H&R or BC coilovers?

[Chefsp0t]

I want coilovers and I have the money in hand to buy a set but I still can't decide whether I want to go with BC coilovers or with H&R coilovers. They are within $100 of each other price wise and I can't decide which I want.

I have heard great reviews about H&R. They are well made and don't wear very fast even when slammed. They have progressive rate springs (better for a street car) and they utilize bilstein struts. They lower 1.3-2.5" in the front and .75-2" in the rear.

I have heard mixed things about BC coilovers. For starters I can't find what their drop range is. I would like to be able to at least make my wheels flush if I am going to buy a set of coilovers. I know they offer a package that has shorter springs and struts but I have yet to see it listed for sale anywhere. Maybe I need to send out a few emails. On the positive side, they have adjustable camber plates in the front as well as rebound/compression adjustable struts. Honestly I will never use the rebound/compression since my car is for street use and will probably never see the track. I would just dial it in once and forget it. This seems unnecessary for my use. I most likely wouldn't need to use the camber plate adjustments either as I think the mazda3 has a pretty good range of adjustability in the front using stock parts.

What are your opinions/experiences?

 

[cali_axela]

H&R, no question.

 

[Chefsp0t]

I ordered the H&R's yesterday. I can't wait for them to arrive.

 

[bbrich57]

I hope you like a rough ride, especially in the greater Pa/Philly area where I KNOW the roads suck.
If anything else, I wouldn't slam it too much or you'll be replacing your oil pan or oil filter at least.

 

[Chefsp0t]

My mx6 was a hell of a lot lower than my mazda3 will be and I never had any problems aside from occasional dragging. I think I'll be fine.

Also, the ride with H&R coilovers is supposed to be one of the better ones. Many reviews I have read say it is only a little stiffer than stock while at the same time feeling more planted. That is before oyu start beating on the car and the progressive springs get stiffer.

 

[P2K]

I've heard a lot of bad reviews about BCs too, but I haven't had a problem with mine at all. The way my car sits now is comparable to the H&Rs lowest setting. I took out the third ring from the rears and took the front assemblies completely apart and took out the third ring as well, then turned the shafts clockwise to their lowest setting. I'm not certain, but I think I'm the only one who has done this. I now tuck tire on all four corners on BCs.

I initially wanted the H&Rs because no one knew how the make the BCs go as low as them, but I figured it out and I'm more than satisfied with mine. What was really the deal breaker for me on the H&Rs was no rebound/compression adjustability. Which is why I got the BCs. But I guess my post is pointless since you already placed your order.

 

[bbrich57]

My mx6 was a hell of a lot lower than my mazda3 will be and I never had any problems aside from occasional dragging. I think I'll be fine.

Well that's good that you have experience. I wasn't wishing you bad luck, just worried for you that you may be biting off more than you knew. Obviously you know what you're in for then. I grew up about 1hr North of Philly, so I know the roads there too.
I'm on H&R Street springs which imo are pretty stiff, and even around here I can bottom out the suspension if I'm not careful. The first day I had them in I hit a dip that put the suspension into the bump stops.

 

[Chefsp0t]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have heard good things about the BC coilovers in addition to the bad stuff. I know a few members of other sites who are very low on their BC setups and who are very happy with them. I just don't really need the extra settings and adjustments that they have so I went with H&R. I know I will be happy with my choice.

bbrich57- Where did you grow up? I live near Pottstown. Sorry if my response was a bit negative last time. I definitely know what I am getting into with coilovers. I just couldn't justify springs/struts since the price is pretty much the same thing as coilovers when it's all said and done. Having the option to go low in summer and raise it back up some for winter doesn't hurt either.

 

[bbrich57]

You didn't sound negative to me, I just wanted to make sure that my meaning wasn't misunderstood.
I grew up in the Lehigh Valley, ~10 miles north of Easton in the little "Village" of Martins Creek.
I know where Pottstown is. I was dating a girl from there once who was going to Lafayette College in Easton at the time. I took her home one weekend and ended up staying there w/her parents overnight (separate bedrooms.) To this day, I still wonder what ever happened to her. I liked her, liked her a lot!! But I guess it wasn't to be.

 

[Chefsp0t]

H&R's sure go down in the front. (godown) It's JUST tucking the tire tread. It rubs like crazy on the inner fender liner while rolling but not on the outer fender. I can turn to full lock in either direction without rubbing. I'll either persuade the fender liner with my BFH or raise the front up a little after I see how low the rear will go.

Rear install is tomorrow. I already got the more difficult rear camber arm installed today so hopefully tomorrow will be smooth sailing.

 

[sumthaiguy]

i would say BC's because of the adjustability features that the H&R's lack. mainly front camber and dampening/rebound all around. i know many just set it and forget it but i think its better to have the ability to adjust more if needed/wanted. especially if you go looow, it will induce a lot of natural camber. then youre stuck there unless you get the kmac plates.

i havent had any problems with my set and mine go pretty low lol. granted im on the "low" package from BC and custom shorter springs for ultimate adjustability in the front.

more @ http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123781872


buddy's mazda3 on regular BC's. and keep in mind that hes on 17's

 

[bbrich57]

Once you install the rears, because the angle of the car will change the front won't seem quite so low, but that's still pretty tight to be practical for the street.
Looks GOOD, though.

 

[Chefsp0t]

Getting the rears on definitely evened out the rake. It's a little raked but the front needs to go up for winter so I am not too worried about it. Most of the rubbing is gone though. It only rubs while turning aggressively above 30mph. In the spring I'll probably remove the adjustment collars from the rear springs to see how low it gets then.

I am very impressed with the ride quality and handling. It does not hover like some cars slammed on coilovers do and the ride is very nice and stock until you hit a bump. I think it will be smoother when I raise it up for winter.

 

[cali_axela]

If it's only rubbing on the very inner part of the fender liners, you could try adding small wheel spacers (either 3mm or 5mm) so the tire is in the taller part of the well. Look at how it's rubbing to see if that'd even help or not though, but it might. My 18x8 rubbed the liners up front in similar situations (rarely, but it was possible) when dropped on coils at +50 w/ 225/40/18... but at +45 they never did. And now they're at +40 and still don't (but with more than stock camber).

 

[Chefsp0t]

That's a good idea. I'll have to see where the majoriyt of the rub marks are when I take the wheels off again.

 

[05maz3subd]

i know this is off topic but chef whered you get your eyelids and hella superstones?

 

[Tifun]

Looks good!

I've used H&R for the last 10 years. Good stuff. Are the fronts using a helper spring(two springs)??? If so you can always pull it out for more low if needed. That's how it was for my A4 and my A8. Also a little tip, whenever you pull off a wheel for anything....brush them off with a wire brush lightly. Not even kidding, this will save your ass come spring for the down movement. Over the years I've found that was the biggest and best thing I've ever done. Proof of cut off collars is my example haha.

 

[Chefsp0t]

H&R coilovers for the mazda3 don't use helper springs. My height is almost as low as they will go. I still have a lock collar in the front and a rubber cover on the springs in the rear. I could probably pick up another 1/4" of low.

 

[05maz3subd]

tifun did you go to h20? like vw audi porche h20?

 

[Tifun]

I didn't everyone else in my club for the most part went. I got stuck working. I'll be out there next year for sure though. I guess there was another guy out there with the same wheels(lambo gallardo) but his car was black, mine is actually blue. Kinda odd to hear of another guy rocking the same wheels in such a small scene haha.

As for being on topic, Chefsp0t, do you think they go low enough? I've actually often thought about air. It would be super easy. I could air the 3 out for about $1500. These cars have such basic parts it's awesome.