Smitter

I am looking for an aftermarket setup for my fd. my main goal is to keep somewhat of a stock suspension feel (i can handle a little firmer) and to lower the car an inch or so.

I can purchase the Tokico shocks with a racing beat spring, over the counter locally which is really appealing. From searching on the forum here i have come up with that a koni yellow shock is slightly more popular, but i am unsure why?

The Konis can adjust ride height while the Tokicos adjust ride comfort? is this correct or can both shocks adjust both?

also is there any objections to the racing beat springs. My biggest worry is that i will be rubbing somewhere. I have work wheels that are 18x10 +41 in the rear. and 18x8.5 + 40 in the front. I have a 265/35r18 tire in the rear which i would like to upgrade to something wider down the road if possible. do the aftermarket springs allow for more wheel clearance, or is a coil over a must for that?

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

The Koni Sport Adjustables (aka Yellows) can adjust stiffness (rebound I think) via the adjuster at the top of the shock. They can also adjust ride height via the 3 position spring perch. At full soft, they are a bit softer than stock with quicker reaction time (as expected from a Sport oriented shock). I love Konis and have been using them for 20 years on different cars b/c the offer excellent performance and reliability. I also tried the Tokico Illuminas once on a VW 15 years ago and liked the Konis better so I've been buying them pretty much ever since. Well, except for when I had my 95 BMW 325 and used Bilstein Sports and was seriously disappointed. You might have read some of my other threads on Konis.

I think the choice between the two partially becomes one of brand loyalty as well as performance. Another thing I like about the Konis is how wide the aftermarket is for them and how many people race on off the shelf Konis. There is an excellent distributor network and you can have them custom valved for your needs. Not sure how Tokico compares in that respect.

I don't have any personal experience with the RB springs but past threads on the topic have me thinking that they might be a bit soft for the ride height.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

RB springs are a no if you don't want to have problems. They are about the same spring rate as the stock springs, just lower. Basically, almost a cut stock spring. This is not good as you need some increased stiffness when lowering the car. Check out H&R springs. The lowering is good and still provides nice ride quality.

As for the shocks, for street performance either one will do. If you get into more performance oriented driving (road racing, autox), the Koni is a better performing shock. You can even get them revalved for higher spring rates or modified for race quality adjustments. If none of that is in your future, Tokico will do just fine as I've used Illuminas now for several years on and off the track. However, I would recommend going with their new shock:

http://www.autocarparts.com/part/963/804/

Smitter

thx for the replies guys. i am leaning toward your recomendations of the Konis and H&R springs. still want to know if i gain any suspension clearance from the aftermarket springs over stock?????

52615 is the part number for the h&r springs and they lower the car 1.25" in the front and rear, can anyone confirm this? i am wondering if this is to low for my wheel size?

Another question i have is if u were to outfit the konis with the stock springs and use the highest perch, would the cars ride height be higher then stock? i am wondering this because if i go with a 1.25" drop all around, will i be able to compensate if it turns out to be too low? (hope that makes sense)

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

I used to run Konis with H&R springs. I believe I posted the ride height measurements before with that setup. IIRC, I think it left the car at 25.25" measure to the fender lip (using fresh/new OEM upper shock mounts). I ran the rear spring perch in the middle setting and the front at the top. Car was very easy to drive with that setup on track and very streetable.

I also have Eibach F+R sway bars and running 255/40/17 all around on 17" x 9" +45 rims. Basically SleepR1's old setup (formerly his car now mine).

You should be OK with your setup and not rub. I have no personal experience with your sizes but search on Goodfellas' rim size posts as I think he ran the offset you are planning on running on 8.5" rims.

I think the Eibach springs may be a bit stiffer and b/c of that might be a better spring for track usage if that is your intent. Otherwise, I really enjoyed my H&Rs.

I have run Konis with stock springs and they provided a nice street ride. I think I ran them at the middle perch. IIRC, at that middle perch, the ride height was a bit higher than w/ the H&R springs. Konis w/ stock springs are a great option for just street driving. You can adjust the spring perches to give you some lowering. If you are doing the work yourself, you might want to consider buying the Konis, fresh upper mounts (if yours are bad) and spring pads and using the stock springs at the middle perch to see if you like it. Labor is free if its your time. If you don't like it, you can get the springs and try them too.

You can search my old posts on this topic if you want some more in depth detail.

ARD T2

iTrader: (22)

Have you guys seen if they make the Tokico D spec or HTS for the FD.

That's an incredible damper.

Rishie

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Yes they do Rishie. That's the link I posted up above.

ARD T2

iTrader: (22)

Ahh very nice. I can get the club a better price on those too. I did a set of those on a RX8 with SWIFT springs and OMG it was soooo nice. Wide spectrum of damping. I was definitely impressed.

Rishie