I am looking to upgrade the 175k worn out suspension on my rx8.
There are plenty of choices out there. However, I really like the feel of these dampers on the NC miata I drove.
The rx8 is just a big NC.
Soooo.... would these work well on an RX8? If not, why not? I know the weight of the rx8 is a bit higher (3080# with 225# me in it).
Is there enough adjustability in the motion control to compensate for the plus size miata?
Use case is mostly mess around car, but I do autocross and do track days as well. (Several times per year).
Any help is appreciated!
There's something different about the shock geometry, iirc.
I know we're all accustomed to having Keith's input on our Miata questions, but humor me for a moment.
How often do you see this?
Someone posts a question on an enthusiast forum and in less than two hours, it's answered by one of the owners of the (employee owned) company.
And, instead of going for a possible product sale, the reply is that it might not work.
This is why I've owned Miatas.
Keith Tanner said:
There's something different about the shock geometry, iirc.
Well, if yall are interested... I'd be fine with a set to try to find out if ya got some ya wanna send my way! I'd even give a review and compare times at the FIRM time trials!
Lolz.
I know we've looked into it in the past. The sway bars are interchangeable to some extent, but not the shocks. I think the RX8 ones are longer. It may be possible to use the Foxes to run the RX8 at a lower ride height, but it may be necessary to add some spacers under the bumpstops to keep from reaching travel limits of the suspension. I'd need some measurements off an RX8 to say more.
The Foxes would definitely be able to control the heavier springs you'd want on the RX8, and even if you didn't like them Fox is willing to do custom valving.
Snrub
Dork
3/5/25 8:29 p.m.
I believe Fat Cat will do a RX-8 setup.
Ohlins?
In reply to Keith Tanner :
Sounds like it might work with spacers between the top mount and the body. I've installed "lifts" for WRXs that were just longer studs and a couple sheets of cut plastic.
Are we talking a half inch, an inch, or part of a Paco lift kit?
In reply to Snrub :
If you like short bodies and lack of travel, Ohlins will do that for you :) The NC Ohlins are remarkable in how little travel they offer, hopefully the RX8 ones might be better.
Pete, if I had dimensions I could answer that question.
I respect that you wouldn't know instantly off the top of your head for a chassis that you don't typically sell componentry for 
Here's the difference between an NC rear shock (left) and a RX8 rear shock (right)
Keith Tanner said:
The sway bars are interchangeable to some extent
This is getting off topic, but the RX8 swaybars are dimensionally identical to the NC aside from the diameter.
Wow, thanks!
Seems like there would be a bunch of compromises that would negate the point of buying a well tuned package.
So, to keep this thread rolling...
What brand or package of shocks / springs would yall buy for an rx8? For roughly $2k or less
-bilsteins (b6 or b8) and racing beat springs
-bilstein b12 (pro kit)
-bikstein b14 (pss)
-bilstein b16 (pss9)
-ohlins (sounds like not great reviews above)
-koni yellows and racing beat springs
-feal 441 monotube coilovers
I do like the idea of buying coilovers for corner weighting and adjustability without "rolling my own". However, if the company made compromises in the assembly (like perhaps the ohlins example above), that negates all of the benefit.
I realize this is about as productive as a "what oil do you use" conversation....
Thanks!
I have KW V3s on my RX-8 and they are a great. They are a little pricier than your $2K limit at ~$2900.
I'm reading with interest as I was looking at the Ohlins for my 8.
I will add that I don't recommend the Kohni's for the RX-8, unless you want to set them and forget them. The rears are not adjustable on the car and have to be removed to adjust (compress the rod and turn). I have them on progress tech springs. They do fine on track, but are harsh on the street.
