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RX-8 · Handling

RX-8 Coilovers

Your RX-8

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Handling + stance
Hard$1,100–$2,0004–6 hrs
All RX-8 mods

Why do it

Lets you adjust ride height and stiffness for sharper handling. Get an alignment afterward.

Tools you'll need

Parts to buy

Always double-check fitment for your exact year, trim and transmission before buying. Prices change. ModBuddy doesn't earn money from these links.

Before you start

  • Measure your current ride height at all four corners (center of hub to fender lip) so you have a reference.
  • Plan for a professional alignment the same day or right after. Driving far on a bad alignment wears tires fast.

Video guide

RX-8 coilover install (front and rear)
by Function & Form (coilover maker) on YouTube

Made by a coilover company on an RX-8. Front first, then the rear starting at 3:17. Each ▶ button below jumps to that step in the video.

Watch the whole video

Steps

  1. Lift and support

    • Loosen the wheel nuts, raise one end of the car and support it on jack stands under solid points, never on suspension parts.

  2. Disconnect parts attached to the shock

    • Remove the wheel. Unbolt the sway bar end link and any brake line or ABS wire brackets attached to the shock.
    • Never let the brake caliper hang by its hose.
    Watch this step (0:00–0:49)

  3. Remove the shock

    • Support the lower suspension arm with a jack, remove the lower shock bolt, then the upper mounting nuts.
    • Lower the jack slowly and pull the shock out.
    Watch this step (0:49–1:40)

  4. Set up the coilover

    • Set the ride height and spring preload to the kit's recommended starting point before installing.
    • Set the damping adjuster to the middle setting to start.

  5. Install and torque

    • Install the coilover, start all bolts by hand, then torque them to spec.
    • Tighten suspension bolts with the car's weight on the wheels when your service manual calls for it.
    Watch this step (1:40–3:17)

  6. Repeat and check height

    • Do the other three corners. Lower the car, roll it back and forth, and measure the height again.
    • Adjust evenly side to side.
    Watch this step (3:17–5:51)

  7. Get an alignment

    • Drive gently to an alignment shop and have camber, caster and toe set.

How to know it worked

Safety first

  • Park on flat, solid ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Use jack stands rated for your car. Never get under a car held up only by a jack.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool completely before touching them.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging sensors or electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses, and gloves around sharp heat shields and hot fluids.
  • Tighten bolts to the torque spec in your factory service manual.
  • If a step doesn't match your car or you're unsure, stop and ask a shop.

These are overview steps written to help you plan the job. Always follow the instructions that come with your part and the procedures and torque specs in your factory service manual. Horsepower is an estimate; results vary.