M
<mp3_xtc>
What brand lowering springs are availble for the MP3? Anyone using the ground control coilover setup?
L
<Linuxninja>
HR out of Germany has some Springs for about $450.
, how low can you go 
,LouisianaMP3
Member
i think the MP3 is lowered like 3/4".
T
<tim>
I'm lowering my mp3 tomorow when the springs come in. They are eibach sport kit at about $265 but i got this price becuase of connections. I'll put pics up soon
oh yeah, they are just under a 2 inch drop
oh yeah, they are just under a 2 inch drop
toolman24594
Member
Ground Control makes coilovers for the MP3 for $399
Ground Control are fake coilovers, they fit over the strut and shock, if you are going to sped the money just wait until, a full coilover is made and there are many in the works, such as HR's and many other coilover companies. I've heard many shops are looking for test cars for many different applications. If anyone one is down to give there mp3 up for a period of time. Im scared to let someone **** with my MP3. but if your dow call around, you might find someone, to hook it up. for a fraction of the cost.
wheelguruuu
Member
Ground controls are not fake! They are actually very effective. watch speedvision they are used in many of the cars. not only that but we already have decent struts which means all we need are higher spring rates! and to give an adjustable ride height to those spring rates means you can dial in and corner balance your vehicle! which I highly recomend. also you can buy other 2.5" inside diameter coils from ground control which just happens to be Eibach and these coils can have custom spring rates.
also out of all of the progressive and linear rate springs that lower your car 1.5-1.8" remember your car is already down 1" so they will only give .5-.8" drop minus the .1-.25" your tokico struts will raise the springs.
wheelguruuu!
also out of all of the progressive and linear rate springs that lower your car 1.5-1.8" remember your car is already down 1" so they will only give .5-.8" drop minus the .1-.25" your tokico struts will raise the springs.
wheelguruuu!
toolman24594
Member
The ground control coilovers will lower the car 3.5 in. from the way it sets now. Basically with the coilovers all the way up you are .5 inches away from the factory height.
7
70
The ground clearance for the MP3 is only about 2/10 of an inch less than a stock Protege. As for if it sits lower, measure the height of a regualr Protege and the the MP3. The tire/wheel diamteter can change ride height as well.
Mazda Motorsports sells a complete coil-over kit that's used on the Protege Speedvision World Challenge cars. It's expensive but if you want that kind of adjustability it would be the way to go.
Mazda Motorsports sells a complete coil-over kit that's used on the Protege Speedvision World Challenge cars. It's expensive but if you want that kind of adjustability it would be the way to go.
7
70
I forgot to mention...
A true coil-over set-up is to get exact corner weighting in a car (50/50 cross weight balance). Not to lower the car.
I think most Ground Control kits are for the look, not to for corner weight.
A true coil-over set-up is to get exact corner weighting in a car (50/50 cross weight balance). Not to lower the car.
I think most Ground Control kits are for the look, not to for corner weight.
I agree chis, a full coilover is a better way to spend your money. even through ground control, allows you to use your existing strut / shock set. the overall ride and stength over the setup up is a factor. any true racer would not use the over strut package.
PS. i know the mp3 struts are really good, so the choice is yours.
PS. i know the mp3 struts are really good, so the choice is yours.
You guy are missing a little something though, don't forget our MP3's come with Tokico struts, so the Ground Control/Tokico combo is not a bad combo at all. Even if you were to find a full coilover kit for the MP3, I highly dought the kit would be MP3 specific. The MP3 needs the reinforced end link mounting brackets that are found on the MP3 Tokico's in ordered to use the larger diameter Racing Beat Sway bars.
On top of that, would you want to spend the possible $1500+ dollars for the full coilover kit. Remember, not all of us are looking to compete in the Touring Championships...
On top of that, would you want to spend the possible $1500+ dollars for the full coilover kit. Remember, not all of us are looking to compete in the Touring Championships...
I forgot to mention.......
The Ground Control coilover come in different spring rates. So for those people out there who know exactly what they want, they can literaly corner weight and dial in they're setups.
And I've also looked into coilover kits for the MP3 and have been searching for a few weeks now. My conclusion, unless it says Protege MP3 it most likely won't fit. Just because the product description say 2001 and up Protege's, doesn't mean they'll fit the MP3. As a matter of fact, I've yet to see a aftermarket company say they're in the process of making a coilover kit that is MP3 specific, all seem to say Protege 5. Just my $.02 cents
The Ground Control coilover come in different spring rates. So for those people out there who know exactly what they want, they can literaly corner weight and dial in they're setups.
And I've also looked into coilover kits for the MP3 and have been searching for a few weeks now. My conclusion, unless it says Protege MP3 it most likely won't fit. Just because the product description say 2001 and up Protege's, doesn't mean they'll fit the MP3. As a matter of fact, I've yet to see a aftermarket company say they're in the process of making a coilover kit that is MP3 specific, all seem to say Protege 5. Just my $.02 cents
7
70
The coil over kit that Mazda Motorsports sells is the same they use on the Mazda Protege World Challenge Cars, which is supposed to be modified MP3's. The only difference between the stock Protege's struts and the MP3 struts is that reinforcement on the strut body, which I have heard is on most after market struts.
If it fits the 2001 Protege 2.0 liter, it should fit the MP3. The only thing that doesn't bolt right in that I know of so far is the after-market exhausts from Bosal and Racing Beat. And the only reason those don't fit exactly is because the muffler is moved to fit the MP3 bumper.
If it fits the 2001 Protege 2.0 liter, it should fit the MP3. The only thing that doesn't bolt right in that I know of so far is the after-market exhausts from Bosal and Racing Beat. And the only reason those don't fit exactly is because the muffler is moved to fit the MP3 bumper.
