rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

I am looking for a price on 95 PEP shocks.

Starting the suspension replacement and soft is the key word. I have an R1 and don't autox, just nice bouts around town.

I've found Bilstiens new but are they as soft as OEM?
I havn't yet heard anyone say that adjustable shocks would provide a softer then stock ride dampening, but they are still a possibility.


Raj

DamonB

My Konis at their softest setting are softer than the R1 but slightly firmer than the base model. Sorry; those are the only ones I can comment on.

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

That is great input!

From you, I can definatly confirm that Koni's are still stiffer then 95 PEP,

KONI's = Out
Bilstein = ?
McPherson factory price = ?
Others = ?

SpeedKing

iTrader: (4)

FWIW, I recall a thread where "SleepR1" (Manny Lozano) mentioned that the Bilstein HDs were similar to the Showas that came on stock R1s.

rynberg

You're not going to find anything on the market as soft as the stock non-R shocks. People buying aftermarket are typically looking for firmer damping. Just get some OEM shocks and be done with it.

That said, I agree with DamonB that the Konis on full soft are just a little bit stiffer than the stock non-R shocks.

rallimike

iTrader: (1)

I have the Koni Yellow's on my '94 PEP, and I think they're softer than the stocks. I replaced my OEM's when there was no sign of a problem.

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

Mike - I do believe what you say, but I am going to take the opinions of Ryan and Damon, two veteran members, about the Koni's and still count them out.

Ryan - Typical doesn't apply to me, in any scense. I would prefer the option of a dial to stiffen, if at all possible with my requirements.

I have searched and am still finding less then definative answers. So far, I have Eibachs and 45 series tires waiting to go on with the right shocks.

Thanks for the responses and keep 'em coming, this is alot of money to spend and then have buyers remorse.

Raj

rynberg

You didn't say you were getting aftermarket springs....

With the stiffer springs, you will need a stiffer shock to control them, otherwise you will be bouncing all over the place.

Get the Konis. They are nearly as soft (or softer for rallimike) as the stock PEP shocks at the full soft setting and can be stiffened to race stiff at the top of the dial. Easy to adjust too.

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

Yeah, I suppose mentioning my other suspension points would have helped people in their recomendations.

I have contacted many people and the general consensus is to trust Koni's. But, every one has also told me that '95 PEP soft only comes from one source, the OEM McPherson's.

I still need a price if anyone knows off-hand on the OEM.

Thanks,
Raj

maxcooper

A little story about a man named MacPherson and how he has nothing to do with the FD...

MacPherson was an engineer (?) that has a suspension design named after him. However, his suspension design is not present in the FD. The FD has "shocks" at all four corners, rather than "MacPherson Struts". Even for cars that have MacPherson struts, the "MacPherson" part refers to what the part is (like "wheel" in "wheel bearing") rather than the manufacturer. It is also okay to simply use "strut" when you mean "MacPherson Strut", but weenies like me sometimes get upset if you call a shock a "strut". They really are different, but I try not to let it upset me too much. Koni, Bilstein, and many others all make "MacPherson struts" for cars that use them. "MacPherson" isn't a brand identifier.

-Max

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

Ohhhhh,

It has become a generic term, like kleenex. I see. Good input Max!

OK, stock OEM struts is what I'm after.

Raj

ricola555

I just got some oem-ish shocks from the tirerack...they are kyb, ride is soft yet firm. Plus these things are cheap!!!

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/S...mium&x=65&y=11

rynberg

The front OEM PEP shocks are about $150 each, part numbers are: F123-34-900A (left) and F123-34-700A (right).

The rear OEM PEP shocks are about $112 each. Part numbers are: FD15-28-700A (x2).

Wow, an OEM part that's cheaper than good quality aftermarket!

Give either Malloy Mazda or Mazdaformance a call to order them.

David Beale

Just for reference/further data point I installed H&R sport springs and am using the 93 non-R1 original shocks. They work just fine, though I'm not racing on them. I also installed silicone rubber shock boots (motorcycle ones). They are not really necessary, but they look nice ;-) . The stock boots were trashed/gone depending on which wheel you looked at. All they do is prevent debris from denting the shock rod. They do not stop dust or rust.

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

Finally, thanks Ryan!
I never want to bother Ray Crowe with 'just' a price request.

Dave, it is very nice to hear that you are not bottoming out with your shocks and over a 1.25" drop.

Ricolla, I am not even considering KYB's because of the large variance in opinion from users. Thank you for the link though.


Raj

maxcooper

Did you read it?!?!?! I don't mean this message as a flame at all, but you seemed to have missed the main points of my last message.

Kleenex makes a product, and the their name has become a generic term for that product even though there are other manufacturers. Other examples of the "Kleenex" phenomenon: Xerox, Band-Aid, etc. MacPherson was the designer of a specific suspension layout, rather than the manufacturer of dampers for that suspension. MacPherson is NOT like Kleenex.

Here's a link to a short web page with some basic info about a few popular suspension designs (IMO, all car enthusiasts should have this basic knowledge):
http://autozine.kyul.net/technical_s...uspension2.htm

The FD has no struts; it only has shocks. It doesn't have a MacPherson strut suspension. You need shocks, not struts.

-Max

wreckless

i hate when people disregard terminology, and say "yeah you know what i meant". i deal with this all the time, but it's usually from my current girlfriend. it's also noteworthy to mention that there are a couple kinds of struts, one being Mr. MacPherson's design and the other differing by the mounting point at the hub/A-arm. so not even all struts are MacPhersons. don't ask me who has brand rights to the other type, i have long since forgotten.

BTW i know i sound like a smart *** but i emplore you to take the sarcastic, know-it-all tone out of this post. i am new here and only wish to make myself know as a source of knowladge and occational quirky hummor.

DamonB

To myself I always call them "dampers", but people around here wouldn't know what those are or they would insist that I mean "dampeners" which IMO mean the windsheild washer nozzles that dampen the windsheild (Don't get me started on guys who install "sound dampening" in their car or people who don't undestand the difference between "brake" and "break"!!! )

I typically say "strut" even when referring to the FD because for some reason that's what people always call them around here and they understand what it refers to; I would like to know where that all started. Shock absorber is another terrible American misnomer, those English guys got it right except for insisting the round black things on your wheels are "tyres"

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

All points taken. Gentlemen, I have for the first time been flamed.

Max- I read it, and I see where you were going now.

Damon- Why do you think the term "shock absorber" is assenine? I thought shocks was short for that term.


I have brought it down to two options which happen to both be very close in price:

'95 PEP - Will result in the cushy ride I have always wanted from my FD, kidneys will rejoice.
Koni's - Adjustable, if at all needed, but importantly they have adjustable spring perches. This will equate for me to FINALLY have a car that is evenly level, front to back and not nose down like all things I hate, including my current setup.

Thanks guys, I NEED SHOCKS-MAZDA IS INORRECT TO CALL THEM MACPHERSON'S. Learned some new stuff through this.

Raj

DamonB

No flaming intended; just speaking about word choices we see in North America.


Because "shock absorbers" do not absorb shock; the springs do that. The sole meaning in life for a "shock absorber" is to in fact damp the oscillating motion of the spring, hence "damper" is the proper term IMO. FWIW I also think "sway bar" is assinine but I use that one here too since most people don't recognize ARB

wreckless

a slight addition, tires (tyres) are acttually attributed to the absorbtion of "shock" the srings enable the tire to remain in contact to the ground at all times, but what sucks up those potholes and washboards and train tracks are the tires.


yes, i know too much for my own good... so i've been told

DamonB

If that were true we could completely throw away the idea of a sprung suspension and have solid axles like go-karts do

wreckless

no, you missed my point, the jolt or "shock" is absorbed by the side wall of the tire. that is why low profile tires ride just a tad rougher than more pedestrian touring tires. the suspension takes the unevenness out of the road, it absorbs undulations and bigger inpeadments. but i wouldn't refer to those as a "shock", more of a disturbance. this is where i think our difference of thought stems from. but i'm glad we both agree that the shock absorber has nothing to do with shocks of any kind. know what else tickles me? why did they change the name of generators in cars to alternators? yes it makes A/C and feeds it to the battery, but it really is still just a generator....

maxcooper

rajeevx7, no flame intended at all -- just trying to promote proper use of the terminology. Mazda called them MacPherson struts, or a dealer? The FC had a MacPherson strut front suspension, but the FD doesn't. Lots of shops and dealers use the terms sloppily, but I would be surprised if Mazda factory documentation made that mistake.

wreckless, I think car companies started making those hybrid cars (gas engine + electric motor) just to cover up for this unfortunate turn in the accuracy of automotive terminology.

Both the tires and the suspension absorb shock.

-Max

rajeevx7

iTrader: (11)

New ?.

Are how much lower are the Stock R1 springs then a touring? These springs are lower in spring rate then my Eibachs so would give a more cushy ride, with out the height drop. The springs + the -5 (f) and -15(r) mm spring perches of the Koni's would give me a smoother ride. But, how low is the set up going to be?

Raj