MS3 - Under-chassis bracing

[TurboWagon]

Alright, I am still new to my Mazdaspeed3 and mainly, Mazda vehicles in general. I have been looking around on various websites for modification options and came across the GT Spec Mid-Chassis Brace and the rear lower tie brace.

Coming from a MKIII GTI, I had installed quite a bit of handling modifications and would like the opinion of anyone who has purchased either of these products and how much of a difference you notice. I would assume the rear brace might actually be quite noticeable but I am kind of hesitant about the mid-chassis.

Anyways, because the car is so big (compared to what I was driving) any information would be nice to know! Thanks!

 

[BSTD3]

Got a link or two of those sites elling under-chassis braces? Do they attach to stock points or is drilling required?

 

[Hirudin]

Here's one at ProtegeGarage...


Not many details there though...

 

[Nutari]

Lots of under chassis bracing to start with. The GT spec mid chassis just replaces the one we have. Its made for the 3 but fits on the speed 3.

 

[TurboWagon]

Got a link or two of those sites elling under-chassis braces? Do they attach to stock points or is drilling required?

Search GT spec in (google)

They have quite a bit for the normal 3 but I have not gotten a chance to look under the MS3 all that much yet but it would be interesting to know which of these pieces would be a direct fit on the MS3 without having to replace a stock member. I know there is a rear under-bar that looks to be effective but, like I said, I would have to get under the car to look closer.


Looking at those pictures, I dont see how the GTspec mid-brace would help any more than the stock piece. Maybe with the increased thickness of the metal but I am not sure, for my sake, it is worth the money.


Anyone else?

 

[BHOUST528]

I have been pondering about getting a mid-chassis brace and rear lower strut brace for my reg 3 hatch as well. Now i dont have any other suspension mods done at this point but i think that they would be effective by taking away some of the body roll i have in the rear when corning thats the only think about this car is that the rear end feels a little loose to me i think that this would help even if im not lowerd...As far as the bolting or drilling for the mounts they do just bolt up as far as i know from gt specs website... i should be a worth while investment..

 

[GoFast]

I have been pondering about getting a mid-chassis brace and rear lower strut brace for my reg 3 hatch as well. Now i dont have any other suspension mods done at this point but i think that they would be effective by taking away some of the body roll i have in the rear when corning thats the only think about this car is that the rear end feels a little loose to me i think that this would help even if im not lowerd...As far as the bolting or drilling for the mounts they do just bolt up as far as i know from gt specs website... i should be a worth while investment..

sway bars would help a lot more than that mid chassis brace

 

[BHOUST528]

sway bars would help a lot more than that mid chassis brace

then what about something like the gt spec lower rear strut brace or would a set of sway bars still be my better option? thanks

 

[TurboWagon]

Well, what exactly are you looking to do? You say your rear end feels a bit loose but by loose I guess you mean you feel the body roll, especially in the rear. A rear (anti) sway bar will fix this problem and it can be even further complimented by adding a rear strut tower brace, preferably one that attaches to at least 3 points (one on each of the towers and at least on to the floor.

I had a 28mm adjustable rear sway and a 3-pt rear strut bar along with adjustable coilovers in my GTI and the back end felt much more secure but at the same time, very tight. With the setting of the rear sway at medium, the rear end would only really "come out" if you made sudden hard corners.

I'm sure the Maz3 and the MS3 would both benefit greatly from the rear sway along with a good rear strut tower bar if you are willing to cut the fabric and drill holes.