New strut time

[rustychops41]

My 2007 3S HB needs new front struts. The right front actually occilates while under hard power in even gentle RH bends in the road. Any advice on good prices for something OEM, or as close to OEM ride and handling as I can get? The car is not lowered, no bigger sway bars, nothing modded suspension wise. I would like to stay model specific (please no one-size-fits-all 2003-2009 Mazda 3's) since it is an "S" and not an "i" nor a MSP either. I would consider going with a recognizable after market brand(Koni, KYB, Tokico, etc) but not a no-name, never heard of them brand. I am plugged into the MazdaSpeed discount OEM parts deal through prior autocrossing. Since I am running 18x7.5 CX-7 wheels that are a bit heavier with more unsprung weight, would upgrading to MSP part #'s (struts only- and at all four corners) be a good move? Anyone know the price difference of MSP/non MSP OEM units through MazdaSpeed? I don't want new springs, lower ride height, stiffer ride, anything like that (although a slightly better damper like the MSP OEM units couldn't hurt the ride that bad, or could they?) Any advice will help me out here.

 

[xMazdax]

Any part you buy for the 3's is almost always going to be a "one part fits all" cause the chassis on these cars are the same from 04-13


As far as brands. Koni is my number one, buy KYB is good. Since you are buying new shocks your ride will stiffen (obviously) but check out the Koni FSD's those are OEM quality.

 

[rustychops41]

I know the chassis is identical across the model lineup, but in the past (Protg BJ chassis) there were differences in strut valving depending on the model, and also differences in the springs themselves. The DX and LX struts were different internally from the ES, and the PR5 had it's own part # too. The springs were different in front depending on auto or stick, and in the rear depending on DX/LX, or ES, or PR5. So I don't know if the struts are the same on a 3i and a 3s, or hatchback versus sedan. Thanks for the Koni info too