OEM MS3 springs on MZ5

[tillyspeed81]

Mazdaspeed3 suspension YAY!!!

SO, today while fighting a cold I decided to install my suspension.As some of you may remember I tested my friend's Tein Coilover suspension on my 5 and it fit nicely, so without any worry I bought the speed3 setup. Unfortunately for me, my wife is the main driver of the 5. But since she is in Japan visiting family, I'm messin' with the rides...(cabpatch) The Mazdaspeed3 shocks and springs fit easily into my 5.... I didn't have to modify anything. I tried to see if my 3's strut brace would work on my 5, the bolts line up perfectly, but on the 5, I guess the power steering reservior (spellcheck)(screwy) is in the way. Tomorrow after work, I'm gonna attempt to install the lower brace and get an alignment. so for all of us fivers wondering if the Speed3 suspension works...it does...I'll post a review of the ride after I get my alignment.(cabpatch)(cabpatch)

 

[dima_rus]

how much lower is the ride now?

 

[62Lincoln]

how much lower is the ride now?

x2, please tell us that you did some before and after measurements...maybe even some pics!

 

[dima_rus]

pics would be great.

I'm at the stage where I need to decide if I want to lower the car at all, cuz my front lip is pretty low as it is

 

[red headz]

Anxiously clicking...

but to clarify - you installed stock MS3 springs and shocks into a Mazda5. Because you can also purchase MS3 sport springs - which drop the MS3 even more than stock...

I am looking for about a 1" drop overall from the stock M5 ride height without much of a sacrifice in ride quality. A bit firmer would be alright, but ideally - I just want the 1" drop.

Hoping the stock MS3 springs on a M5 drop about 1"...

still anxiously clicking...
michael.

 

[tillyspeed81]

I just got the stock Mazdaspeed3 suspension, It seems to be about a 3/4" drop, maybe when it all settles it will hit 1". The ride is much firmer from stock, but not too firm. I like it, and I don't think my wife will notice at all...hehe...(drinks) I'll try to get pics up soon...

 

[dima_rus]

Thanks man, much appreciated. Speed3 springs here I come

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

I know the springs fit. There is a thread on the other forum. Looks nice. The CBE off the 3 also is a nice fit on the 5 and sounds awesome. I am waiting to get my hands on a used one as I dont plan to put an exhaust on my speed3 as of yet.

 

[Kojack]

yep same here...small front and rear lip, MS suspension and we are good to go!

 

[Katner]

I just got the stock Mazdaspeed3 suspension, It seems to be about a 3/4" drop, maybe when it all settles it will hit 1". The ride is much firmer from stock, but not too firm. I like it, and I don't think my wife will notice at all...hehe...(drinks) I'll try to get pics up soon...

tillyspeed, you feel like offering a little more depth on the review of how the new suspension performs? Do you notice less body roll? Any more confidence in handling or high-speed stability? Cornering stability? Would you say that it's a big improvement or should a person consider something truly after market if they want real handling gains?

The CBE off the 3 also is a nice fit on the 5 and sounds awesome.

Forgive my ignorance...what's a CBE?

 

[dima_rus]

CBE = catback exhaust

 

[tillyspeed81]

tillyspeed, you feel like offering a little more depth on the review of how the new suspension performs? Do you notice less body roll? Any more confidence in handling or high-speed stability? Cornering stability? Would you say that it's a big improvement or should a person consider something truly after market if they want real handling gains?

Forgive my ignorance...what's a CBE?

Honestly, I haven't taken the car out much yet since I lowered it. I'm going in Monday for my alignment and then I'll probably run it a little harder to test it's cornering. From what I've noticed so far from just normal driving, it does seem to hung the corners a little better, it's not great, still feels soft. I think it's just because of the weight difference. I have noticed the back end sags a little more than my front...But if you're looking for better handling gains, I probably would go aftermarket and get Mazda5 specific parts. Especially sway bars and such if handling is what you're trying to improve. I only installed the speed3 suspension, because my wife is the main driver of the 5 and she isn't so great on the speed bumps...so I can't slam the hell out of the 5 as much as I would have liked with a coilover suspension. Plus she's AT so I can't do much on the performance end of the spectrum.... All show and no go is what my 5 is gonna have to be about. ...(hippy)

 

[dima_rus]

how bad did the rear end sag? Is it that noticeable?

 

[tetrapak]

I managed to get mazdaspeed springs made specifically for the premacy from Japan. It was expensive but hopefully it'll be worth it.

 

[dima_rus]

Just picked up my Speed3 springs today, can't wait to get them on the car. Most likely it will happen on Tuesday.

 

[redaxelaspeed]

i got a set of oem speed 3 springs laying around if any one wants to make an offer.my speed3 is running on tein s tech made for the mz3,so the oems are just collecting dust,also my stock ms3 exhaust is collecting dust!

 

[Katner]

i got a set of oem speed 3 springs laying around if any one wants to make an offer.my speed3 is running on tein s tech made for the mz3,so the oems are just collecting dust,also my stock ms3 exhaust is collecting dust!

What kind of mileage do the springs have? And the exhaust?

I managed to get mazdaspeed springs made specifically for the premacy from Japan. It was expensive but hopefully it'll be worth it.

What did they run you? Springs only?

 

[redaxelaspeed]

springs about 1000 mi and exhaust about 10,000

 

[dima_rus]

Finally got the speed3 springs installed. Just like tillyspeed81 said, the ride is definitely firmer, feels a lot more solid, takes corners a bit better and still drives pretty soft. I'd say the car is 3/4"-1" lower. The only down side is that rear is a bit lower then the front, but then again, I have a heavy sound system in the back. I would probably have to go with some rubber spacers to lift the back a little bit.

Pics will be posted soon.

 

[dima_rus]

Quick update, as it turned out, I was right, I had to put in 2 rubber inserts on each side rear springs to even out the height.