What are the recommended struts or coilovers for a 1985 Mazda RX-7 FB?

For a 1985 Mazda RX-7 FB, your suspension options depend heavily on whether you want a comfortable daily driver or a lowered, adjustable setup.

Difficulty: Moderate (for shocks/springs) to Hard (for coilovers, requiring TIG welding/fabrication).

Here is how the options break down based on what works on this platform:

1. The OEM+ Daily Driver Route (Shocks & Springs)

If you want to maintain your factory ride height and prioritize a smooth, reliable ride over track performance, the consensus is to skip coilovers entirely. A proven setup for this is running KYB Excel G shocks in the front and adjustable KYB AGX shocks in the rear ¹.

Pair these with standard-height springs like Pedders or King Springs to keep the suspension geometry happy and the ride comfortable.

2. The Coilover Route (Performance & Lowering)

If you want height adjustability or a stiffer ride, BC Racing and Techno Toy Tuning (T3) are the standard premium recommendations ¹.

Crucial Warning: There is no true "off-the-shelf" bolt-on front coilover for the FB RX-7.

• BC Racing: The rear is a bolt-on affair, but the front requires cutting and welding the factory struts ³.
• Techno Toy Tuning (T3): You will need to send them your original front spindles so they can fabricate the coilover hardware onto them ².

Safety Note: If you buy a kit that requires welding to your factory spindles or strut tubes, ensure it is done by a competent TIG welder and machinist. Poor penetration or misalignment here can cause catastrophic suspension failure at speed ². Also, keep in mind that the BC setup will lower the car about 2 inches by default and rides noticeably rougher than stock ³.

3. Custom / Modular Build

If you have fabrication skills and want a budget-friendly adjustable setup without buying a full kit, you can piece it together:

• Front: Use Ground Control camber plates, adjustable spring perches, 2.5-inch springs, and quality strut inserts.
• Rear: Weld a 5-inch spring adjuster (from circle-track suppliers like Speedway Motors or Allstar) directly to the unibody and run a 5x8-inch spring ³.

Historically, ReSpeed also made excellent modular drop-in kits and adjustable rear sleeves for the FB that were highly recommended if you planned to add weight later (like a 13B turbo swap) ⁴. While they are harder to find today, used ReSpeed components are worth grabbing if you spot them in the classifieds.

Bottom line: If you don't want to cut up your spindles or pay a shop to do it, stick to the KYB shock and spring combo. If you are ready to cut and weld, grab the BC Racing kit.