Hello everyone, I am currently in the process of installing my replacement shocks for my 93, and during the installation process I noticed a couple of issues, if anyone has had experience installing these shocks please help.

1)The first thing I noticed was that the rear shocks bolt threads didn't fit the stock bolts. I needed to get smaller belts in order to fit.
2) The front shocks bolt threads are spaced just a bit wider then stock, and I'm not sure if I'll need to open up the stock oem drill holes for the shocks to fit.
3) Is that even dangerous, I mean opening up the drill holes, could that weaken the support/structure of the vehicle? Has anyone else performed mods like this before? If so please chime in any ideas.

 

You're telling me the bolt for the rear doesn't fit the bore of the lower bushing on the shock and that the front upper shock mounts don't fit the stock holes? Sounds like an awful set of coilovers. I've never had an issue like that with any aftermarket suspension installation I've done. I'd verify they sent you coilovers made for your vehicle and that there wasn't a mix up. If they are indeed for a 3rd gen rx7, I would then return them for how poorly they fit.

Matt

 

sounds like they sent you the wrong ones

 

I agree that you should just send them back.

 

Those Coilovers are $460 shipped new, are you surprised they have fit intent issues? You'd be better off returning them and using your stock suspension. Do yourself a favor and don't cheap out on this car that is becoming increasingly rare.

 

Return them and get your money back, consider it a lesson on buying the cheapest thing you can find.

 

Last I checked I spent my money, not yours. I started this thread looking for assistance, or wisdom from someone who might have some experience with these shocks, or other shocks. Keep your negativity to yourself, just because you don't agree with me spending $460 on a set of new shocks that were supposed to fit my vehicle, and didn't spend $550 for a set of used "Name brand" parts like some people would do, or maybe you think I should spend $800 on Godspeed shocks, or maybe $900 on Megan.

To everyone else suppling positive feedback, opinion, or advise, thanks for the help, it's much appreciated.

 

Yea that's pretty weird. +1 for either off-spec shocks or they sent you the wrong ones.

If you end up getting your money back, BC coilovers are pretty good bang for buck.

I replaced a set of HKS coilovers on my FD with BC Golds and never looked back...good shocks for the money.

good luck

 

The Rx7 community is very "elitist" if you haven't figured that out. It's pretty much, buy Ohlins or you're a cheap *** :P. But to be real, if those are for an FD3S and they fit like that...seriously, return them.

Matt

 

Looks like the wrong mount.

 

The "hats" on the shocks have a different bolt pattern front and rear. It might be they put the front hats on the rear shocks and vice versa. I would check that.

Without question, you don't want to go drilling new holes in the body of the car to make these fit. That's unsafe and crazy.

I don't think the FD community is "elitist", but I do believe you have to keep some perspective. This is a Japanese supercar, one of the finest cars Japan has ever produced. The car deserves respect. You don't necessarily have to use Ohlins $3000 coilovers, but use a quality part that will fit right and make the car better, not make the car junky.

Dale

 

Am I the only one who noticed that the OP referenced Megan and Godspeed as "quality" (or expensive) products? When did those two "brands" go from being ebay knock-offs to some sort of benchmark?

 

yes, hilarious haha.

rx7 owners are far from elitist (for the most part), but buying a knock off of a knock off is just stupid. you don't need top of the line, but at least get something quality.

 

Correction, I never said they were quality, just that they were "name brand" lol, as if everyone who doesn't buy a specific brand like sheep is some how wrong. I took a shot on a set of cheaper coilovers rather then buying OEM, lesson learned. What brand would you recommend? Another poster mentioned Ohlin so I'm looking into those now.

 

I didn't consider that, and thanks for the option. As I did the tears first and noticed the stock nuts were too big I'd venture to guess it would stil be a issue with bad fitment as the bolt threads would probably be to thin for the holes up front.

 

Your suspension is, arguably, the most important components of how the vehicle handles and performs. Aka, it has a MASSIVE influence on your driving experience. The FD is a pinnacle vehicle of its era and genre, with a HEAVY focus on handling.

You're going to take this car, and throw some $450 pieces of **** on that don't even line up correctly and then infer that others are sheep for sticking with proven companies? Maybe I'm reading this wrong, and if I am than I apologize.

There are certain areas where you can cut corners on a car. The suspension to the wheels is one area where you should invest in quality. You want to buy suspension from a company that became popular because they make parts that are proven to work, not a company that became popular because they're the cheapest **** you can find.

I'm no expert on suspensions, but:

Ohlins are stellar, but a bit pricey, if you can afford them great.

HKS makes varying levels of suspension. They are good.

Tien makes suspension for just about everything. They are also good.


Stay away from "brands" that pop up at the top of your search when you set your filters at "Price: Lowest to Highest"...

 

This thread should be mandatory reading for all new owners, especially the younger ones.

Agree with Levi/Fenda, Dale and most others.

Ohlins are certainly pricey but worthwhile if in the budget. Consider Tein, or check out the Apex'i coilovers as a pretty decent budget offering.

Megan, Godspeed, and this new stuff I haven't even heard of don't belong on an FD, IMO. You're just not getting anything of any quality at the $460 price point for coilovers.

Comes down to how much you value your time too. How much was spent messing with these things? Consider it a lesson learned

 

Felion - If I may suggest.... I did a quick browse of the For Sale section on this forum and came across this thread: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...rings-1092304/

I would suggest returning the EMUSA parts you ordered, and just look through the FS section for something like these used Ohlins. Or "splurge" and pick up something like the Aragostas in this thread https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...overs-1090412/

I bought my coilovers (HKS Hypermax Pro) used from this forum. This community is small enough that if a seller has a good reputation than chances are you won't get burned.