MazdaSpeed Vs Cobb Stage 2 Suspension Kits

[JamesCH]

I am considering a suspension upgrade to my 2009 Mazdaspeed3 and the two that really catch my attention are the Mazdaspeed shock/spring kit and the Cobb Stage 2 spring/arb kit.

The increased spring rate on the MS kit has me worried about an overly-harsh ride because I have to drive on some pretty rough roads occasionally, though the adjustable shocks/ride-height could be very useful. The Cobb kit is much cheaper, and has very good reviews, but does not come with shocks and is not adjustable.

Anyone have experience with either of these? Anyone who's driven cars equipped with both (that is to say one with the MS kit and one with the Cobb Kit)? Thanks.

 

[bigdaddy]

i couldnt tell you, but Im considering the MS coilovers and and rear camber links. My reasoning is that its made my mazda, so you know its good, it is more expensive, however

 

[mortimersnerd]

The MS Coilovers are a matched set tuned for the car. The Cobb parts need a stiffer shock than the stock ones to handle well.

 

[GoFast]

cobb has a "stage 2" suspension?

 

[JamesCH]

cobb has a "stage 2" suspension?

Yes, here: http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=3480

 

[ericm]

The shocks on the MS3 are the worst part of the stock suspension, by far. Any suspension mod that are not just for looks has to include better shocks.

You can go with Konis (FSD or yellows), possibly adding stiffer ARBs, and stock springs. Or coilovers. There are differing philosophies about stiffer springs vs stiffer ARBs for reducing lean in corners. The Konis are designed for the regular 3's ride height and can't handle being lowered much if any from the MS3's lowered height. Travel will be reduced too far. The FSDs actually raise the front a bit.

The Mazdaspeed coilovers greatly improve the handling but the ride is impacted. Mostly on sharp bumps. It seems that the high speed compression damping (the one that you can't adjust) is a little firm. You must lower the car at least 1/2 inch with these coilovers, that's their highest setting.

I wound up going with the Mazdaspeed coilovers. I live on a rough road and the ride is just tolerable. On normal roads its fine. If I was 20 instead of 48 I woudn't have a problem with it at all. My wife doesn't complain, so it can't be too bad. The handling makes up for the ride. The car is completely transformed.

The other coilovers available either lowered the car too much (H&R) or have questionable reliability (BC & clones). 1/2 inch was as much as I wanted to lower the car- too many rocks on the roads and lowering it makes it hard to get in and out of driveways without scraping. As it is I have to do the "JDM hustle" angle out of many driveways. I have no idea how people with cars lowered 1 inch or more can get around without leaving parts in their wake.

 

[JamesCH]

I am a huge fan of stiff ARBs with a more compliant spring, I find it keeps the ride comfortable without sacrificing turn-in and body roll. I think no matter what I'm going to get Cobb ARBs at least.

Why would you say that the shocks are the worst part of the stock suspension?

 

[nazgul350r]

GrassrootsMotorsports have a write up on the MS kit

 

[///M Compact]

I've always gone with Bilsteins on my other cars(including my Wrangler). I wish that they made a set factory tuned for the MS3.

 

[ericm]

Why would you say that the shocks are the worst part of the stock suspension?

Not enough rebound. Sticky seals which leak. There's a TSB out for the seals, it explains that Mazda dealer should not replace leaking shocks under warranty unless the leak is so bad that oil is fouling the brake pads. Even Mazda knows they're crap.

There were a number of places on my daily commute (twisty back roads) where I had to slow down because otherwise the car would be bouncing off the stops or topping out due to a combination of bumps and turns. Either one is bad, it reduces control and traction. I like going fast but I like staying on the road even more.

 

[ericrapp]

Hello there james.
I installed some bits in this order. I purchased Hotchkis front and rear sways. And installed the rear myself. Mostly because it was easy! The Hotchkis and Cobb are nearly identical. I would recommend the rear bar to any one who can drive a car with oversteer, good fun in a front wheel drive. I had my son in law install the Cobb springs and the front bar awhile later( kinda hard, tight fit ). I have been quite pleased but bought a set of Coilovers that i have yet to install. Which is what i really wanted all along, having losts of adjustment available. But folks here have had issues with the stock shocks leaking and failing even with the Cobb. As for ride I find them to be very compliant but firm enough to toss the car. The price is a good starting point for modding and are usually resaleable. But they are not nearly aggressive enough for my taste. As mentioned check out grassroots motorsports magazine in regard to Mazdaspeed coilers install and results also. Its a safe bet imo. I wish i had them from the beginning.

 

[Stotrupp]

Yeah I'm getting the MS Coilovers as soon as funds are available. I've heard nothing but great things about them mostly and I like the idea of them being a "Mazdaspeed" part.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

This is my complaint as well

Not enough rebound. Sticky seals which leak. There's a TSB out for the seals, it explains that Mazda dealer should not replace leaking shocks under warranty unless the leak is so bad that oil is fouling the brake pads. Even Mazda knows they're crap.

There were a number of places on my daily commute (twisty back roads) where I had to slow down because otherwise the car would be bouncing off the stops or topping out due to a combination of bumps and turns. Either one is bad, it reduces control and traction. I like going fast but I like staying on the road even more.

I'm not that into the mod scene but the suspension is about the only area that I have issues with. The bottoming out on rough road really drives me nuts and makes me wince every time the suspension compressed and bounces off the robber stops. Makes a horrible sound as well. Is it that the damping is subpar?

Would the Mazdaspeed kit solve this issue?

Thanks

 

[Rizzant]

I have to second ericms comments on the mazdaspeed coilover setup. I have KWs and theyre the same maker of the mazdaspeeds. The difference is the lowering range is 20mm to 50mm where the mazdaspeed is something like 7mm to 25mm. The car handles great but can be a little loud and abrupt on sharp edged bumps. i.e. really uneven freeway joints and sunken manhole covers..etc...I've heard from a few people that the H&R coilovers are very daily driver friendly but I have yet to try for myself. They use a progressive spring in the front and the shocks are made by Bilstein. I havent tried the cobb stage 2 setup but i do have the Hotchkis sways with my coils and understeers not as much of a problem like it used to be.

 

[fastdreams]

given the two to choose from I'd go for the MS coilovers - KW makes good stuff, and you'd be improving spring rate, lowering the car, and replacing the crap shocks all in one go.

Problem with the cobb kit is that you will have to spend more to also get some shocks, at the end of the day you've spent as much as the MS coilovers and not have as good of a setup.

 

[JamesCH]

Thanks for the responses guys, I think that when the funds are available I'm going to go with with the MazdaSpeed springs/shocks and Cobb ARBs (slightly cheaper than the Hotchkis set from what I could find).

 

[ericrapp]

Thanks for the responses guys, I think that when the funds are available I'm going to go with with the MazdaSpeed springs/shocks and Cobb ARBs (slightly cheaper than the Hotchkis set from what I could find).

Yes go with the cheaper ones and shop for a package deal, talk to your vendors. The Hotchkis have a stiff, and stifferer mounting point. I attached to the stiffererer. It is quite stiff. But i do not recall that the Cobb has that. Beyond that they are the same so go for pricing. You are going to enjoy the new setup, makes the handling really shine!

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Hows the ride with factory shocks compared to MS3 set-up?

The shocks on the MS3 are the worst part of the stock suspension, by far. Any suspension mod that are not just for looks has to include better shocks.

You can go with Konis (FSD or yellows), possibly adding stiffer ARBs, and stock springs. Or coilovers. There are differing philosophies about stiffer springs vs stiffer ARBs for reducing lean in corners. The Konis are designed for the regular 3's ride height and can't handle being lowered much if any from the MS3's lowered height. Travel will be reduced too far. The FSDs actually raise the front a bit.

The Mazdaspeed coilovers greatly improve the handling but the ride is impacted. Mostly on sharp bumps. It seems that the high speed compression damping (the one that you can't adjust) is a little firm. You must lower the car at least 1/2 inch with these coilovers, that's their highest setting.

I wound up going with the Mazdaspeed coilovers. I live on a rough road and the ride is just tolerable. On normal roads its fine. If I was 20 instead of 48 I woudn't have a problem with it at all. My wife doesn't complain, so it can't be too bad. The handling makes up for the ride. The car is completely transformed.

The other coilovers available either lowered the car too much (H&R) or have questionable reliability (BC & clones). 1/2 inch was as much as I wanted to lower the car- too many rocks on the roads and lowering it makes it hard to get in and out of driveways without scraping. As it is I have to do the "JDM hustle" angle out of many driveways. I have no idea how people with cars lowered 1 inch or more can get around without leaving parts in their wake.

ericm how would you compare the ride quality between the stock set-up and Mazdaspeed set-up? Is it harsher over sharp bumps or more damped. I just hate the "Thwack" that is caused by the suspension bottoming out over pot holes and speed bumps.

I also don't like the whistle/squish sound that occurs when I hit a moderate bump with the stock set-up. It sounds like the struts are expelling some air.

 

[hellyeah08]

I am a huge fan of stiff ARBs with a more compliant spring, I find it keeps the ride comfortable without sacrificing turn-in and body roll. I think no matter what I'm going to get Cobb ARBs at least.

Why would you say that the shocks are the worst part of the stock suspension?

I say the stock suspension just sucks.....period.....

 

[hanzo040107]

This might be a lil off subject but does using drop springs require the need to get the adjustable cambers? I noticed one guy seling Cobb springs & he said his alignment was in factory limits so he didn't have to adjust anything. Kinda don't wanna get springs & adjustable cambers then maybe struts... be better to just buy coilovers at that rate. Looking for a semi cheaper route, at least for now. Getting spanked at SCCA right now, trying to defeat some modded EVOs & STIs. Input would be appreciated. Thanks.