I'm close to getting my car running and the first thing to go is the old suspension. It's trashed. I push the car from the side and the entire thing wobbles.

I've got plans to do the bushings as advised in another thread I just found by buying a set from RE-Speed. http://mrcmfg.com/catalog/product_in...roducts_id=368

But I'm still not so sure about the shocks and springs. My original idea is to get Tokico Illuminas, and RB springs. I've seen a lot of people talk about running Eibach springs, but from the rates I saw on Mazdatrix site they look like the fronts are way stiffer than the backs. I'm pretty new to suspension setup though.

I'm looking for something that will be good for autoX, track days, and the occasional drift event. I like to dabble, but can only afford 1 car. I also plan on losing the 12a eventually and going 13bt. so I need something that is going to handle well with the extra weight up front.

Are the Racing Beat springs going to be good enough for this? Is anyone running the coil over style springs from RE-Speed or has tried both and can give me some feed back on them?

I know everyone's car and driving style is different, just looking for some personal opinions to help me find what will be right for me. Thanks.

 

Theres a bunch of guys running the RE-Speed coilovers, everyone likes them. I have a set of the front race coilovers on my car but it's not running yet, my rear is a custom setup with adjustable upper spring perches, but I've heard good things about the adjustable lower perches for the rear from RE-Speed. Illumina's are a good choice, should be perfect for what you want to do. I wouldn't buy the RB springs, if you do you'll just want to upgrade to coilovers later. Depending how low you want it to ride and what size wheels you have you might want some turn-in spacers, I think G-Force's are the best but RE-Speeds are okay. Do a search in the 1st gen section, LOTS of threads about this.

 

Respeed all the way.

I started out by "upgrading" to Racing Beat parts. That lasted about six months, then everything came back off the car and went up for sale. Best lesson, I should've done it right the first time.

Now that I'm on decent parts, my car rocks and I wouldn't change a thing. My specifics are listed in my signature line, and check out some of the videos if you have the time.

Then, if you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me a PM if you like. Respeed held my hand through my entire build and got me exactly what I wanted (daily driver that kicks *** in autocross), so I'm more than happy to pass that help along when I can...



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+1 for RE Speed. Good stuff, I know a few 1st gen guys who run RE speed everything and seem to like it.

Personally, I don't think racing beat springs are stiff enough or lower the car enough. Eibachs are better imo.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Did you have a hard time installing the RE-Speed stuff. I know it looks like part of it needs to be welded, and I don't really know anyone with a welder or who can weld, so I'd probably have to have a shop do it.

I'm trying to get it all right the first time. No point in going back to buy new parts

 

I don't weld either, so here's how I handled it. I cut off the stock perch, then positioned the new perch in place and taped it down. Then I dropped that off at a weld shop on the way to work, and picked them up after work. Cost was $20.00

Everything else is bolt-on.