How to Properly Adjust the Ride Height on an Adjustable Coilover Kit in a Mazda RX-7?
Aiming to enhance your Mazda’s handling and performance? Upgrading your vehicle’s suspension system with an adjustable coilover kit might be the upgrade you seek. Coilovers integrate the shock absorber and spring in a single compact unit, enabling drivers to adjust the ride height to their liking, thus enhancing car handling and performance. This article will guide you on how to precisely adjust the ride height on your Mazda RX-7 using an adjustable coilover kit.
Understanding the Basics of a Coilover System
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of adjusting ride height, let’s take a minute to understand the basics of a coilover system.
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A coilover – shorthand for ‘coil spring over shock’ – is a suspension device that combines both the shock absorber and a coil spring into one complete strut assembly. These integrated units allow for custom height adjustment, thus allowing drivers to lower or raise the vehicle to their liking.
The chief reason you’d consider coilovers for your Mazda is for the enhanced handling they offer. By adjusting the ride height, you can influence the center of gravity of your car, which subsequently affects its handling characteristics. It’s a top choice for car enthusiasts who are passionate about delivering the ultimate performance from their vehicles.
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Choosing the Right Adjustable Coilover Kit for Your Mazda
The first step towards adjusting your ride height is selecting the right adjustable coilover kit for your Mazda RX-7. Not all coilovers are created equal – they vary in price, quality, and ease of use.
Selecting the right parts for your vehicle is paramount. Some coilovers are perfect for street use, while others are better suited for the racetrack. Research on top-performing coilover brands, read reviews, and consult forums where you can find posts from other Mazda owners who have already made the switch to coilovers.
One important aspect to consider is compatibility. Make sure that the coilover kit you choose is compatible with your Mazda RX-7 model. Check the product specifications, and if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.
Installing the Adjustable Coilover Kit
Once you’ve acquired the right adjustable coilover kit for your Mazda RX-7, comes the installation phase. This process involves replacing the old struts and springs with the new coilover assembly.
First, ensure safety by properly securing your car on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. After ensuring the vehicle is secure, begin by removing the old struts and springs from your Mazda.
Next, assemble the coilovers as per the instructions provided with your kit. Make sure that all components are correctly installed and secured tightly. Once you’re done with the assembly, install the coilovers onto your vehicle.
Adjusting the Ride Height on Your Mazda
With the coilovers installed, it’s time to adjust the ride height to your liking. This process involves lowering or raising the coilover to the desired height.
To adjust the ride height, locate the adjustment collar on the coilover. Turning the collar clockwise will lower the car, while turning it counterclockwise will raise it. Adjust each coilover to your desired height, ensuring that you keep the adjustments consistent on all four corners to maintain balanced handling.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that adjusting the ride height isn’t just about appearance. It can significantly affect your car’s handling and performance. Therefore, take your time to make adjustments and test drive your vehicle to assess the changes.
Maintaining Your Adjustable Coilover Kit
Proper maintenance of your adjustable coilover kit will ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regularly inspect your coilovers for wear and tear and lubricate the adjustment collars to prevent them from seizing.
Moreover, keep an eye on your Mazda’s ride and handling. If you notice any changes in performance or if the ride becomes uncomfortable, it may be time to re-adjust your ride height or have your coilovers checked by a professional.
The installation and adjustment of a coilover kit in a Mazda RX-7 might seem complicated, but with the right tools, parts, and a bit of patience, you can achieve the custom ride height you’ve always wanted. Remember, the ultimate goal is to enhance the car’s handling and performance, so take your time to get it right. Happy driving!
The Influence of Spring Rate on Ride Height Adjustment
It’s essential to understand the role of spring rate in the adjustment of your car’s ride height. The spring rate, measured in pounds per inch (lb/in), is the firmness of the spring in your coilover. It determines how much weight is needed to compress the spring by an inch.
In the context of a Mazda RX-7 fitted with a coilover kit, the spring rate has a direct impact on the car’s handling and performance. A higher spring rate makes the car stiffer and more responsive, ideal for track racing. On the other hand, a lower spring rate yields a softer ride, more suited for street driving.
It’s critical to choose a coilover with a spring rate suited to your driving preferences. Brands like Kontrol Pro offer adjustable coilovers with varying spring rates, allowing you to fine-tune your ride height and handling characteristics.
When adjusting your ride height, remember the spring perch and pre-load settings. The spring perch adjusts the ride height without changing the spring’s compression, maintaining the original spring rate. Pre-load, however, alters the spring’s compression, affecting both the ride height and spring rate, thus changing the car’s handling.
Importance of Testing After Adjustment and Conclusion
After adjusting your ride height, it’s crucial you don’t rush to conclude the process. Instead, take your time to thoroughly test the new setting. The importance of this step cannot be overstated.
Drive your Mazda RX-7 in varied conditions to determine how the new ride height affects your car’s handling and brakes. Pay attention to changes in cornering, acceleration, and braking performance. If you have the opportunity, get professional input. Involve experienced drivers or mechanics who can provide feedback based on their extensive knowledge.
Take note that a beautiful stance achieved by the perfect ride height adjustment may receive many likes and posts on social media platforms, but the real satisfaction comes from superior handling and performance. So, prioritize the latter over the former.
In conclusion, adjusting the ride height of your Mazda RX-7 using an adjustable coilover kit can significantly enhance your vehicle’s performance and handling. But the process, from selecting the right parts, installing them, and making the correct adjustments, requires patience and precision. Regular maintenance is also crucial to ensure the longevity of your kit. Embrace the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a remarkable driving experience. Happy driving!