Hello, thanks for reading-
Car is an '88 GXL used for weekend fun driving
Stock suspension feels just a little soft for me
Which option to choose:

1. Koni Shocks/Struts and Racing Beat springs
-Being sold for $450 used, from a local mechanic's car, seem to be in good shape.
-They lower the car 1", which i'm not too excited about.
-I'm assuming it's not too difficult for me to install, as he wants $820 total to buy and install them.

2. T2 Springs and stock Shocks/Struts
-I have no idea where to get the springs, just been reading the grip/suspension thread over and over.
-I have no idea what they would cost.

3. 18" rims and appropriate tires.
-used.

Thanks for any input here-
steve

 

id say go with option one and install them yourself

 

+1. Konis and RB springs. Its easy to do it yourself.

dont worry about the 1" drop. Smart money says that your current stock susp is sagging anyways. So the 1" drop wont change your ride height anyways.
-a

 

Another +1 for the Konis and RB's. It's really easy to install yourself. I'm sure there is a how to guide some where on these forums. Good luck

 

I agree with everyone here for option 1. Use basic tools for the install and go out and rent a spring compressor from auto zone. Sounds like a good buy for $400.

 

No matter what you do you should replace your shocks and struts, replace your bushings, replace your drivetrain mounts and it'll make the car feel a lot better.

I'm also not really a fan of anything over 17" on an FC. IMHO 17" looks right, and more is too much. It'll also invariably start getting heavier, which is bad for performance and handling.

 

Check!
Tranny mount replacement this week
Then shifter bushings next
Double alt pully for the water pump/deleted air pump (maybe some tensioner bearings too)
Koni's and RB springs
-then i'll be back with seat questions (sparco steels perhaps)
steve

 

Lol he meant suspension bushings. I made the same mistake a while back. Though shifter bushings will help a loose shifter. #1 thing is to replace the old shocks. RB springs aren't that much stiffer. Since your old shocks are probably worn out you'll really notice the new shocks. I'd only replace the bushings/etc. if yours are worn out (with OEM). Often they are worn out though. You can replace everything with stiff polyurethane but IMO you lose a lot of comfort without gaining much (except a low price and some road feel). PU still feels better than horribly worn bushings and they're cheap, so FC people tend to like them.

Larger wheels generally improve handling but if you go too heavy you'll just hurt it. +1 to 17" max.

 

I agree on the Koni/RB being the best option. Don't worry about the lowering springs, on some high-mileage FCs, lowering springs actually raise the car.

 

why even have the option of swapping for stock TII suspension...... GXL's has the same suspension as the TII and GTUs'

get NEW kyb or tokico shocks with RB springs. they works just as well as Koni's but at a lower cost.

and if you want to lower the car a little more Mazdatris sells this:
http://mazdatrix.com/hsteer2.htm

its called "Front Lowering Kit" but only for the front. ignore the "does not work with Auto adjust suspension", IMO the AAS never really worked well. the only incompatability is that the stepping motors will not have room. just remove the motors and you're good.

 

thanks eric, I know he meant the susp. bushings- but the loose shifter ought to be super easy compared to getting old susp. bushings out and new ones in.

Anyone can confirm that the springs on my '88 GXL are the same as TII's?
If so, do I get the USED RB springs and koni's at $450,
or,
just get NEW tokico blues at $400 approx. to use with existing springs?

basically, i'm scared about getting out and installing new bushings
steve