1988 RX-7 Strut Replacement
 

Hello, first time poster here, and really an RX-7 novice.

My wife has a 1988 RX-7 GTU, has had it since new, around 70,000 miles. I mostly do my own car work, I have a 1982 Corvette that keeps me very busy. But I told her, any issues and the RX-7 goes to the shop as I know nothing about them. Well, 30 years, and it has rarely been in the shop, and even then it was something minor, knock on wood. Well, it is is dire need of new struts, and I figured that wouldn't be too tough to tackle myself. I have been scouring the posts for information, gathered a bunch of good info, and I found where I can download the Service Manuals for assistance there.

But I was wondering if anyone has some good recommendations on what to put in for replacement. Being the GTU it does not have the electronic control, I believe, I hope, so just basic strut replacement. It is 100% lady driven, daily driver, never performance driven, so I want something more plush than performance. Was looking at the KYB Excel-G struts, as they are frequently recommended, and sound like a direct replacement. But I have some other questions -

Are the stock struts coil over? If so, I should replace the springs as well, correct? If not, are coil overs better replacement, and anything I need to know about modifications?
I see kits for the strut boots with bump stops, should they be replaced as well, is that stock?
Do I need anything else as long as I am replacing, a mount kit, or anything?

First time working on her baby, and would prefer to not have problems, or make it right like a buck board, so any help is greatly appreciated.

Welcome aboard!

Replacing struts on our FCs is pretty straightforward. I have KYB AGX struts on my RX7 with Ground Control coilover sleeves and Eibach springs. Compared to what was removed (worn out original Auto Adjusting setup from November 1986), the AGX/GC setup is slightly firmer but still appropriate for a daily driver. Even with the extra heft of a 20B-REW under my hood, the car still feels comfortable.

After checking with Mazdatrix, it seems that OE Mazda struts for base and AAS equipped cars have been discontinued. See link: 86-92 Suspension

As for springs, your options are going to be aftermarket as well, due to Mazda discontinuing quite a few of the FC RX-7's suspension parts. Mazdatrix currently offers Racing Beat springs, a known supplier of excellent parts for our cars.

shocks
 

I usually stay with stock equipment but it's more expensive. My latest project is an 88 Turbo II and I had the KYB shocks and Racing Beat springs installed. The spring is a little stiff but very nice riding. For what you need, I would just go with the stock equivalent in the KYB series. The KYB Excel-B shocks would be perfect for your wife's car. Search for the best price.

So, as stated, I am not able to find any stock springs, or any stock replacement springs. All aftermarket springs lower the car, and are stiffer. Although I have read that some, even lowered and stiffer, have a similar ride as stock.

My question is, what does the lowered right height do to alignment, and the geometry of the suspension? Are other changes needed? Or is it a linear change that requires no other changes?

Thanks for the info on this.