Need to refresh suspension on MSP on a budget

[Gobbracing]

Hi guys!
My MSP has hit 75k miles and the original shocks are going away.
I do not want to go the coil-over way because the car is being driven all year around even through the Montreal winters and our roads can be quite rough even in the summer.

I autocross only on the local and provincial level and it's more for fun even if I'm very competitive (STX). Nobody has built a real STX car yet over here.

I love the suspension as is with the addition of the AXR Clunk-fix kit (thanks Evolv!). But the OEM struts are very expensive here in Canada (compared to the States) and I'm aware of the difference between the rear OEM and Tokico off-the-shelf struts. And the OEM struts are very expensive compared to the Tokico off-the-shelf struts.

So right now I figured the Tokico off-the-shelf struts with new coils (Tein S or ?) would be my best budget option and I hope it would not handicap the car's great handling but even improve it if possible. But I want to get the right set-up so that rear is not to low and I don't want to have a lack of suspension travel.

I'm also tempted to to go with new OEM rears with Tokico HP off-the-shelf struts in the front. But I want to be sure the fronts will match the OEM fronts. This option would allow me to retain the RB MSP specific coils.

And than there's the Tokico handling kits (HP or Illuminas with matched springs). Is anyone using them and what are the specs of the coils?

All options come out to about the same price.

So I'm opened to your suggestions and I also want to know about your experience in this matter.

Note: I'm a very experienced autocrosser (over 15 years) and I also do lapping days once in while(drive).

 

[kamon8404]

Get the illuminas. They are about 540, and they are adjustable.

 

[aMaff]

I think the illuminas would be your best bet for struts

 

[Gobbracing]

Thanks but please really take the time to read my whole original message.

Just buying Illuminas won't do me any good unless I know which coil to put with them to keep my MSP properly balanced and have the at least the same performance as OE.

And if someone thinks to answer me to use the OE Racing Beat coils, you better let me know how I can raise the rear strut perch.

 

[FLAMSP]

bump

 

[Gobbracing]

I asked well known MSP performance part suppliers and they suggest to use Eibach Pro-Kit coils with Illuminas or Blue HPs for the regular Protege.

Anybody using this set-up on their MSP who autocross and do track days?
I'd like to get your comments/feedback.

Btw I did a full research on the available coils (Tein, Eibach, Tanabe...)

 

[Gobbracing]

Did anyone installed Illuminas or Blue HPs for the regular Protege on their MSP?
If yes. What coils did you go with?

 

[geomatics_tech]

Did anyone installed Illuminas or Blue HPs for the regular Protege on their MSP?
If yes. What coils did you go with?

Im going with the Illuminas and espelir springs eventually.

 

[TiMSP]

What do you guys recommend for about the same price:
Tokico HPK shocks and springs kit (HP shocks w/Tokico springs)
or
KYB GR-2's w/Eibach Prokit

Im leaning towards the Tokico kit because it was designed that way. Does anyone know who makes Tokico's springs that come in the HPK kit?

 

[Jaysanooch]

I have 2 rear illumina's new and I'll include 2 new rear msp bump stops & 2 new spring seats. Taking pictures tonight.

 

[Gobbracing]

I have 2 rear illumina's new and I'll include 2 new rear msp bump stops & 2 new spring seats. Taking pictures tonight.

Send-moi a PM svp.

 

[deVic]

if you can somehow magically obtain the green mazdaspeed struts they are bomb

 

[Gobbracing]

Found some used struts in the For sale section.

Problem solved.

 

[Spooled]

Found some used struts in the For sale section.

Problem solved.

What did you go with and how is the ride ride & height compared to stock?

 

[Gobbracing]

Bought used OE struts and coils. So no change at all in height but I now have a fresher, more responsive suspension.
It was that or BC coil-overs.
I went the easier route on my wallet for this year.

 

[Spooled]

Yeah, I really want full coilovers, but I can't justify the price. I need to freshen up my suspension, too, and I'm looking at the Illumina struts with coilover sleeves possibly.

 

[4orcefed]

I really like my Eibach Pro springs with the stock Tokico struts. They are not to harsh...They handle really nice....