aftermarket Suspension variations

[gangster929]

Ok, so, i am looking at upgrading my suspension in my hc. I have a 1990 model hardtop. The pillar less one. Ayways, i have read through all the 929 post's, and havent got a final verdict on what actually bolts directly into the hc 929. Some have suggested kmac springs with gas struts, others have said pedders equipment, others have said custom made springs with comfort gas struts and some have said rx7 coilovers for height adjustment. What are you guys running, is it a direct fitment, or what did you have to do to make it fit, and is it practical. Lets make a list of each persons setup for quick reference... see below...

IE.
Equipment:I have standard gas struts and springs.
Installation method:They fit naturally, no need to modify or manufacture parts for direct bolt in application.
Required application:They are for ride compfort, not sports application, so ride compfort is retained.

Everybody list there suspension setup so we can refer to this for quick and easy reference.

On that note, who has rx7 coil overs in there car, what year rx7 is fittable into the 929. What modification is needed if any to fit them? Do the bottom bolts match on the front and rear of the strut and the 929 mounting points from both cars? Does the top hat need to be switched/modified for the 929? Thanks.

[sim_rx3]

im going through it now with my 1990 Luce.

front setup

using mazda rx7 FC strut tubes fitted with abs. so i can bolt the FC hub, disk, 4 pot caliper and the 929/luce abs sensor screws in.

the only thing needed to make it work properly is the 929/luce top hat to bolt to the body shock tower it gets bolted ontop of the fc shock/spring assembly and custom springs made to suit the heavy 929 compared to an rx7.


i have already had an FC shock bolted into the Luce and it does work. just the FC spring rate let me down.

the other bonus of going FC is the rx7 bottom spring mount is alot smaller than the 929/luce original so wider wheels can be used.


i will be doing a full write up with pictures when its done..

[gangster929]

Very interesting... i certainly will be looking out fot that one.. WHo has other setups?

[nitros13]

got Pedders Sports ryder suspension from a towing kit in the rear of mine with 1 and 1/2 coils gone, whiteline rear swaybar as well.
front i just have Industrial Springs with stock shocks.

nice and low, fairly stiff at the back, need to get new shockers for the front.

[9ine Deuce]

"the other bonus of going FC is the rx7 bottom spring mount is alot smaller than the 929/luce original so wider wheels can be used."

This is really good to hear, I did not realize it.

Well some of us know enough about my car, but Ill list anyways.

Stage 1 (June 2004) - Monroe Sensatrak x 4, brand new rear OEM coils, & 1 coil chopped off the front stock springs (0.5" drop). This set up replaces my factory aging suspension. Direct bolt across, clipped AAS harness, as there was no future outlook on purchasing $1600 in AAS shocks. At the time I was not daring enough to do the coil swap. I had limited time and just needed a quick replacement for my old suspension. More soild ride, absorbed bumps way better, handles what I thought was good for stock.



Stage 2 (June 2005) - Another 1.5 coils are cut from the front stock springs (close to 2.5" total drop up front only). Brings down the front, lowers the center of gravity but now feels slightly softer up front. Monroes adjust alright to the new ride height but their longevity is questioned. I could say now that if someone where to cut only 2 coils from just the front (I think it was "safe"), their HC would sit nice & even, with close to 2" chopped up front.



Stage 3 - (July 2006) - I get more ballzy & cut another full coil from the front as the "VIP" influence gets to me. The total amount of coils removed from the front is close to 3.5, the drop is easily more than 2.75". This was also inspired by the fact that my friend, who also has a 90' 929S, sold me some B&G 1.5" down springs (found on ebay) that he did not want. (He kept the front set & his system helps drop the rear down slightly more than stock). The car is slammed pretty good now (rides like it too). The front is much softer than before and become noticibly bouncier. The rear has a totally different feel now that it acutally has rear springs, it plants better, corners & grips harder and braking becomes easier. If is push it in the corners, the front gets mushy. I only had about 1.5 months time to drive at this hieght, I noticed more heads starting to turn. I must ride slower now because I dont want to do any extensive damage (I went for the looks...). One thing that should noted is that the Monroe shocks probably dont like me too much at this point, I dont think they would last much more than a year if I had driven it steadily.




Stage 4 is mostly likely going to be FC coils, Its the simple route for ride hieght I want. Air bags is also somthing Im considering in the future.

slammed vs. stock

[9ine Deuce]

I didnt know Whiteline made a rear sway bar. What size is it ?

[nitros13]

www.whiteline.com.au

part #: BMR48

[9ine Deuce]

Just looked it up, Whiteline noted this is a heavy-duty replacement type sway bar, 20mm in thickness.

[rdg]

9ine,
I read an article last month when I was shopping/researching for struts and springs for my heavyass HD. It was mainly about spring rate equation, don’t remember the site, probably have a link on my other computer but it crashed last week and still trying to save files. Anyways, he mentioned that when you stiffen your spring rate by either cutting or aftermarket, the struts may appear to be gone but most likely they just can’t dampen the increased spring rate. A suspension shop may be able to fabricate an insert.

With the amount of work you've done you probably know this, if so, disregard.

[9ine Deuce]

Actually I dont know much about this procedure. In my case its just a matter of "**** it and cut it" because the whole time Ive had this car I knew I was going with FC coilovers eventually. It was just a matter of time and it still is, Im here away for skool and my cars have been in storage since late August.