KTS RX8 Coilover Suspension - SC Damper System for Series 1 & Series 2

KTS RX8 coilover suspension suits owners who want a purposeful damper and spring setup over the standard rubber-bushed struts, covering both Series 1 and Series 2 cars through the SC damper system. If you are planning a more considered chassis build for your RX8, this is where to start.

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$ 20 $ 13000

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Replace isolated intake parts with a coordinated ODULA, KTS and GREDDY TRUST induction package for sharper throttle response.

Price range: $90 through $390 inc GST

Swap the factory rubber intake pipe for a rigid polished aluminium tube. Sharper throttle feel, stable airflow geometry, cleaner engine bay.

$250

Monotube Japanese coilovers with 15-way damping and full ride-height adjustment. The sporting RX8 coilover kit Australia enthusiasts have been asking for.

$1,860

What owners are saying

AUTOEXE Motion Control Beam Front and Rear for Mazda RX8 (Series 2, 2009-2012) AUTOEXE Motion Control Beam Front and Rear for Mazda RX8 (Series 2, 2009-2012)

Night and day difference, even on a bone stock suspension. While installing the AutoExe front strut bar greatly enhanced steering response and turn in, the handling improvements from it was very subtle. Likewise with the AutoExe tie bars installed in the front and back of the car. More solid feel, less suspension parts deflection under cornering loads. These Motion Control Beams took away the vibrations that are slightly felt in the steering wheel from small road surface imperfections. It also took away the bumps felt from pavement gaps and mostly the rumble felt from railway crossings and brick roads. Going through small pot holes and road patches, the stock suspension is finally doing its job to dampen away those bumps and doesn't get fully transmitted throughout the entire car. Big bumps, you don't hear a loud hollow "thump" emanating from the back of the car. Just a solid "thud". The car used to understeer and now it hardly does. It handles quite neutral now, even on bone stock open differential, and did I already say bone stock suspension? This is win win, all around, without sacrificing anything.

A coilover conversion changes the character of an RX8 in a way that almost nothing else does. The standard suspension is a reasonable factory compromise, designed to satisfy a broad range of owners and use cases. KTS RX8 coilover suspension is built for owners who know exactly what they want from their chassis, a setup you can adjust, trust and build around.

The KTS SC damper system is the centrepiece of that approach. It combines damper and spring into a single, height-adjustable assembly, replacing the OEM strut arrangement on both Series 1 and Series 2 applications.

What the KTS SC Damper System Delivers

The SC damper coilover design gives you control over ride height and, depending on the variant, damper adjustment. These are the two variables that most directly shape how an RX8 responds in corners and under braking. A well-set coilover lets the rotary’s near-perfect weight distribution work with the chassis, meaning flatter cornering and more consistent tyre contact.

The car feels genuinely planted rather than just stiff. On track or on a back road, the difference between a dialled coilover suspension setup and a worn standard strut is not subtle.

KTS coilovers suit Series 1 and Series 2 builds. Whether you are running an early four-port or a later Renesis variant, there is an appropriate application to research. The Mazda Australia RX8 was homologated in two distinct series, each with its own suspension geometry. Confirming which series your car belongs to is essential before selecting a kit. For Australian owners, KTS represents a considered alternative worth factoring into any serious RX8 coilover suspension comparison.

Planning Your RX8 Coilover Build

Coilovers work best as part of a complete suspension plan rather than a single-part swap. Before committing, consider the condition of the surrounding hardware and what you want from the finished car: street comfort, a road setup, or a track-focused configuration. The answers shape the damper specification, the spring rate and the ride height target.

RX8 Coilover Suspension Setup Checklist

  • First, confirm Series 1 or Series 2 application before selecting a kit
  • Also, assess the condition of control arms, bushes, hubs and end links before fitting new dampers
  • Then, set ride height to suit intended use. However, aggressive static height on a road car compromises geometry gains
  • Finally, factor in wheel and tyre fitment, because ride height and offset interact directly

The Right Starting Point for Serious Chassis Work

If the goal is a cohesive, well-resolved chassis, upgrading the coilover suspension is one of the highest-leverage changes available. The KTS range, including the SC damper coilovers, gives Series 1 and Series 2 owners a defined starting point. Confirm the exact application for your car before purchase, then build the rest of the suspension around the setup you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do KTS coilovers fit both Series 1 and Series 2 RX8s?

KTS produces coilover options covering both Series 1 and Series 2 RX8 applications, but fitment is not always interchangeable between the two. Always confirm the exact series and model year of your car against the specific product listing before purchasing.

What is the KTS SC damper system?

The KTS SC damper system is the damper arrangement within the KTS coilover range, designed for owners planning a more considered suspension setup on their RX8. Check individual product listings for the specific damper and spring configuration details relevant to your build.

Are KTS coilovers a direct bolt-on replacement for the RX8's factory suspension?

A coilover conversion replaces the factory damper and spring arrangement rather than being a like-for-like swap, so some installation work is involved. Before purchasing, assess the condition of surrounding suspension components such as arms, bushes and mounts, as these affect how the finished setup performs.

What should I consider before choosing KTS coilovers for my RX8?

Intended use matters significantly. A car used primarily on the road has different setup priorities to one that sees track days. Factor in the condition of your existing suspension hardware and which supporting components you plan to address at the same time, so the coilovers work as part of a cohesive package rather than in isolation.

Can I run KTS coilovers on a standard, otherwise unmodified RX8?

KTS coilovers can be fitted to an otherwise standard RX8, but the benefit is greatest when the surrounding suspension components are in good condition. Worn bushes, ball joints or control arms will limit what any coilover upgrade can deliver, so it is worth inspecting these before or during installation.

How do KTS coilovers compare to the RX8's original suspension?

Factory RX8 suspension is designed for a broad range of road conditions and drivers, whereas a coilover setup allows for a more purposeful configuration suited to the owner's specific use case. The ability to adjust ride height and, depending on the damper spec, compression and rebound settings is the core difference from the standard arrangement.