MZ3 vs MS3 vs Mazdaspeed Springs

[HotRodSaint]

(Sorry if this has been asked, but I searched and didn't find it.)

Ok, I'm assuming that the Mazdaspeed3 comes with a different spring than the standard Mazda3. Is this true?

If so, is it a change to a firmer spring rate and a slightly lower stance than the stock MZ3? And if so, how much lower is it than the stock MZ3?

From what I've read here, the Mazdaspeed springs seem to be just slightly lower than the stock MS3 springs and have a progressive spring rate.

 

[clos561]

the mazdaspeed springs lower the car about 3/4 inch, and yes the ms3 sits lower and is stiffer, its a performance vehicle with alot of power that needs the balance for turns and accelerating. you can feel a huge difference if you ride in both.

 

[HotRodSaint]

...and yes the ms3 sits lower and is stiffer...

So how much lower does your performance vehicle sit verses the commuter version?

 

[ophten]

After taking my Mazdaspeed3 through Three Sisters (Texas) this past weekend with the Austin and Houston Mazda3 groups, I can definitely say that the Mazdaspeed3 suspension is far, far stiffer than the stock Mazda3.

The Mazda3's (2.0s and 2.3s), even those with a few suspension modifications (sway bars and/or springs), had trouble keeping up with the Speed3s. The Speed3s will stay extremely planted through the corners, not to mention handling 2 foot leaps without bottoming out. I will recommend that, unless you absolutely know what you're doing, you keep the DSC as well as the traction control on through switchbacks and hairpins. One of our other stock speed3s had issues with grip after the first 45 minutes or so of our rally and we suspect it was due to excessive heat caused by driving without both. I ran with DSC and TC without any grip issues and pushed very hard; I only had the DSC light come on once early in our trip.

 

[HotRodSaint]

The Mazda3's (2.0s and 2.3s), even those with a few suspension modifications (sway bars and/or springs), had trouble keeping up with the Speed3s.

Since you had them side by side, how much lower does the MS3 sit?

 

[ophten]

I honestly didn't check. I'd imagine its not that much lower since we're running bigger wheels. I'll see if I can find one in a parking lot tonight and snap a picture for you.

 

[HotRodSaint]

And here's the reasons for my questions.

I have a Mazda5, which is essentially a Mazda3 with a tall wagon body (that also adds 500lb).

I'd like to stiffen the suspension and lower it slightly, but not drastically.

So I'm thinking a stock Mazdaspeed3 shock and spring set-up might be what I need on my Mazda5 to firm it up.

Then later on I'll try to figure out how to afford that MS3 engine swap!

 

[borderline]

And here's the reasons for my questions.

I have a Mazda5, which is essentially a Mazda3 with a tall wagon body (that also adds 500lb).

I'd like to stiffen the suspension and lower it slightly, but not drastically.

So I'm thinking a stock Mazdaspeed3 shock and spring set-up might be what I need on my Mazda5 to firm it up.

Then later on I'll try to figure out how to afford that MS3 engine swap!

It won't fit at all, maybe he's wrong, but my dealer has been asked for that and they said it won't fit a mazda5 cuz the shock is different, maybe just the spring, but not the shock.
Buy an aftermarket kit instead (if available) guess TEIN have a set for the mazda5....

 

[Matrix]

After taking my Mazdaspeed3 through Three Sisters (Texas) this past weekend with the Austin and Houston Mazda3 groups, I can definitely say that the Mazdaspeed3 suspension is far, far stiffer than the stock Mazda3.

The Mazda3's (2.0s and 2.3s), even those with a few suspension modifications (sway bars and/or springs), had trouble keeping up with the Speed3s. The Speed3s will stay extremely planted through the corners, not to mention handling 2 foot leaps without bottoming out. I will recommend that, unless you absolutely know what you're doing, you keep the DSC as well as the traction control on through switchbacks and hairpins. One of our other stock speed3s had issues with grip after the first 45 minutes or so of our rally and we suspect it was due to excessive heat caused by driving without both. I ran with DSC and TC without any grip issues and pushed very hard; I only had the DSC light come on once early in our trip.

Hey, have you ever done any runs in your MS3 with an RX-8 tagging along?
I'm thinking of purchasing a new RX-8 and I'm curious as to how the two cars stack up against each other in performance handling.

 

[ophten]

Hey, have you ever done any runs in your MS3 with an RX-8 tagging along?
I'm thinking of purchasing a new RX-8 and I'm curious as to how the two cars stack up against each other in performance handling.

I haven't. I only know one driver of an RX-8 in Austin, and he was unavailable for the trip. I've been told the cornering is superior on the RX-8 and combined with the RWD platform, I don't doubt that this might be true, but with the severe elevations changes and hairpin exits, I imagine it would have been difficult for the RX-8 to keep up with the sheer torque the MS3 puts out.

 

[Matrix]

I haven't. I only know one driver of an RX-8 in Austin, and he was unavailable for the trip. I've been told the cornering is superior on the RX-8 and combined with the RWD platform, I don't doubt that this might be true, but with the severe elevations changes and hairpin exits, I imagine it would have been difficult for the RX-8 to keep up with the sheer torque the MS3 puts out.

Interesting. So you believe that if there had been no major elevation changes, the RX-8 would have outperfomed the MS3?
I understand about the lack of horsepower and especially torque in the RX-8. That's why I'm taking my time before my purchase, so I can save up enough cash for a Greddy turbo kit. I've seen the dyno results and I think it should take care of the RX-8's shortcomings along with other mods.

BTW, sorry for the threadjacking.

 

[HotRodSaint]

It won't fit at all, maybe he's wrong, but my dealer has been asked for that and they said it won't fit a mazda5 cuz the shock is different, maybe just the spring, but not the shock.
Buy an aftermarket kit instead (if available) guess TEIN have a set for the mazda5....

The MZ5 shock might have a different part number than the MZ3 since it's likely calibrated for the heavier MZ5, but I'm 99% certain that I found a Mazda Japan web site that listed the MZ3 Mazdapeed suspension part numbers for the MZ5.

The problem for me and your dealer is that Mazda USA hasn't approved them for the Mazda5. For me because there is no warranty, for your dealer because he's relying on what Mazda tells him.

My Mazda parts guy seems to think they will work as well, and he has a MZ5.

Maybe I'll ask him these questions too, since he seems to be pretty knowledgeable.

 

[ophten]

So you believe that if there had been no major elevation changes, the RX-8 would have outperfomed the MS3?

Not just the elevation changes, but the corner exits. I'd be surprised if a technical driver couldn't throw the RX-8 into the corner faster, but I'm not sure that the MS3 couldn't make up the entry speed with the pull out from the apex.

That said, I would really see if you could test drive them both. The platforms are so different that I think you should see which one you like better.

I love Mazda's (4 of 5 of my daily drivers have been Mazdas), but if I was looking at the RX-8 as a serious choice I'd probably consider other manufacturers. When you get into the low 30s, a lot of RWD options open up.

 

[HotRodSaint]

Buy an aftermarket kit instead (if available) guess TEIN have a set for the mazda5....

Oh and I'd consider an aftermarket suspension kit, but since I'm seeking only a slight drop and a slightly firmer ride, I think an OEM parts solution might be the better route.

Besides, you Mazdaspeed3 guys need to sell your shocks and springs to someone when you remove them, right? (cabpatch)

 

[Matrix]

Not just the elevation changes, but the corner exits. I'd be surprised if a technical driver couldn't throw the RX-8 into the corner faster, but I'm not sure that the MS3 couldn't make up the entry speed with the pull out from the apex.

That said, I would really see if you could test drive them both. The platforms are so different that I think you should see which one you like better.

I love Mazda's (4 of 5 of my daily drivers have been Mazdas), but if I was looking at the RX-8 as a serious choice I'd probably consider other manufacturers. When you get into the low 30s, a lot of RWD options open up.

True, I was thinking G35 coupe, used M3, used IS300, and others.

The RX-8 (with turbo) seems to have all the bases covered and is classified by the insurance industry as a 4-door (lower insurance). Most of the other RWD options other than the G35 coupe tend to be used, too expensive, or impractical.

Any suggestions?

 

[AllLostThings]

I got rid of my 2002 IS300 for my Speed3 and I'd hav eto say, if you want speed and power stay away from an IS300. I loved mine but without aftermarket forced induction it's a 15 second car no matter what.

 

[Matrix]

I got rid of my 2002 IS300 for my Speed3 and I'd hav eto say, if you want speed and power stay away from an IS300. I loved mine but without aftermarket forced induction it's a 15 second car no matter what.

Yeah, I was expecting that. If I were to get an IS300, I'd definitely go FI.

I've got a good engine+tranny source and mechanic for a 2JZGTE Bottom-end + Getrag 6spd swap. If that were to become too expensive/difficult, I'd get an Area51 supercharger kit or custom fab a turbo setup. (laugh)

 

[HotRodSaint]

It won't fit at all, maybe he's wrong, but my dealer has been asked for that and they said it won't fit a mazda5 cuz the shock is different, maybe just the spring, but not the shock.

Ok, now I am 100% certain that the MZ5 and MZ3 share the same shocks as these two PDF's give the same part number. But the springs have different part numbers.

JDM Premacy (MZ5) accessories pdf

JDM Axela (MZ3) accessories pdf

 

[borderline]

Nice Find!!

 

[Falconx84]

True, I was thinking G35 coupe, used M3, used IS300, and others.

The RX-8 (with turbo) seems to have all the bases covered and is classified by the insurance industry as a 4-door (lower insurance). Most of the other RWD options other than the G35 coupe tend to be used, too expensive, or impractical.

Any suggestions?

I was about one sweep of a pen away from buying an rx-8 until I looked in the trunk.

I'm big on hope for the best, prepare for the worst, probably due to my off road experience. The rx8 trunk is just big enough to fit my small tool box with the **optional** spare tire

I absolutely loved the 8, but I'm 23, single.... then I realized it would take me 5 yrs to pay for the car and in 5 yrs I could be married w/ a kid - suddenly a trunk or hatch seems like a really, really good idea.

on the other hand, if I could afford a 2nd car, I would've had the 8