jri4's 2008 Black Mica Mazdaspeed3 Sport Build Thread

[Evan9999]

So far, so good! I do have some sort of "clunk" when I turn the steering wheel--for instance, when I am slowly backing into my garage and am turning the wheel to get it straight. It is coming from the passenger front...but I'm not too worried. You've seen my car and how low it was. That was not maxed out, either. Of course, you can also leave it raised near stock level as well. They have done wonders to stiffen up the suspension! I certainly love them and do not regret them, but I wonder if another brand such as KW would be worth the extra money?

Ya seeing how low your car was had me a little worried. I wasn't sure how your adjustments were, but that makes me happy that it can be raised to near stock height. I would probably raise it up for the winter so I'm not a snow plow haha.

I am also curious about the KW coils. I was originally planning on getting them, but I don't think I would be able to afford them until later in the season. I also need to purchase tires...so I think I want to spend the extra money on a nice set of tires. Maybe in the future, I might revisit the coil overs if I decide to stick with the MS3 platform.

Iirc...Marlon had mentioned something about the Mazdaspeed coil overs being KWs tuned for the MS3. And with a Mazdaspeed Motorsports membership, you can get them at a very good price.

 

[THE Phen]

Anything KW does is pretty much awesome. I've ridden in a few different cars with KW's, different levels and different car makes. Each has been really nice.

Chippy, the clunk you are hearing could be the springs re-settling. A friend of mine with similar coilovers on his STi had that any time he was backing out of his driveway.

 

[Evan9999]

Chippy...I'm assuming you got your BC coils from SU? I see there's an option to add adjustable front camber plates. Did you get these, and is there an extra charge for them? Thanks!

 

[Lewis7789]

Evan, if you do plan on sticking with your MS3 and continue to track it I would invest in those KW's. I read an article about their factory and all the R&D they do. Their stuff is top notch for sure.

 

[Evan9999]

Evan, if you do plan on sticking with your MS3 and continue to track it I would invest in those KW's. I read an article about their factory and all the R&D they do. Their stuff is top notch for sure.

My ideal plan is to get good and learn on the MS3 and in the future buy something RWD. I'll most likely keep the Ms3 as my daily driver, so I don't think I want to put a lot of money into it. I just want to put enough into it to have fun and learn as much as I can. I really want KWs, but if I spend my money on them, I won't have enough money to buy a great set of track tires and a racing helmet. I really want to do HPDE this season. I think the BCs will be good enough for me and if not, I guess I can just sell them and buy KWs next year or the year after. I would like to get into Time Trials after HPDE. So until then, I just want to have fun and learn as much as I can with what I have.

 

[jri4]

I missed a lot in my own thread! Geesh!

I like my BCs. Top quality--maybe not--but much better than stock! I do love the KWs, but again, price is definitely a factor. I did get the BCs from SU. The MS3 should automatically come with the front adjustable camber option. Also, BC has changed their kit to a "more extreme drop" version of their original from years ago. Basically the adjustments are threaded more to allow you to go lower if you want the slammed look. You know how all those guys used to complain about BCs not going low enough... now they do. My kit was one of the first like that. Anyways, I am not dissapointed with them after nearly a year of driving and 20,000 miles, including a few long distance trips.

I don't know if I mentioned this, but right now I have them set very soft. 4 out of 16 in both the front and rear. It is perfect for everyday. Then for track weekends I can dial it up quite a bit!

 

[jri4]

Tax Return Wishlist:

Powrslot Front Slotted Rotors $230

Stoptech Rear Premium OEM Rotors $100

Hawk HPS Front Pads $80
Hawk HPS Rear Pads $70

ATE Super Blue Brake Fluid $17/liter

And a choice of tires:
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Hankook Ventus V12
Kumho Ecsta SPT

plus an alignment

I will be in there like swimwear

 

[WillD]

Ya seeing how low your car was had me a little worried. I wasn't sure how your adjustments were, but that makes me happy that it can be raised to near stock height. I would probably raise it up for the winter so I'm not a snow plow haha.

I am also curious about the KW coils. I was originally planning on getting them, but I don't think I would be able to afford them until later in the season. I also need to purchase tires...so I think I want to spend the extra money on a nice set of tires. Maybe in the future, I might revisit the coil overs if I decide to stick with the MS3 platform.

Iirc...Marlon had mentioned something about the Mazdaspeed coil overs being KWs tuned for the MS3. And with a Mazdaspeed Motorsports membership, you can get them at a very good price.

The Mazdaspeed coils are KW V3's and from Mazdaspeed they are $1525.07. I'm seriously debating selling my Koni Yellows and getting a set because that is what I wanted originally.

 

[Perro del Sol]

Tax Return Wishlist:

Powrslot Front Slotted Rotors $230

Stoptech Rear Premium OEM Rotors $100

Hawk HPS Front Pads $80
Hawk HPS Rear Pads $70

ATE Super Blue Brake Fluid $17/liter

And a choice of tires:
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Hankook Ventus V12
Kumho Ecsta SPT

plus an alignment

I will be in there like swimwear

Chippy, I am working on a program with Continental where you can get an $80 rebate on their summer perfomance tires, if yiou are interested. let me know whan you want to order the tires. Also, don't forget that I can also get you a discount on the HAWK pads from Jay who is a good friend of mine. Let me know if you need anything else.

 

[Evan9999]

That's a good list you got there Chippy. I'm looking at new tires too...basically the same tires you're looking at. I've seen a lot of people on this forum suggest that ATE Super Blue. I went with Wilwood EXP 600 Plus fluid and it worked pretty well. Do you have SS Brake lines? I think I need to buy some because the brakes felt almost like a sponge when I was racing at Beaverun.

The Mazdaspeed coils are KW V3's and from Mazdaspeed they are $1525.07. I'm seriously debating selling my Koni Yellows and getting a set because that is what I wanted originally.

Do it!!!!!

 

[WillD]

I use the ATE Super Blue/TYP 200 combination and it's nice.

I'm not a huge advocate for SS lines (even though my Miata has them).

 

[Perro del Sol]

SS lines just give you a better "feel" with the pedal.

 

[etipp98]

The Mazdaspeed coils are KW V3's and from Mazdaspeed they are $1525.07. I'm seriously debating selling my Koni Yellows and getting a set because that is what I wanted originally.

You do know you don't get as good of a warranty with the MS Coils over the KW's. I just bought a new set of KW V3's for 1780 shipped.

 

[WillD]

You do know you don't get as good of a warranty with the MS Coils over the KW's. I just bought a new set of KW V3's for 1780 shipped.

Yes.

 

[jri4]

Taking a look at rotors more closely. I just can't justify spending $330 on rotors alone. So here is what tire rack has to offer:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resu...oModel=MazdaSpeed3&autoYear=2008&autoModClar=
Centric Plain 120 Front Rotors (Solid, Plain) - $68 Front Pair
Brembo OE Replacement Rear Rotors (Solid, Plain) - $64 Rear Pair

For my purposes (couple autocrosses and a track day or two) are solid rotors going to suffice over a vented one? What's the real difference? I don't care about slotted and/or drilled anymore. I just want a plain, cheap rotor that will hold up to a little more abuse and heat from hard driving. You guys think these will be okay/safe?

I would still use Hawk HPS pads... or HP+ if they seem to suit my purposes better.

 

[WillD]

You want vented front rotors. Solid rears are fine.

NAPA: http://napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal..._48880283_0271417900&An=0&Ar=AND(P_RecType:A)
Vented Fronts for $59.98 each. They're good enough for Spec Miata guys and I use them on my Miata that gets thrashed on the track pretty frequently with no problems.
Rears: http://napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal...9001+102008+50042+2042001&Ar=AND(P_RecType:A)
$38.99 each.

The only problem with these is that they don't have the painted hats. But you can just get a can or two of high temp spray paint, tape them off and paint them yourself. (Or get the NAPA painted version)

Plus no need to pay shipping (although you will pay tax but I bet you'll still come out ahead).

Edit: Looking at the TR link again, I don't see any fronts for $68 a pair. The ones you mention are actually rear fitment.

 

[jri4]

Gotcha. They are for rears only. Good call, I'll get something that is vented but from rockauto or Napa or something. No need to go fancy if it isn't worth it at this point! Thanks!

 

[WillD]

Do your current rotors need to be replaced? You could just have them turned or turn them yourself if you have the technology.

 

[jri4]

Ehhhhh. Yeah, I'd like replaced. Not sure if they need to be, but they look worn, Some deep grooves and such. Plus, I haven't touched them since I bought the car at 45,000 miles. She now has 87,000....and I truly am not sure if the rotors/pads were ever changed. I'm sure they were once, but who knows...

 

[WillD]

I'd probably do the same, just throwing it out there

I have 87k miles too with absolutely nothing done to the brakes