So I searched the 2nd gen forum and went through all 10 pages of results. Anyone know where I can find a Ground Control install write up? I found some bits and pieces but they were individual issues, not install instructions. GC's instructions suck. Someone point me in the right direction?

And don't tell me to search unless you can provide a link. I did search and went through ALL results. Thanks folks.

 

I remember a thread that included pics and DUY instructions, but like you, after searching I can't find it. I have a couple of drawings that are apparent the instructions that come with the units if that will help. Also, if you do a google search there is some info on installs on various vehicles. That may help. If you find the thread please post a link here since I will be doing this in the future.

 

its pretty simple... its basically remove stock strut top stuff, and replace with the GC stuff

do you have a specific question?

 

It is possible you didn't get the right parts - happened to me, I got sent a mix of parts from two different RX7 kits for the rears (in particular, I was missing an adapter plate for the top of the rears), so the instructions made no sense, and I quite literally didn't have what I needed to attach the upper rears to the car. Post pics of what you've got and/or how you think it goes together.

If you have the right parts, the instructions should be pretty straightforward. I took pics of mine "assembled" and emailed someone at GC after talking to them on the phone. Whoever it was recognized I had received the wrong upper adapters and sent them out quickly.

Note, the GC kit doesn't supply the front pillowball mounts (topmost piece of the assembled strut), so either reuse your old ones if they're in good shape, or get new ones at the local parts store or Mazda dealer.

 

how much do these lower your car?

 

Since they're coilovers, the amount of lowering is dependent on where you set the spring perches at, as well as which springs are purchased with them (I don't remember the specs on mine, beyond that the fronts are 350"/lbs, and the rears 275"/lb). They probably lower the car at least 1" - I could lower it a lot more, especially at the back, as there I have the perches near the top of their range and could easily lose another 1.5". However, that would give terrible geometry without also getting an adjustable camber kit for the rear; even then, there's little beyond style as the point. Lowering the front much past 1-1.25" will also make bumpsteer an issue, and again, mess the geometry of the lower control arm (which should not be angled toward the ground at the inside edge).

The point of coilovers is not lowering, it is to be able to properly adjust the cross-weights so the car will have maximum adhesion and behave predictably turning both left and right. For simple lowering you can go with lowering springs. Coilovers, since they dispense with the proprietary factory spring sizing in favour of standardized spring heights and diameters, also allow easier swapping of springs, or more accurately, make it easier to have an inventory of different springs to suit different tracks or activities.

 

Just never ripped into a suspension before and the directions aren't very clear. I can probably figure it out but why experiment if someone here who's done it can help? I also got some kinda odd shaped bushing thingies. Not sure where those go, or all the handfull of o-rings i got either. Also, i read something about cutting the original bump stop in half? Anyone heard that before?