Initial Performance Modifications

robaroni

Member
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2011 Mazda3 S GT
So, I've done a lot of reading on several Mazda 3 Forums and came to the conclusion that suspension mods are going to return more on investment than any CARB legal modifications I can make to the intake and exhaust.

I am interested in improving cornering stability without affecting ride quality to severely. I still have to hall my wife and kids around without to much complaining from all of them. My plan at this moment is to install Tein S-tech Springs (1.6 inch drop all around/spring rate is about 10% increase over stock) and a Racing Beat Rear Sway Bar. Koni Yellows will come some time down the road. I will stick with stock wheels and tires because I'm cheap and I don't want to add weight by moving up to 18s. I like the 17s that came with it anyways.

I would like comments from anyone that has experience with these brands as to quality and the expected performance improvements. Will these mods improve body roll while cornering. Looking for a little more control while driving on the twisties. Thanks!
 
I personally dont have experience with tein springs but i know a few people who have had a bigger drop than that with tein springs and the ride wasnt too bad so 1.6 should be no more rough than my 1 inch drop with my eibach springs. MASSIVE improvements on handling just from my springs and new tires :) You will feel the bumps if you plow through them but otherwise your stability will be better, and still be able to drive around normally.
 
i just finished doing a few mods on my new 2011 mazda3. i did a combo of engine/suspension mods. i had some tein springs installed on my oem suspenders. the ride is firmer but still comfortable. and the improvement to the handling/cornering was substantial as well. in fact, the car handles so well now that i decided not to add sway bars for the time being. the 1.6 drop on all the corners, filled up the wheel wells rather nice also. i'm debating as to stay with the stock 17s with 205/50s or swap up to 18s with 215/40s. the move to the 18s will look a bit better, add to the handling/cornering ability but make the ride a tad harsher. there's always a tradeoff. as for the engine, i went with a injen sri and a magnaflow catback. the car breathes so much better, it's amazing. there is a nice mellow tone to the whip and when hitting the passing gear, there is a smooth transition through the gears as speed quickly increases. gone is the hesitance and lag from the choked off oem smog setup. overall, i am very pleased with the much improved handling and performance of my new project.
 
I'm curious about this too. I just purchased a 2010 3 Sport w/ 6 speed and I love the ride quality! (coming from a 99 Isuzu Amigo) I really want to lower it, just a tad to fill the wheel gaps as I'm not feeling 18's either, but I don't want to sacrifice ride quality too much. I'll be carrying my first kid around come Dec. and don't want to jostle him too much.

Is it Tein S-techs > H&R for ride quality? (I see they both lower 1.6)
 
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