MSP Struts + ProKit + P5 = Stock look!!!

[Mackdaddy]

I finally got around to installing my MSP struts last night. All I can say is WTF????? The car now has a 3 finger gap all the way around. I loved the way the car looked with the Eibach springs, but wanted better damping (you'll ride the bumpstops quite a bit on the OE stock struts.) So, MSP struts go in.

The spring perch seats must sit higher, that's all I can think of. I didn't take any measurements while we had both OE/MSP struts side by side, but they sure looked exactly the same. No problems with the install (actually only took about 1.5 hours.) Everything went together just like it should have. That was nice. But it sure looks like stock again. :mad: :bs: :wtf:

It actually rides really nice (although I must admit I've got my stock 16" wheels on at the moment.) I'll take my digi camera to work with me today and snap some fresh pics. You be the judge.....

Jim

 

[Mackdaddy]

A bit better news.

After giving her a nice wash, and a relaxing drive to work, it's not as bad as I originally thought. Don't get me wrong, it still sits higher than it did with the OE P5 struts, but looks to be the rear springs only will need changed.

My thoughts are buying a set of Eibach's for the sedan (listed as a 1.8" drop for the rear.) Swap the rear springs only. Fronts for both kits appear to be the same. This might level things out the way I'd like. As it stands now, it looks like a 60's rear wheel drive muscle car (huge rake!) That to me looks like s***. Period.

I forgot my USB cabe, so I won't get the pics posted till tonight.

Jim

 

[Mackdaddy]

Pics are up (went home for lunch.. )

http://public.fotki.com/mackdaddy/msp_struts/

 

[Mackdaddy]

Just got off the phone with Scott, from Eibach engineering. Explained the situation, couple of things to note:

Both sedan & P5 front springs are the same.

The rear springs for the sedan may / may not give me the results I'm looking for (i.e. drop the rear down ~ 1 inch from where we're at now.) I'd assume it will, but won't know till I do it. He stated the spring rates are definately different between the sedan/P5 for the rears. This doesn't suprise me.

He agreed that it's probably a perch height difference causing the issue. That, or the MSP (Tokico's) are really stiff, and have something to do with. I don't see that being the case, the car rides too nice.

Oh well. I'll measure the strut housing lengths soon. That'll give us a better understanding of what the heck is going on here!

Jim

 

[Mackdaddy]

Update

After a day to really evaluate the situation, it's not as bad as stock ride heght. The rear is the culprit (still have not measured the difference in strut body length.) I think it's causing the front to look a bit higher too (makes sense to me.) Even with the raked look, it rides fantastic. The struts make a night & day difference over the stock units. Nice and smooth, not harsh at all (I was really worried they'd be too harsh for me.) Car feels more stable at highway speed as well. Worth the money / time invested!

I put dibs in on a used set of Eibach sedan springs, but probably won't receive / install them for a while. I'll do just the rears, as the fronts obviously are the same. Hopefully they'll bring the ass end down just a bit (while not comprimising the ride quality I'm now enjoying.)

More info as it becomes available.

Jim

PS - Note to anyone who installs the MSP/MP3 struts (regardless of P5 / sedan install.) Make sure you lubricate the included bumpstops. If you don't they squeak like a sumbeach! The instrustions tell you to do so, but I failed to read them untill we got to the rears. I've yet to lube the fronts, and they're making some really funky squeaking noises. You can still get to them after the install is complete, thank goodness.

 

[Mackdaddy]

Starting to look better every day

Just an update.... no real news.

I did measure the perch height on the MSP rear struts while I was re-painting my brake calipers last night. From the bottom of the assembly to a specific point on the lip of the bottom spring perch (of which I'll do the same on the OE's tonight,) is 11 13/16". I'll measure the stockies tonight and post results.

As for the "stock ride height" issue. Actually, it looks like it's starting to settle in a bit. Much better than it was right after installation. Still has a front "rake," but wheel gap is more to my liking now. If the deal on the Eibach sedan springs comes thru, I'll probably still do those. If not, no big deal.

 

[Jliao]

I'm interested to see your car with Eibach drop on the MSP struts. Keep us posted!

 

[Mackdaddy]

I'm interested to see your car with Eibach drop on the MSP struts. Keep us posted!

You're look'n at it!

 

[o.g.sk8er]

Hey Jim, your car is looking great!


Patrick

 

[Mackdaddy]

Hey Jim, your car is looking great!


Patrick

Thanks Patrick! I like it (and that's all that matters, right?)

 

[PFUNK5]

Hey bro thanks for the post man! I just bot the S-Tech springs, and will be buying struts soon! I see those are the blue mazda aftermarket struts, they look real good. I'm SERIOUSLY considering buying the 4-5 way adjustable mazdaspeed struts. If I do get them, I will post a picture of my ride...but for now, your car looks good!

Karl

 

[Mackdaddy]

PFUNK5 -

Not a problem. Like I said, hopefully the Eibach sedan rear springs will even things out a bit. I just put my Rota's & Yoko's back on last night. They're noisy, but they grip really, really well. I'll get some fresh pics up soon....

 

[KYREDP5]

I can get some sedan springs, and I could just trade you the rears. ie I give you sedan rears, you give me P5 rears. We each just pay shipping. Let me know if your interested.

 

[Mackdaddy]

I can get some sedan springs, and I could just trade you the rears. ie I give you sedan rears, you give me P5 rears. We each just pay shipping. Let me know if your interested.

Thanks for the offer, but I've since sold the MSP struts. OE's are working out great.