So in my rx8 i have 2 shocks going bad and am looking at my options. I was kinda thinking about going with a set of tien dampners or just getting oem again. The problem is that the cost of the oem's just to replace the broken shocks is about 100 bucks cheaper than going with a full set of the tien basic dampners. Is anyone else with an 8 on here running aftermarket? if so what kind and does it actually make any difference? im lost on this atm just found out last night when i went to get my alignment done that 2 shocks and 1 spring are about to give out on me

I know Icon and Greek are running modded suspensions. You might want to check in with them. I am not sure but I think Ghost is as well. I am stock and I think I am just dropping a little, but that comes after the body mods I am doing.

Huzer21 has a full Mazdaspeed coil over kit installed.

^^ Really? Damn I am jealous.

im running tein s-tech springs. handling improved greatly. if your looking for oem springs and shocks pm me my friend has some i might be able to get you a good deal on

I'm running stock for now but I'd say that getting the Tein is a hell of a lot better deal and you won't have to replace the other 2 later. I always replace the entire set if I can.

Thx for the info and im gonna just get the full tien setup as soon as i get the cash for it

I have the MS springs + shocks on my car. Love the look and the handling of the car. That set up, while not adjustable, is still cheaper than the Tein Basic setup. I didn't need any adjustability in the suspension, which is why I decided against a full coilover setup.

Now would you rate the ride compared to stock? How harsh is it compared to stock?

I would rate the ride as a little more firm. It's not what I would consider harsh. It is a slight bit more unsettled over uneven (think urban roads with lots of bumps/pothole repairs/etc) pavement. The handling is improved over stock, definitely a notch above what the car was stock. The drop is fairly insignificant, 3/4", and even then, it took a little bit to settle. I wish it would have evened out the gap between the front/rear, but it didn't. For the price, I definitely like the change.