MS Lowering Springs

[TurboWagon]

Alright, because of the generality of the terms used in the search it was hard for me to find any information on people who actually use the Mazdaspeed Lowering Springs. Right now I only have about 8000 miles on the suspension so I am nowhere near needing anything to replace what I already have. However, that being said, I still plan on putting a suspension on sometime in the future.

My GTI had a nice set of Bilstein PSS9 coilovers what were adjustable and fun to mess with. I have been looking at the coilover options and personal reviews for the MS3 and like the GTI, there are advantages and disadvantages. Recently I have thought about going the simpler route with just some MS-LS and the camber kit. My question: Basically just some user feedback about ride quality compared to stock or even other kits.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[dparm1984]

What are the spring rates on the MS system? That will be a good indicator of how it will perform.

 

[chronus377]

I think they are 30% stiffer front and back. I am also very curious about MS springs, and if anyone has some pics please post them. I've seen very few so far.


Thanks.

 

[TurboWagon]

I think they are 30% stiffer front and back. I am also very curious about MS springs, and if anyone has some pics please post them. I've seen very few so far.


Thanks.

Yeah, I've seen 30% somewhere too. And yes, as far as I can tell, not too many people run these. I liked the adjustability with my last car but I think this time I just want something simple and effective.

 

[blake_peanut]

Stock MS3 compared to MS3 with Spring and Camber Kit pic below.

I have had this kit on for about a month and love it. I was looking for a slight drop and Cobb was bit too much for me, so I went this route. The price was right and overall IMO I like them over stock. Ride comfort didn't suffer, performance is a little better in the turns. I haven't had much time to give 'er in the corners because today is the first day its above zero. Over all its a tad bouncier but that is to be expected. Just get them haha...

 

[dparm1984]

That comparison is not entirely fair because they have different wheels/tires.

 

[blake_peanut]

Jesus I was posting a pic cause its the only one I had and they are my winter tires, just trying to give an idea. He asked I delivered the best I have...

 

[TurboWagon]

Jesus I was posting a pic cause its the only one I had and they are my winter tires, just trying to give an idea. He asked I delivered the best I have...

Thanks for that picture. I know the wheels and tires are different but overall, you honestly can't even tell the car has been modified. From what I can gather, the kit seems like it would be a good investment for an MS3 used as a DD. Probably not as harsh as a coilover set might be but adding that right amount of stiffness and lowering without messing with the geometry of the car.

Those would be the perfect addition to anyone trying to retain sleeper-status.

 

[blake_peanut]

Np, ya the drop is very minor. More in the front than anything...it basically evens it out IMO. I like the kit and am happy with it, if you don't know anything about the MS3 you can't even tell its been lowered. Even if you do its quite hard...

 

[chronus377]

Stock MS3 compared to MS3 with Spring and Camber Kit pic below.

Looking good, you can tell the difference a little more while looking at the front grill, and not so much the wheels (due to the difference). With a .5" its about what I expected, it may be what I'm looking for.

 

[AutoXRacer]

I'm looking for a set of springs that will reduce/eliminate the rear squat during hard accelerations...

Will the MS Spring Kit accomplish this?

 

[TurboWagon]

I'm looking for a set of springs that will reduce/eliminate the rear squat during hard accelerations...

Will the MS Spring Kit accomplish this?

Good question. I would also like to know the degree of difficulty when installing. I've done work on suspension in the past so I at least know the general idea of what is going on.

 

[ericrapp]

Blake cool picture! I had never really noticed how the front of our cars, from this angle looks very much like angry birds of prey, with those menacing headlights thanks

 

[blake_peanut]

Blake cool picture! I had never really noticed how the front of our cars, from this angle looks very much like angry birds of prey, with those menacing headlights thanks

I thought the same thing haha...

Installation I'm not quite sure, I didn't do it. But from what I've read on the forums, if you have a spring compressor and some knowledge you should be good.

As for the ass end I'm not sure. Unfortunately all I've ever been driving my MS3 on is my winter set up, so I'm looking forward to getting the stock wheels and tires on to see what it can really do.

 

[Rotus8]

Installation of the rears is cake. A hydraulic jack really makes it easy. You do need jack stands too. The fronts are not too bad, but you need a spring compressor.

 

[TurboWagon]

Installation of the rears is cake. A hydraulic jack really makes it easy. You do need jack stands too. The fronts are not too bad, but you need a spring compressor.

Rotus, how do you like the MS coilovers? Right now I cant justify paying for them, especially when the stock suspension only has 8000 miles. Do you find everyday driving to be harsh? Highway driving was always a little bumpy with the PSS9's but on the track they worked wonders.

 

[Rotus8]

Rotus, how do you like the MS coilovers? Right now I cant justify paying for them, especially when the stock suspension only has 8000 miles. Do you find everyday driving to be harsh? Highway driving was always a little bumpy with the PSS9's but on the track they worked wonders.

I love 'em. Now, this is not for everyone, they are significantly stiffer than stock and some may not like that; you certainly know it if the road isn't perfect. The handling, combined with the ARBs is excellent. I take speed bumps at 35 and the car goes thump thump done, no extra bounces or unsettled wiggles. My commute is 15 miles of twisty mountain roads and it's great. I haven't tracked it yet, but I am signing up for Laguna Seca in May.

 

[jp4130]

I love 'em. Now, this is not for everyone, they are significantly stiffer than stock and some may not like that; you certainly know it if the road isn't perfect. The handling, combined with the ARBs is excellent. I take speed bumps at 35 and the car goes thump thump done, no extra bounces or unsettled wiggles. My commute is 15 miles of twisty mountain roads and it's great. I haven't tracked it yet, but I am signing up for Laguna Seca in May.

15 miles of twisty mountain roads! Only in my dreams, that must be awesome.(drive2)

 

[ericrapp]

Yes you must get to work too soon and look forward to leaving do you go home for lunch also! Laguna sounds great ,the car should really shine there.