Suspension with 18" SSR Competition
 

Hi guys, I'm looking into getting a set of SSR Comps, 18x8.5 F, 18x9.5 R. I want to upgrade the suspension at the same time, to lower the car and increase handling capabilities. I chose the Comps for performance reasons (super-light) and I'd like a suspension that is about as high-performance as I can get. I drive a 94 Touring, and the ride is not nearly as stiff as I would like. Would a set of coilovers give the best handling performance or a set of springs and shocks? I don't need ride height adjustability after they're installed, and I know that's one main advantage coilovers have. In terms of handling performance, what is recommended most?

No doubt about it. Coilovers are the way to go.

Read the stuff Howard Coleman writes in this post and choose the best to your budget.

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...4&page=1&pp=15

Since you have no need for ride height adjustability, then ignore the advice above by "SiKoPaThX". Howard's post is a good one, and the most important information there which is relevant to you are spring rates. Aftermarket spring sets (H&R Sport, Tein, Eibach Pro-Kit, et al.) are not as stiff as your average coilover system and gives a more forgiving ride on the street w/ potholes, surface irregularities, etc. Compound that too w/ 18" wheels and thin sidewalls as they give a harsh ride themselves.

That said, just go w/ a good shock and spring set. Most popular of the latter I mentioned above, and of the former, Konis, Bilstein HDs, and Tokicos.

just curious, where do u plan to get SSR comp rins?

Tire Rack most likely, if new. AFAIK, they're the exclusive distributor of SSR "Competition" wheels (aka "Type C" everywhere else) in the U.S.

I don't know. He said a suspension setup that was about as high performance as it gets. Is height adjustability the ONLY thing people get coilovers for? Fill in the n00b (me) :D

Yep, the Rack. Looking at Kumho Ecsta MX's for rubber.

I strongly suggest you go with 18x9.5 +50 offset Comps at all four corners with 265/35 tires all around. This will give you a large contact patch up front and the ability to rotate tires.

That setup will work with the stock springs and reasonably lowered coilovers. With the typical lowering springs, you should probably roll the front fenders to be safe.

A set of well-designed coilovers will be your best suspension improvement, however, unless you are an experienced track driver, the improvements will be lost on you (no offense). Unless you have track experience or plan to track the car, a spring/shock combo will work very well for you. Howard Coleman, a 22-year SCCA racing veteran, recommends the Eibach springs with stock shocks for a great handling improvement.

If you are looking for coilovers, the best quality and most functional coilovers at a reasonable price are the Tein Flex, the Zeal Function B6, and the Silk Roads RE38s.

I definitely don't want to roll the fenders, and I have heard that a staggered fitment will improve the balance of the car. You are right at this point that I would not be able to use coilovers to their full capability, but at some point in the future I will be, and I like to just upgrade one component at a time to the best I can get. With the Tein Flex, I know Howard doesn't recommend pillowball mounts, and don't these come with them? Is it possible to just use the stock mounts with these?

I am lookinf for comp C 17"offset 15 and 28. I don't think tire rack carry those offset.
Do they take special order?

Halu,

an old post said that you have a FD. If that's the case you might want to triple check your fitment and do a search on FD wheel fitments for 17" wheels. Those offset won't work unless you are doing something with the body work ;)

I had wide body, which extend 25mm front and 30mm rear.

I have staggered 225/40 and 265/35 with Eibachs and Bilsteins, which seems to be a good set-up for the street....a little bouncy, I probably need more rebound damping, but the car handles good