I'm getting a 5 lug swap for my daily driver (88 SE) here shortly, and I'm planning on putting new shocks & springs in, because the current set, eh, doesn't absorb shocks. The rear bounces freely a few times before the shocks start to work.

The current parts list:
Springs (looking at a progressive rate set from Mazdatrix)
Shocks (looking at the adjustable ones from either Racing Beat or Mazdatrix)
SS brake lines
Rear steer eliminator bushings

I've heard of the Energy Suspension kit, and it seems that it replaces most of the other bushings - would it also include the eliminator bushings, or do I need to order those separately? And are there any major suspension related bushings I'm not covering?

For installing these, I known that at least some of them need a press. Is this something that a reasonable automotive machine shop can do if I take the pieces in? And, are all the important pieces removable?

Finally, is there anything else I should do while I'm under there with the suspension in pieces? I've replaced the motor mounts with the stiffer Mazdatrix mounts, but I haven't replaced any other drivetrain mounts.

-=Russ=-

 

I've heard really good things about the racing beat suspension spring kit (comes with springs and stabalizers).
www.rx7store.net has a nice price on a shock set for the FC as well. As far as I remember they were adjustable, but don't quote me on that. Check their site.

Those are the two that i'd be picking up if I was doing the suspension.

 

the DTSS bushing will probably be seperate from everyone... here's my suggestions. Buy the Racing Beat spring/sway bar combo set... buy the Racing Beat DTSS bushing eliminators and an Energy Suspension bushing kit and Tokico Illumina's. Your set for suspension and if you want anything better.... buy some Tein coilovers and new bushings.

 

while you're tearing apart your suspension, you might want to change the subframe bushings, and the front and rear diff bushings. Use stiffer compitition ones, or go the rout I did, and get the uhmw ones from montgomery (www.mmr-direct.com) they make a big difference, especially if your old ones are shot.

 

How would I go about replacing the subframe bushings?

I was looking at the differential mounts, and they seem quite expensive ($100+). Am I looking at the wrong parts, or are they just kind of pricey?

-=Russ=-

 

Would you like pics with that?

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/anyone-ever-dropped-rear-sub-frame-355757/

 

the mmr-direct ones (subframe mounts and diff mounts) aren't as pricey, but are almost hard mounts. If you don't mind gear noise they're a nice way to go.

 

How loud are they, realistically? I'm not opposed to gear noise, I'd just like to be able to have a conversation at normal tones when on the highway with the windows closed, and hear music without having to blast it.

-=Russ=-

 

Not that bad, really. The only drawback I can see, is that it's more obvious that my tranny/diff are in really bad shape. It's not that noisy, just semi noticible gear whine if your drivetrain is in good shape. My wife likes to play GranTourismo, so when she heard the whine, she thought it was cool!