dhays

iTrader: (1)

I had decided to go with RSR down springs and Tokico Illuminas for my 94 Touring. I got a set of Tokicos at a decent price but when I went to order springs found that I couldn't find anyone who had the RSR springs and it looks like RSR is not going to support the FD anymore with springs. So following some suggestions and searching a lot in the forums, here are the options that I've found. Please correct any errors you find. Drop is in inches front/rear, spring rates are in lbs/inch. I tried to organize them from softest to stiffest.

Stock: Spring Rate 263/195

Racing Beat: Drop; .75/1.5 Spring Rate: 260/212

Tanabe "Normal feeling" Sustec NF210: Drop; 1.25 to 1.50; Spring Rate ??? They claim close to stock

Tanabe "Grip feeling" Sustec GF210: Drop; 1.25 to 1.50; Spring Rate ??? They claim 20-30% greater than stock

H&R Sport Spring: Drop; 1.25/1.25, Spring Rate; ??? Progressive?

Eibach Pro-kit: Drop; 1.0/1.0 (although many claim that they are much different than advertised for drop), Spring Rate; 350/255

RSR Down (and Ti2000): Drop; .8/.6 Spring Rate; 349/261

Tein H-Tech: Drop; .8/.7, Spring Rate; 391/291

Tein S-Tech: Drop; 1.4/1.3, Spring Rate 436/324

So now I'm looking for suggestions. If I can't get the RSRs anymore, what would be the second choice? I don't want to lower the car too much for fear of rubbing issues. I have 18x8.5 wheels with currently 235/40/18 tires. I do a little Autocross and then just weekend driving.

As it looks now I'm thinking about the Eibach or the Tein H-Tech. I'm concerned about the consistency of drop with the Eiback and the H-Tech may be stiffer than I'd like. The Tanabe GF might be a decent spring rate, but the drop is more than I'd like.

So between the Eibach or Tein H-Tech, anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

You might bug 3GRX7 to see where he bought his:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/wheres-best-place-buy-suspension-parts-fd-739009/

On that note, from what I've seen over the years, any spring where you can't find the spring rate is most likely progressive. Now, that may or may not be a bad thing. I know several people who have tracked FD's using H&R and they are no noobs to tracking.

I have the Tein S-Tech's. They are low and very highly sprung for just a spring upgrade. I wanted something stiffer for the track which is why I picked them. IMO, they are a little too stiff for normal driving. The adjustment on the Tokico's make it bearable, but I don't suggest them for someone who uses their car quite a bit on the street.

If you go with Koni shocks, you can use a lower perch on the rear to help even out the ride height using Eibachs. A lot of people have gone that route with lots of success. If you are going to stick with the Tokicos, I would suggest getting either H&R's or Eibach's if you are still unable to source the RSR springs.

dhays

iTrader: (1)

Already tried. I think they shipped their last set to him.

I was staying away from progressive springs, but only because of my poor understanding of threads I've read, no definite reason other than it is hard to compare spring rates on progressives.

Any thoughts on the Tein H-Tech? They aren't as low or as highly sprung as the S-Techs. Anyone used them?

I think I'll stick with the Tokicos. The price was decent on a shock that is already a fair bit less expensive than the Konis from what I've seen. Any idea on rubbing if I went with the H&R's with the 1.25 drop?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

The only person I've seen use them on the FD is "1wide7". You might toss him a PM to see if he has any pictures and thoughts about them.


What offset are your wheels?

Here's a shot of my buddy's FD with them (next to my dad's old Z06):

https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...5&d=1155417576

dhays

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. I will.


Thanks for the link. My wheels have a 40mm offset. 18x8.5.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

If you have your fenders rolled, you should be fine. I have 17x9 +43 with 255's on the Tein's:

http://mahjik.homestead.com/files/FD...tein_stech.jpg

The fender roll was enough clearance. Now, I had mine rolled flat, not just rolled back a little. I figured I'd just get them out of the way for good.

dhays

iTrader: (1)

Not sure of your aspect ratio but I'm guessing they are 255/40s. My diameter would be a tad larger, but 3/4" narrower. I'm guessing I'd have about a 1/2" more room from the fender than you do. I'd rather not roll my fenders if I can help it.

BTW, I just found out that the H-Tech are a progressive spring. So I have no idea what the spring rates they give represent, the first part of the spring movement or the end.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure that 1/2 inch is only going to be on the fender side. But tires also play a huge roll in this as not all tire sizes are exactly equal. I purposely chose the Yokohama ES100's because of that reason. Not a super sticky tire, but it was a little smaller given the same size to help with clearance.

IMO, you should roll your fenders regardless of the springs you select. You may not need an extreme roll like I did, but a moderate roll should be a must.

You might email Tein. Some of the companies do a mix of linear and progressive springs. It's thought that the H&R springs for the FD are really linear even though they make progressive rate springs for other cars. Heck, it was thought for years that Eibach was progressive rate for the FD (since they do progressive for other cars in the same line).

dhays

iTrader: (1)

<sigh> Why can't all this stuff be simple and straightforward, say like nuclear physics or something?

Good idea. I'll see what Tein says.

dhays

iTrader: (1)

I got a reply from Tein regarding their H-Tech Springs. Here is what they said.

"Dear David,

Thank you for your interest in TEIN High Performance Suspension products. Our High.Tech lowering spring kit is designed to be used in conjunction with the OEM dampers, and features spring rates specially selected to match the valving of the OEM dampers. Both our S.Tech and High.Tech springs utilize a progressive design but a linear spring rate. The progressive design refers to coils which are used to seat the spring onto the damper, however once installed the springs perform at a linear rate. Our High.Tech lowering spring kit is designed to be used in conjunction with the OEM dampers, and features spring rates specially selected to match the valving of the OEM dampers. The High.Tech kit would be ideal for those seeking a lowered vehicle stance and improved performance while maintaining maximum road compliance. For a vehicle used for occasional track use, we would recommend our coilover kits which provide a large jump in suspension performance, with ride height and damping force adjustability (on some models). We have provided part number and pricing details below, and have attached representative images for your consideration."


Not sure what to make of all that. They say that once the springs are installed they have a linear spring rate. I suppose I can buy that. The spring rates they have listed however, are a lot firmer than stock at 390/290. The drop is about equal to the RSR downs (at least the claimed drop for each) at .83/.71 inches. I called Tein and talked to them. They claim that the drop amounts are pretty accurate based on their test fitting. Not sure how much test fitting they have actually done on FDs but....

I think I'll give these a try. They "should" keep the car at a pretty level stance, as opposed to the Eibach where I read reports that they drop the front a lot more than the rear. It will be close to the 1" drop I want and give a good increase in spring rate without getting to the really hard ride of the S-Tech.

Now I just have to find a set that I can afford.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

"progressive design" just sounds like a fancy market term.

I think you'll be fine with the H-Tech's.

dhays

iTrader: (1)

Hah! I bet you're right. I've got them ordered. I'll take careful measurements of ride height before and after install.

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

is it safe to say that generally speaking, higher spring rates = rougher/ bouncier ride and lower spring rates are smoother?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

To an extent, yes. However, the damper will play a bigger role in the ride quality overall. If you have a good adjustable damper which can properly handle your spring rates, you'll have a good ride even with fairly stiff springs.

RE.Amemiya.FD3S

Guys, i have Koni Shocks all 4 around, i just want to lower my fd a bit, i was thinking of the Tanabe NF210, i am really concerned about my RE-A Side Steps and Don't want to have troubles at speed humps.

Most of them go for Koni Shocks + Eibach coilovers, it's great but police won't pass my fd when registration with Coilovers.

Whaddaya guys suggest?