotoytuning.com/evolved-...the-sa-fb-rx7/ Then I would update to 15x7 wheels and fit some good 205/50X15 200TW tires (there are a crap ton to choose from) as well. Note to use camber plates you may need to go to 2.5 coil over springs but this can be done without increasing the diameter of the strut housing tube.

For brakes, you would be surprised how well the little brakes on these cars work if you use pads that match the application, run quality brake fluid and keep the calipers cool. You have to remember that an RX7 on a race track is the ultimate momentum car. So brakes are only used when it is necessary and then you will find that they are more than up to the task. If you can score a rear GSL disk setup to replace the drums (I am assuming you have drums) you will be absolutely golden.