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Here you can see that the collars for the front of the rear subframe have a tight fit around the bolt and definitely remove play from the bore. The four fronts went in without issue and helped line things up. The center and rear collars were the split style and weren’t bad to squeeze up in there. Looked just like the fronts so I didn’t bother to snap pics. I got everything installed and put the car back on the ground.
The drive: is it different??
Well a little bit. It’s by no means a PHENOMENAL change as I’m sure most anticipated. Claims I’ve read include reduced vibrations and stiffer chassis from these collars. Here are my observations:
It feels a bit different.
What i can BEST relate this to is akin to installing a strut bar. It’s a small change but it’s not gonna knock your socks off. I drove around the neighborhood and was purposely hitting bumps and jamming through the gutters between streets. The car feels more level. A slight reduction in roll. When I cruise down the road, I found myself hitting sewer covers on purpose trying to see if I could tell a difference. It feels like my suspension does more work now. When I would hit a sewer cover, I felt less droop and bump and more...smoothness. I didn’t notice a reduction in vibrations or anything. Then again I’m already on Ohlins and have poly motor mounts. There’s no getting rid of every vibration :P
Is it worth it?
That is all gonna be in the eye of the beholder. Is it worth $500 from RHDJapan? No way. They’re a nice change, but I can pick plenty of things I would rather spend $500 on. Worth $200 or $250? You know, I could live with that. If I was in a position where I had already done everything else and I wanted just that little bit more, these could be worth it. It would be interesting to see a long term effect these could have on retaining a good alignment even after several track days. For a perfectionist or someone with money laying around, these are worth a shot. My alignment for my steering wheel is slightly shifted now. So I’ll need an alignment in addition to all this, but I’m preparing to swap a bunch of bushings to Mazdacomp in a week or so. So I’ll align it after.
How thick are these things? First thought that comes to mind is that they end up lowering the subframe and will alter suspension geometry? I'm sure an alignment would take care of that however.
Are they one time use like copper crush washers where they bite into each side to fill the voids?
How thick are these things? First thought that comes to mind is that they end up lowering the subframe and will alter suspension geometry? I'm sure an alignment would take care of that however.
Are they one time use like copper crush washers where they bite into each side to fill the voids?
Not very thick. I don’t have my calipers on me, but right around 2mm if memory serves.
Car has to be aligned after install - for sure. I mean, anytime subframes are coming offf I’d recommend it.
As for multiple uses - they say you can reuse them. But how often are we really dropping the subframe?
Either way. If someone wants to test a set and/or do a review PM me.
I'm on the list, but looking for more feedback before I buy. anyone else have these installed yet that can offer additional insight?
Might make sense to research S2000, Skyline and other vehicle installs. These are a bit more widely used in those markets and have much more feedback (almost all positive).
That is if if you are looking for confirmation on the theory itself. RX7 installs seem to be a bit behind.
Price on the Group Buy is $250. We have SIX sets in stock and ready to roll with more on the way! The first six orders should ship almost immediately, while the rest will need a week or two for production. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!
No coupon code needed, just order via the link above!
Group Buy pricing will run through the end of the month. So please get your orders in ASAP.
