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The Mazda RX-7 is a legendary sports car, known for its lightweight chassis and rotary engine. However, when tuning the RX-7 to handle 400 horsepower, it’s crucial to upgrade the suspension to ensure safety and performance. Here are the top suspension modifications to consider for your RX-7.
Why Upgrade Your Suspension?
Upgrading the suspension of your Mazda RX-7 is essential for several reasons:
- Improved Handling: A better suspension system enhances cornering and stability.
- Increased Safety: Upgraded components can handle the increased power and speed, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Better Ride Quality: A tuned suspension can provide a more comfortable driving experience.
Essential Suspension Mods for 400 HP
1. Coilover Suspension Kits
Coilover kits are a popular choice for RX-7 owners looking to improve handling. They allow for adjustable ride height and damping settings, which can be tailored to suit your driving style.
- Adjustable ride height for optimal center of gravity.
- Customizable damping settings for different driving conditions.
- Improved body control during cornering.
2. Sway Bars
Upgrading the sway bars is crucial for reducing body roll during aggressive maneuvers. Stiffer sway bars help keep the car flat in corners, enhancing stability.
- Front and rear sway bar upgrades for balanced handling.
- Reduced body roll improves cornering performance.
- Better weight distribution during turns.
3. Strut Braces
Strut braces connect the tops of the strut towers, increasing chassis rigidity. This modification helps maintain alignment under load, improving steering response.
- Increased chassis stiffness for better handling.
- Improved steering feedback and precision.
- Easy installation with significant performance benefits.
4. Upgraded Bushings
Replacing factory rubber bushings with polyurethane or solid bushings can significantly enhance handling. These materials provide better feedback and reduce flex in the suspension system.
- Improved responsiveness and feedback from the suspension.
- Increased durability and lifespan compared to rubber bushings.
- Better alignment retention under load.
5. Adjustable Control Arms
Adjustable control arms allow for precise alignment adjustments, which are crucial when handling increased horsepower. This modification helps maintain optimal suspension geometry.
- Customizable camber and toe settings for better tire wear.
- Improved handling characteristics with increased grip.
- Enhanced stability during high-speed cornering.
Choosing the Right Components
When selecting suspension components, consider the following factors:
- Driving Style: Choose components that suit your driving habits, whether for daily driving or track use.
- Budget: Quality components can be an investment; balance performance with your budget.
- Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable brands known for quality and performance in the aftermarket community.
Conclusion
Upgrading the suspension on your Mazda RX-7 is essential for safely handling 400 horsepower. By investing in quality components such as coilovers, sway bars, strut braces, upgraded bushings, and adjustable control arms, you can significantly enhance your vehicle’s performance and safety. Remember to consider your driving style and budget when making these modifications, and enjoy the thrilling experience of driving a well-tuned RX-7.