Racing Beat Springs or Ground Controls?

[DooMer_MP3]

I haven't gotten a good answer on this yet. First off, just so nobody starts this argument again: The MP3 is not lowered with Racing Beat springs. It uses Mazda OEM springs with Racing Beat spring rates. The MP3 is only .2 inches lower than a regular Protege (ES, LX etc). You can see that by comparing MP3 and Protege specs on mazdausa.com. If you still think the MP3 is lower, the Ground effects are probably tricking you!

With that said , I want to drop my ride a bit to get rid of wheel-fender gap. I don't want to spend a lot of money, and dont want to have to upgrade shocks etc. The Racing Beat Springs will drop a Protege .875 inches, so a MP3 probably about .75 inches. Ground Controls will obviously do more.

Will the Racing Beats do the trick? I know .75 inches isn't a lot, but the little things tend to be quite noticable somtimes, or should I just save for the GCs? Does anybody have any pictures of a lowered MP3?

As for installation. Is it too hard for someone with very little automotive experience/tools to do? Or should I have them professionally installed? How much is an installation for such things? Thanks!

Chris

 

[ChopstickHero]

One of our members in the Toronto Protege Club just got Racing Beat springs....
the drop is so negligible that there is STILL a fender gap. Not worth it ... in my opinion.
Another one of our members has Eibach Prokits ... drops 1.4" front and 1.2" in rear. PERFECT look for all those who don't want too low.
Another one of our members has Ground Controls..... MINIMAL setting is a drop of 2"-2.5" ... MAXIMUM setting is 5" drop.
The look is really aggressive but too low at the minimal setting for most people. The rear tire is tucked under the fender .... so if you don't like that look, then don't get GC's.

 

[DooMer_MP3]

Thanks for the response. Yeah, after a bit more research it looks like H&R or Eibach might be the way to go. H&Rs do a 1.3 inch drop on front and rear. Is this too low for the MP3s current shocks? Or will I be ok with this? Thanks!

Chris