3rd Generation Specific Talk about 3rd gen RX-7's here.

Shocks/springs Set Up

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Old 08-16-2005 | 11:48 AM
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base94montego's Avatar
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Currently I have stock shocks (base model) and eibach springs. I like the springs however the shocks are beginning to show signs of aging. I am considering getting konis but I heard they do not go well with stiff springs. Has anyone put the R1 suspension set up on a base model with eibach or racing beat springs??
Old 08-19-2005 | 08:49 AM
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i owned a shock dyno for 5 years and have dynoed over 30 OED FD shocks and R1 shocks.



the OEM shocks ranged from 3500 miles from new to the usual 100,000 miles shocks. with one exception ALL the OEM shocks dynoed exactly similar. in other words it is unlikely your shocks are worn out or changed from new spec.



unlikely, not impossible.



the single exception was a shock that had blown it's hydraulic seals and fluid was plainly seeping out of the shock onto the exterior.



the R1 suspension option consisted of different shock valving and was designed by someone using illegal substances. the R1 springs are the same as non R1.



i don't suggest you use R1 shocks except as paperweights.



how do you use your car? what suggests to you your shocks are bad?



optimal aggressive street suspension for the FD is



Eibach springs up 33% on the rate v stock

stock shocks

1.2 degrees front rear neg camber

less than 1/8th inch toe in front and rear

zero rear thrust angle

30 front 27-28 rear tire pressure measured cold.



i am leaving for the MRR and will be back on line sun eve. i would be happy to try to respond.



good luck,



howard coleman
Old 08-19-2005 | 10:19 AM
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base94montego's Avatar
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[quote name='howracer' date='Aug 19 2005, 07:49 AM']i owned a shock dyno for 5 years and have dynoed over 30 OED FD shocks and R1 shocks.



the OEM shocks ranged from 3500 miles from new to the usual 100,000 miles shocks. with one exception ALL the OEM shocks dynoed exactly similar. in other words it is unlikely your shocks are worn out or changed from new spec.



unlikely, not impossible.



the single exception was a shock that had blown it's hydraulic seals and fluid was plainly seeping out of the shock onto the exterior.



the R1 suspension option consisted of different shock valving and was designed by someone using illegal substances. the R1 springs are the same as non R1.



i don't suggest you use R1 shocks except as paperweights.



how do you use your car? what suggests to you your shocks are bad?





optimal aggressive street suspension for the FD is



Eibach springs up 33% on the rate v stock

stock shocks

1.2 degrees front rear neg camber

less than 1/8th inch toe in front and rear

zero rear thrust angle

30 front 27-28 rear tire pressure measured cold.



i am leaving for the MRR and will be back on line sun eve. i would be happy to try to respond.



good luck,



howard coleman

[snapback]750175[/snapback]

[/quote]



Well maybe you are right, it's most likely the area I live in (D.C. metro) the roads aren't the greatest for driving on (potholes, bumpy roads, etc.) I am considering Koni shocks with racing beat springs when I eventually replace them. So how long would you say shocks last on an Rx-7, before needing to be replaced. I have 108,000 on my chassis right now, but the eibach springs are fairly new. They were put on by the previous owner in 1999. The only aspect of the eibachs I do not like is the front of my car is significantly lower than the back so the ride height isn't level. I know Racing Beat springs make for a level ride height which is what I am looking for. Are Racing Beat springs of good quality compared to eibach??
Old 08-19-2005 | 01:22 PM
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I'm sure they are fine. As far as the stock struts so long as they are not making noises, bottoming out, etc I would say they are fine. I run stock struts and H&R springs. I am not really putting them through the paces at autocross or anything but they handle nicely on my back roads. The ride is nice and smooth too.
Old 08-19-2005 | 09:05 PM
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I've got the same set up as Dave and I'm having the same results. I'm very pleased.
Old 08-20-2005 | 12:23 AM
  #6  
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Personally I'm gonna go with a suspension setup from Tanabe when I decide to do my suspension but truth be told the stock 7 suspension is one fine system considering it is OEM. Better handling then most other sports cars that cost twice the price for its time.
Old 08-21-2005 | 01:11 PM
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ive seen a few blown stock shocks, it is rare though.
Old 08-22-2005 | 12:28 PM
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base94montego's Avatar
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So would you recommend eibach or racing beat springs? I like the feel of the eibachs but the ride height is definitely uneven. The back is higher than the front. Are there any eibach brands that give a more level ride height. I know racing beat is supposed to be level but are they of the same quality as eibachs?? If I can find eibachs with a level height I will definitly go with them. Do eibachs work well with Koni shocks?
Old 08-22-2005 | 01:20 PM
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Is it just me or do you hear more bad stuff about Eibach then anything else? From people who live around me all I've heard is bad stuff about em. :-/
Old 08-29-2005 | 08:52 PM
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Eibachs are great. I'd take them over the Racing Beats any day of the week. I'm running the stock shocks with H&R springs. It does sit a bit higher in the rear than I'd prefer but not by much.



I'd recommend you get the Koni shocks and keep your Eibach springs. Konis are ride height adjustable via spring perches. You can only adjust them when the whole shocks/springs are apart. A few people recommend running them at the highest setting up front and the middle setting in the rear with Eibachs.



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