uRizen

iTrader: (2)

I have an 87 GXL with 113k on the clock and the suspension has never been rebuilt. It rides ok now, but the sway bushings are shot so it rolls much more then it should, and the ride is still pretty stiff but could definatly be better, especially when I start doing Solo II in the summer.

I want to keep the price down since I only drive this car occasionally in the summer and the only motorsport I plan on doing is Solo II. I've done a bit of research and talked with a few of the local club guys and here's what I'm think may work best.

Springs: Racing Beat springs (1" drop, 20% increase in rates, http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda2.htm)
$120 for all four corners.

Struts: KYB AGX front and rear (adjustable, http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...013&perfCode=S)
$506, could probably get them cheaper from another vendor.

Sway Bars: Turbo II sway bars and Racing Beat end links.
$120 for the endlinks, unknown cost on TII sways.

Total: $746

I think that should make a decent package for someone that doesn't plan on doing track events or getting too competative in Solo II. I'm pretty sure the 1" drop will keep my ride height the same it is now (I've been neck to neck with a FC with a freshly rebuilt suspension and mine is a noticably lower with it's sagging springs.)

I don't know if I'll end up needing the TII sways once I swap out the shredded endlinks, but we'll see.

I don't really think I need adjustable struts either, so if you guys have some good suggestions for non-adjustable struts that could save me a buck and still be good for Solo II I'd appreciate it.

DamonB

I'd take all your money and first replace the suspension bushings. Then get an alignment. Save all that other stuff for later. You have a car that's nearly 20 years old! Get the stock suspension back in perfect condition before even considering modding it. What class do you want to run in? That will dictate the mods allowed.

I'd also race the car some before modding it. You haven't run it in Solo2, what makes you think you need the car to behave differently?

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

Well, I figure the current struts and springs have to be in pretty bad shape (although there's no leakage on the struts and the car doesn't bounce or anything like that.)

Bushings are definatly a concern, I forgot to add those to the list. I've been looking into the Energy poly bushing kits.

Anyways, I figured since things are getting pretty worn out I might as well upgrade when I replace (a theme I've been sticking to since I got the car.)

As far as class goes, I think I'll be in one of the Street Prepped classes. I have the full RB NA collected exhaust (including header), S5 intake with the VDI and cold air inlet (from under the fender well), the BBS 'vert wheels, and no emissions equipment.

No matter what class they throw me in I should be in with the local rotary club guys (we all have similiar modifications) which is all that really matters to me.

Spank

iTrader: (1)

Since you are in SP then mod away. As stated by others. Update your bushings. Then instead of KYB shocks run the Gab Super R. You should be able to buy all this on the forum for fairly inexpensively. I used to autox a 88 TII now I autox a 93.

Your car will be fun but never competitive in the class you are going to be in.

Spank