Mazda3 vs. MazdaSpeed3 Coilovers

[hanzo040107]

What exactly is the difference between coilovers for the Mazda3 & MazdaSpeed3? I asked TEIN the same question, still waiting to hear back. I figure I'd ask the gurus here too. I notice there is some wicked coilovers for the Mazda3 but only a couple decent ones for the MazdaSpeed3. I even found some track coilovers for the Mazda3, wouldn't those be good enough to run on the Speed3? I assume the fitment is the same right? Is it stiffer springs or harder dampening settings? Cause you could easily get stiffer springs or adjust the dampening settings. Just curious, debating about coilovers but none of my favorite companies offer one for the Speed3 yet, maybe I should bug them to make one if it just needs stiffer springs or something. (humpleg)

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

The only thing I can think of is this. Most often the speed part for the standard 3 is what the speed3 already has. So maybe, again, maybe, the standard 3 part is not as aggressive or stiff as the speed3 part. go with the speed3 part if they are similar in price and what you are looking for. Fitment is identical.

 

[Nliiitend1]

The spring rates and valving are almost certainly different. The MS3 is more front-heavy than the regular 3, which means that the f/r spring rate ratios are most likely altered as well.

The regular 3 parts will definitely fit, but they aren't going to be optimized for the MS3...

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Maybe I got the post wrong. I thought OP has a standard 3.

 

[hanzo040107]

The spring rates and valving are almost certainly different. The MS3 is more front-heavy than the regular 3, which means that the f/r spring rate ratios are most likely altered as well.

The regular 3 parts will definitely fit, but they aren't going to be optimized for the MS3...

That makes sense actually, the turbo stuff has to make the front heavier than just the standard 2.3. Maybe I shoudl try convincing some of my favorite companies to R&D the Speed & find out the right f/r ratios.

 

[destrux]

If you are really getting that deep into setting up your coilovers, you are probably going to change the springs out anyway. The springs that come with coilovers are a best guess at what your car will need. Tire choices, swaybar choices, road/track surface, damping rates, bushing materials, bracing, and weight changes (due to lightweight parts and aftermarket parts) are all going to make the ideal spring rates for you car different than what will come with whatever coilovers you are buying anyway. Plus, most companies will swap out the springs for the rate you ask for, since coilover springs are a standard diameter and are universal fit between most fitments and brands. Only the most basic "plug and play" coilovers don't come with a choice of spring rates.

If you're looking to see if the standard 3 coilovers are different spring rates than the speed3 coilovers, they usually list the spring rates. If they don't list them or won't tell you if you ask... stay away. I wouldn't buy coilovers that have unlisted mystery springs on them. They could ride like a cadillac, or like an F1 car... you don't know till they're installed, then buying replacement springs will be on you.