Prefered Spring kit for MS3 - opinions?

G

GNsPR5

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Contributor
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2007 MazdaSpeed3 GT
I'm looking at all the Spring kits from various vendors, including the Mazdaspeed kit, and I want real opinions on what you think is best for the MS3? I want an aggressive stance, but also want a comfortable ride. I'd like improved handling and good cornering. Performance, not appearance is what I am getting at I guess. Is it worth it anyway?

I'm not into slamming my cars so I need road clearance for manhole covers, potholes etc. I don't want to be scraping the car when I exit the Taco Bell drive-thru....LOL!
 
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GNsPR5 said:
I'm looking at all the Spring kits from various vendors, including the Mazdaspeed kit, and I want real opinions on what you think is best for the MS3? I want an aggressive stance, but also want a comfortable ride. I'd like improved handling and good cornering. Performance, not appearance is what I am getting at I guess. Is it worth it anyway?

I'm not into slamming my cars so I need road clearance for manhole covers, potholes etc. I don't want to be scraping the car when I exit the Taco Bell drive-thru....LOL!
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+1
 
GNsPR5 said:
I'm looking at all the Spring kits from various vendors, including the Mazdaspeed kit, and I want real opinions on what you think is best for the MS3? I want an aggressive stance, but also want a comfortable ride. I'd like improved handling and good cornering. Performance, not appearance is what I am getting at I guess. Is it worth it anyway?

I'm not into slamming my cars so I need road clearance for manhole covers, potholes etc. I don't want to be scraping the car when I exit the Taco Bell drive-thru....LOL!
Click to expand...


Considering all of your requirements, I'd have to say the Mazdaspeed kit would be best. Others may ride nice, but they are to low.
 
yes i agree, the mazdaspeed springs seem to be what your after. There is not an extremely noticable drop but it is definitely there. Mazdaspeed has said they designed all of their aftermarket additions to the ms3 to provide the optimal performance, so you know that they are after performance improvements rather than visual improvements.
 
i want to get my MS3 Lowered ....but my driveway is a pretty steep incline....would i have a problem if i got it lowered?...anyone experienced any bad rubbing....or have a steep hill that they climb... Anyone have any preferences for springs?...i wanna go a little bit lower then the mazdaspeed springs...maybe..H&R..or Eibach.??

thanks for the help
 
MAZDARacing2007 said:
i want to get my MS3 Lowered ....but my driveway is a pretty steep incline....would i have a problem if i got it lowered?...anyone experienced any bad rubbing....or have a steep hill that they climb... Anyone have any preferences for springs?...i wanna go a little bit lower then the mazdaspeed springs...maybe..H&R..or Eibach.??

thanks for the help
Click to expand...

lowering is fine for inclines, just remember that angles are ur friend... one wheel at a time and u should never scrape. Mine is lowered on roadmagnet springs and ive yet to have a problem despite my seriously sloped driveway
 
jbiird317 said:
lowering is fine for inclines, just remember that angles are ur friend... one wheel at a time and u should never scrape. Mine is lowered on roadmagnet springs and ive yet to have a problem despite my seriously sloped driveway
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X10. Plus if this is your first lowered car, you really learn how to drive the car all over again. Like jbiird said you'll enter driveways or any plaza entry that has a dip in it at an angle (which always pissed the guy off behind you when you slow down to almost a complete stop), never pull completely forward of a parking stop or sidewalk unless you want to smash the lower front half of your car off etc. Also just a recommendation, purchase springs that are made for the Speed 3 not a regular 3. Those folks that are installing regular 3 springs in there Speed 3 are looking for trouble. It's not as simple as saying "well it's the same car but turbo'd" as one may think and you'll thank yourself in the long run.
 
boost_me said:
Will they really fit?!? Im interested in the tiens.. Anybody has any insight?
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I personally have never owned any TEIN springs because I don't like the stance/rake they give most cars. Either the front looks dropped to much or the rear sags too far down in my opinion. Also don't go after a spring for price or availability. Go after the spring that you know in the long run will still be your first choice because of ride quality, performance etc. Also I would never install a set of springs made for a regular 3 in my Speed 3. It's not as simple as saying "it's the same car but turbo'd" as one may think, there are many factors involved. You will thank yourself in the long run and so will your warranty.
 
I've read that many people are displeased with the amount the mazdaspeed springs had lowered their cars. I for one am not displeased. It hunkered it down a little. (maybe .5 to .75 inches in the front and .5 in the rear) I think it sits perfect. It rides perfect. I'd go as far to say it rides better than it did. The stock springs are linear, the MSs are progressive. There's a little more give with these initially. Side by side with the RoadMagnets, my car almost looks stock. Side by side with a stock MS3 and my car looks much lower. It's all perspective I guess. I wanted performance first and looks second. IMO, that's exactly what I got. After my alignment, I have absolutely no odd tire wear. 8500 on the stock tires and I still have plenty of life on them.
 
MAZDARacing2007 said:
i want to get my MS3 Lowered ....but my driveway is a pretty steep incline....would i have a problem if i got it lowered?...anyone experienced any bad rubbing....or have a steep hill that they climb... Anyone have any preferences for springs?...i wanna go a little bit lower then the mazdaspeed springs...maybe..H&R..or Eibach.??

thanks for the help
Click to expand...

If you want lower than the Mazdaspeed3 springs I would look into the Roadmagnets jbiird has or wait until H&R or Eibach as a Speed 3 specific set available, not regular Mazda 3 springs in your Speed 3. jbiird's car looks great and from his feedback the ride is super as well. Unfortunatly my roads wouldn't entertain a kit like that, to much construction year round not to mention pot holes bla bla bla. Also, I will tell you that both H&R and Eibach make fine products, but if you go with there Sportline (even lower) springs, you may have lots of clearance issues after they settle. Eibach Sportlines ride really nice if you have great roads but they will settle at least another 3/4" - 1" beyond what they are advertised at. I've owend three sets and they all did it, plus I have yet to know anyone else who did not experience the same thing. Lastly, consider what your end state is. Do you just want looks? Performance? Both? Track Days? Road Courses? etc. because to low can hurt a car more than most may believe as well.
 
SwampAss said:
I've read that many people are displeased with the amount the mazdaspeed springs had lowered their cars. I for one am not displeased. It hunkered it down a little. (maybe .5 to .75 inches in the front and .5 in the rear) I think it sits perfect. It rides perfect. I'd go as far to say it rides better than it did. The stock springs are linear, the MSs are progressive. There's a little more give with these initially. Side by side with the RoadMagnets, my car almost looks stock. Side by side with a stock MS3 and my car looks much lower. It's all perspective I guess. I wanted performance first and looks second. IMO, that's exactly what I got. After my alignment, I have absolutely no odd tire wear. 8500 on the stock tires and I still have plenty of life on them.
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Hey Swamp, I couldn't have said it any better. My personal opinion is if you want a daily driver that drives super on the street, you don't have to avoid every object in the road, but can also run extremely well at the track without swapping out your suspension, hands down the Mazdaspeed kit is the way to go. I think for some its the "looks" before the performance and like you I did not buy my car to just look cool.
 
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I'm with SwampAss on this one as I want performance over appearance. I'm not looking to drop the car, but a little bit won't hurt. I'm thinking ride and maneuvering. Coilovers will be years down the road when I feel the stock shocks aren't what they used to be. Keeping this car for the longhaul. Thanks for all who have expressed their thoughts on this.


Gspeedn3
 
I have some pictures floating around of my car lowered with the MS springs. I can't post them from work because the image site is blocked.
 
Ordered the MS Spring kit with camber links from protegegarage.com
Taking it to dealer for install and to discuss some other mods. Service Manager is very cool down here. Willing to help the Mazdaspeed family.
 
GNsPR5 said:
Ordered the MS Spring kit with camber links from protegegarage.com
Taking it to dealer for install and to discuss some other mods. Service Manager is very cool down here. Willing to help the Mazdaspeed family.
Click to expand...


Great Choice! Come back with some pictures...
 
GNsPR5 said:
Ordered the MS Spring kit with camber links from protegegarage.com
Taking it to dealer for install and to discuss some other mods. Service Manager is very cool down here. Willing to help the Mazdaspeed family.
Click to expand...

What did your dealer quote you for installation? Service numbnut here quoted me $600, and that's not taking into account the price of the springs!
 
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