Suspension and tire time for my FD (help i'm clueless!!)
 

ok fellas, I was under the fd today, (a daily driver w/ 130k on the chassis)and noticed that the inner section of my front tires are so badly worn that i dare not drive on em, and my og shock boots are torn to shreds...

As stated, I'm clueless when it comes to suspension, so I have some questions for those who would care to answer, and YES I know how to search and have/will do so, but sometimes its better to get direct answers rather than making conclusions from statements from several threads that are out-of-context from one another....

I've already been looking at purchasing new wheels and tires, I'm leaning towards 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 w/ the appropriate offsets, and tire sizes according to advice given on other threads here.... I'm also now, due to the miles on my stock suspension, considering either lowering springs and aftermarket shock, or a full coilover setup

on to the questions:

a) my suspension is stock, does the wear on the inside of my stock tires (in front) indicate i need new bushings in the front?

b) my car is a daily driver, on the horrible potholed and badly patched northern CA 101, would it be stupid to invest in coilovers given most of my driving will be done here?

c) Even though I'm not tracking the car now, I wouldnt be happy spending on suspension mods that would endanger the balance that mazda researched for this car, is the adjustability of coilovers (opposed to lowering springs) helpfull in achieving a preferable suspension balance, or for the most part is it just for the 'looks' of ride height?

I'm not exactly rich but, have some cash in the bank, do you think i will kick myself for spending so much on coilovers, or will i kick myself for not going all out and just buying a spring kit w/ some good shocks?

Any specific setups that from experience that wouldnt cost me an arm and a leg and would satify my need for significant ride/handling improvement?

and before anyone says spend less on the suspension, and more on the drivetrain, my car has a mazda factory rebuid (w/15k on it) with new injectors, new o2 sensor, new koyo radiator, new alternator, new rb catback, drop in k&n, and all new hoses etc, I dont really wanna do anything else w/ the engine right now....(although the stock twins are worring me a bit... :P)

ANY helpfull advice from those w/ experience would be MUCH appreciated, I read the threads here for hours a day, and appreciate all the knowledge here, but I havent come to any solid conclusions, I throw myself on the mercy of your knowledge,,,lol!!!

thanks ahead of time for anyone nice enough to chime in... :)

IMO, here's what I would do:

* Replace pillow ball bushings
* Replace upper mounts
* Koni Adjustible shocks
* Eibach Pro-Kit springs

That's also a setup you can put on the track if you ever desire to give it a try.

Hey Mahjik, thanks for the quick response! :) Based on other threads youve been involved with, I was thinking this combo may be the way I go, as it sounds affordable and practical...and proven. I'm wondering if I will be happy with the appearance as well with this setup - but thats far from bieng as important as the handling to me, I just dont wanna step outside everyday and wince at the rear fender gap, (saying to myself, gee if i just put up the cash I wouldnt be cringing daily....) lol. Its not that big a deal, I dont need the super close and chubby look (and id rather fit than rub) but I may be inclined to spend a little more if the rear gap with say, 255-265/35-40/17 looks 'wrong'

any pics or comments on this?

thanks for the input, this may very well be the way i go!!! :)

Depending on what aftermarket wheel you use, it can give the "illusion" of less gap in the rear than the stock wheels even when it's about the same. Here's my car before I switched off the Eibach's with 17" rims:

http://mahjik.homestead.com/files/FD...s/MVC-007F.JPG

http://mahjik.homestead.com/files/FD...s/MVC-010F.JPG

Given the fact that you mentioned ride quality being a concern (i.e. potholes and such), I would stay away from the "super low" springs unless you do want a bumpy ride.

I agree with Mahjik's suggestions, although I will point out that the Koni/Eibach setup will ride harsher than stock. Certainly livable but harsher.

The tire wear is due to an improper alignment, most likely excessive toe rather than camber.

thanks for the pics Mahjik, looks sweet! (mines a VR too, so its even a better example for me!) I really REALLY appreciate both your and Rynbergs input as I refer to both you guys when searching, as you guys seem to be concerned with the tech aspects of the Fd, I'm in my mid 30's and am more geared to (if not as tech knowledgable) the aspects of the Fd that you guys are, than I think some fd owners may be.

I also am thankfull for the quick response as this is my daily, and I'm gonna have to act as quickly as I can, Kudos!

honestly, even with my hands on mentality, I would be at a loss without the knowledge presented here on these forums, makes it much easier to deal with owning an FD....

the setup that you have suggested seems to be about as affordable as you can get while still bieng very practical, which in the end would probably be the wisest, as I havent purchased things like a house yet...specially lving here in northern Cali...lol

Rynberg - I think i can live with a little harsher ride, even if my butt ends up a little more numb, my brain will apreciate the smallest increase in performance, I've owned the car long enough to be ready for 'a little more' :) thanks for the warning though, i think i will actually enjoy the increase in harshness ...

Hey Mahjik, when you recommended the pillow ball bushings did you mean specifically the true pillow ball bushings themselves, or the pillowball kits which cover most all the bushings - excuse my ignorance if these are one in the same, as I've read it seems the pillowball kits cover several bushings that are not truely pillowballs, i only ask because it seems like it might get pricey labor wise, and even though I'd love to do the replacement myself, i dont know that I would have a garage to do it in, or the time to pull it off.... maybe it would be silly to have it pulled apart and not do it all anyway? just a thought...

anyway, the info you guys have already provided has already made my life and choices easier, truly, thanks again!!

PS if I ever get off my azz and come to an event u guys attend, I OWE YOU A BEER!! hehehe

Check your PMs....

Thanks for the compliment. Now, I'm also in my mid 30's as well. :) However, a few years ago I got the "track bug" so that is what fueled my interest in cars to be more on the technical side, verses just being on the enjoyment side. ;)


Check out Max's site with a write-up on the pillow balls:

http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...lls/index.html

If your car does have 130k on it and they haven't been replaced yet, chances are they may be a little worn out. :)

Wow, that is a great walk through (and a great site) Mahjik, w/ that much info i think i could def do this :)

I probably wouldve stumbled on it eventually, thanks for pointing it out though, you probably just saved me hours of searching.....

Well, as I respect your guys opinion, I think this is the way I will go, now I just gotta pull out the checkbook and start ordering :)

When its all done I will post some impressions maybe some pics too, you guys rock, thanxz again!!

Where are you located in the Bay Area?

I'm in SF. I also have a spare set of H&R Springs for sale. I bought them used as a package deal with some struts. I only needed the struts.

You can sometimes find great deals on rims here on the forum, and definitely keep your eye on ebay.....I got an absolute steal on my Fikses a few years back. For tire reviews the Tire Rack has a wealth of info. I have found that the Bridgestone Potenza S03s are outstanding performance tires in the wet and dry weather. If you decide to stick with your stock wheels, you can upgrade to a wider 245/45 tire which will keep your speedo accurate due to it's stock-sized sidewall.

Hey Jpandes, Im down 101 a bit south of San Mateo, bye Oracle........

do you know the height diff between the eibachs and the H&r's? I'm sure I could look it up, but if you know off the top of your head....I beleve Rynberg stated they claim .6 in front and that is wrong, that they actually end up dropping the front a whole 1 in.

I'm gonna look up the spring rate diff between the eibachs and the H&R's as well, and I'll get back to ya... both companies have been in racing longer than there's been RX7's I believe, so Im sure theyre both quality....

Goodfella, I have been keepin my eye out on ebay, rarely see a staggered set like I intend w/ the right offsets, and because the car is down and is my only ride to work right now, I may be forced to pay department store prices...lol

I'm still wavering between 17 and 18's, but since I'm plannin on also buying springs, bushings, tires, and NEED to buy seats (see practical seat thread)
17's seem possibly more reasonably priced at a weight thats acceptable to my sensabilities...You never know though, I might just get lucky!! :)

These may work for you, and the price is certainly reasonable. You would need some different tires though:

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=530293

you guys are amazing!! you all seem to be looking out for me!! wow thanks for the heads-up Goodfella!!! :)

If you need some help let me know. Im in Los Gatos. There are more of me....

I would also look into the BFG Comp T/A KD tires. I've been running them for the past couple of years and absolutely love them.

nice, thanks for the info fellers

These are what I am running now. I love them in the dry weather, but when it rains I drive home like a little bitch :D

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Force+T%2FA+KD

this may also be a good place to look for tires:

http://stores.ebay.com/SUPERSPORTTIRES

You're right Rich in the rain they're not the best, but you lose a little in some areas to gain in others IMO.
-Nic

Without a doubt. The one time I cranked my BNRs up to 19 psi, the KD's gave outstanding traction from a roll in 2nd and 3rd gear, figure around 440 rwhp. First gear was kinda crazy, but for 275 width tires I was very impressed.

Lol, I thought I was decent at searching, but u guys just turned me on to a bunch of places honestly I really wasnt looking, I've been pretty happy when i purchased tires from the T-rack, but looks like i should be looking elsewhere as well, my intention was going with Bridgestone Potenza RE750's cuz theyre relatively cheap, and I loved the 720's I had on my old 87 t-2, but maybe, as youve pointed out I should be looking around a little more. Come to think about it, even though I loved em, I snapped the belts in one of em after only 5k on the t-2 maybe I need to be looking at something a little more aggresive anyways...

not to sound to mushy, but I'll say it again, I am a little overwelmed that you all have taken the time to read this thread and point out some really good options, makes me appreciate this forum's community that much more, hopefully i can return the favor in the future :)

Oh, and ps, the 720's I had on my T-2 were phenominal in the rain, but i dont think either the 720's or the newer 750's are really that good for heavy regular abuse, although, I dont think I'm running nearly as much HP as alot of you guys, so I might be able to get away with running em easier than some of ya.... hehehe.....

AND, about those re750's bye the way, I have a buddy with a C-5 runnin about 350 hp who bought them for his rears, he snapped the belts in em rather quickly too, so even though theyre freakin great in the rain, I cant say I'd recommend them to anybody who's gonna push em hard specially if your runnin over 300hp...

Us rotary guys have to stick together in the battle against the evil piston:grouphug:

Btw, who is the mastah of the serch? Here is another place with great prices on tires, including toyos:

http://www.ec-securehost.com/OnlineTires.com/

Rich

Seems only you are the master of the serch.... most other people have mastered the SEARCH :D