advice on lowering the 5

[mazda andy]

we are looking at lowering the mazda and we would like advice on what the ride will be like and road holding etc.

will this mod affect the tyres alot more than normail?

cheers

 

[dima_rus]

it will not affect the tire wear, but I would recommend you do the alignment after lowering the car.
On a positive side it looks and handles a lot better.

Dima

 

[red headz]

A 1" drop is perfect in my opinion. We used MazdaSpeed3 springs which are available for about 100 bucks.

Not really 'lowered', but sporty.

Check around for pictures. Many of us here have a slight drop - others drop the 2" using real aftermarket springs.

michael.

 

[AIMWO4]

$100? Where?
Part#?

Thx

A 1" drop is perfect in my opinion. We used MazdaSpeed3 springs which are available for about 100 bucks.

Not really 'lowered', but sporty.

Check around for pictures. Many of us here have a slight drop - others drop the 2" using real aftermarket springs.

michael.

 

[antlind]

$100? Where?
Part#?

Thx

The price difference between used MS3 springs and brand new H&Rs is about $150. If you're going through the trouble of lowering the car you're probably better off getting a proper set of lowering springs. It's the same amount of labour involved.
Some guys who have used MS3 springs have reported that it lowers the back of the Mazda5 more than the front...so they have to end up installing spring spacers to lift the back of the car. With the H&Rs you get about 1.25" all around and the rake/stance of the car is maintained (to some degree). My advice....spend a few $$$ more and get a set of H&Rs.
I'm sure this note will spark a flurry of responses on the merits of MS3 springs vs H&Rs......But I'm just sharing my humble opinion.
Anthony

 

[dima_rus]

The price difference between used MS3 springs and brand new H&Rs is about $150. If you're going through the trouble of lowering the car you're probably better off getting a proper set of lowering springs. It's the same amount of labour involved.
Some guys who have used MS3 springs have reported that it lowers the back of the Mazda5 more than the front...so they have to end up installing spring spacers to lift the back of the car. With the H&Rs you get about 1.25" all around and the rake/stance of the car is maintained (to some degree). My advice....spend a few $$$ more and get a set of H&Rs.
I'm sure this note will spark a flurry of responses on the merits of MS3 springs vs H&Rs......But I'm just sharing my humble opinion.
Anthony

you are right about HR springs, but in my case I didn't want to go any lower then 1", that's why I used Mazdaspeed3 springs. All I had to do is to use the coil spacers tat are $8 a set. Now I got the perfect height for my car.
It is indeed a personal choice. All we are doing is just throwing some options out there.

Dima

 

[AIMWO4]

Thanks! Noted. It will help with my personal evaluation. (cheers2)

The price difference between used MS3 springs and brand new H&Rs is about $150. If you're going through the trouble of lowering the car you're probably better off getting a proper set of lowering springs. It's the same amount of labour involved.
Some guys who have used MS3 springs have reported that it lowers the back of the Mazda5 more than the front...so they have to end up installing spring spacers to lift the back of the car. With the H&Rs you get about 1.25" all around and the rake/stance of the car is maintained (to some degree). My advice....spend a few $$$ more and get a set of H&Rs.
I'm sure this note will spark a flurry of responses on the merits of MS3 springs vs H&Rs......But I'm just sharing my humble opinion.
Anthony

 

[AIMWO4]

Very nice. This is why these forums are helpful! (rei)

you are right about HR springs, but in my case I didn't want to go any lower then 1", that's why I used Mazdaspeed3 springs. All I had to do is to use the coil spacers tat are $8 a set. Now I got the perfect height for my car.
It is indeed a personal choice. All we are doing is just throwing some options out there.

Dima

 

[zoomdoom]

heres my mazdaspeed3 springs if interested guys/gals http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123747679 (spank)

 

[tillyspeed81]

this is just my opinion....I currently am running the Mazdaspeed suspension on my 5....it did sag in the rear as noted, I used spacers to raise it even with the front. Handles better, rides like stock...my only problem would be, guessing that the 5 is about 500 (not sure) pounds heavier, and occasionally seating 4 adult passengers ( about 600 more pounds) that equals to about 1100 extra poundage...causing my 5 to rub enough to cause my passengers concern and me to tense up at every bump....I was mainly experimenting with the speed suspension, and now know my answer (to each his own) as for me, I had originally wanted to go lower as it was, so now most likely after my guests leave, this coming September I probably will install some H&Rs (to better handle the weight) , but I'll leave the MS3 shocks...and also look into getting some new wheels ( my offset is currently 42, to far out for my taste anyways)....hope that helps...(confused) hope that made sense....

 

[tillyspeed81]

The price difference between used MS3 springs and brand new H&Rs is about $150. If you're going through the trouble of lowering the car you're probably better off getting a proper set of lowering springs. It's the same amount of labour involved.
Some guys who have used MS3 springs have reported that it lowers the back of the Mazda5 more than the front...so they have to end up installing spring spacers to lift the back of the car. With the H&Rs you get about 1.25" all around and the rake/stance of the car is maintained (to some degree). My advice....spend a few $$$ more and get a set of H&Rs.
I'm sure this note will spark a flurry of responses on the merits of MS3 springs vs H&Rs......But I'm just sharing my humble opinion.
Anthony

Just out of curiousity, Anthony, does your front lip scrape with the H&Rs?