well stop making me wait and tell me already!
btw on a side note, i see you have a P5 too! we drive the same cars
Wheels are a surprise! (>.<)
Yes, indeed! That yellow hottie p5 makes me smile every time I see it, even after 9 years!
Silver Build
- Thread starter inspekt
- Start date
Wheels are a surprise! (>.<)
Yes, indeed! That yellow hottie p5 makes me smile every time I see it, even after 9 years!
UnZipHer15
Member
- :
- Mazda 2, Miata, & P5
Nice!!! our P5 is silver!
Today I tried some tinting vinyl on the outboard amber inserts of the headlights. I'm a bit unsure about opening them up, so I thought I would give this a shot first. I'm not sure if the tint feels too dark or not. Like? Not like? I'm still trying to decide. This is two layers thick. I'm considering removing the second layer so it feels more tinted back and less blacked out. Waffling...
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UnZipHer15
Member
- :
- Mazda 2, Miata, & P5
looks a little unnatural, but its not bad. i obviously cracked mine open and i haven't had any issues (crosses fingers) it might look better if the windows, side marker, etc were tinted to match?
I agree. I think it feels much too tacked on. And I don't want to go down the road of tinting everything out though. I was curious to see how tinting back the amber would feel. I like that aspect, but not sure how else to achieve it. I much prefer the factory look of doing things right by opening it, as you did ^_^. I don't have an oven that I can fit them into, or a heat gun though, so that complicates things. Maybe I'll wait for some j-spec headlights if we ever get them here (Corksport???), or something else?
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Update!
Tint experiment removed. C'est pas bon.
H&R springs were installed yesterday morning. Since I haven't seen anyone show a very comprehensive comparison, I have taken three before and after photos from the same angles. The difference in appearance is much more significant than I anticipated. The H&R springs look MUCH lower in person than they do in photos. I know I'm in the minority on this, but I think it might be too low for me.
I'll put my new wheels on this Monday after letting the springs settle a bit and see if I feel different once 16"s are on there.
Another thing I've heard discussion of, but not in much particularly useful detail, is the relationship between the H&R springs and our stock dampers. In my opinion they are not compatible. The ride is much more firm feeling than the 30% stiffer claim - and I'm having trouble at this point telling how much of that is a) that they haven't yet settled, b) I still need an alignment, and c) that the OEM dampers are completely wrong for these springs. I get a bit of bounce from the struts with any quick elevation change and over speedbumps, and light but noticeable rebounding with most any significant bump or dip in the road. It's not what I was hoping for from a ride standpoint. After my 16"s are on and after an alignment I'll think it over, and if I'm still feeling this way, I'll probably switch over to RacingBeat springs, even though the gap looks pretty big in pictures (does it seem less in person?).
I'd definitely like to hear thoughts from any of you out there who have the RB springs, and any of you who have been living with the H&R springs for a while. Do you feel the same about the ride? Feel different about it?
Before:
After:
Tint experiment removed. C'est pas bon.
H&R springs were installed yesterday morning. Since I haven't seen anyone show a very comprehensive comparison, I have taken three before and after photos from the same angles. The difference in appearance is much more significant than I anticipated. The H&R springs look MUCH lower in person than they do in photos. I know I'm in the minority on this, but I think it might be too low for me.
I'll put my new wheels on this Monday after letting the springs settle a bit and see if I feel different once 16"s are on there.
Another thing I've heard discussion of, but not in much particularly useful detail, is the relationship between the H&R springs and our stock dampers. In my opinion they are not compatible. The ride is much more firm feeling than the 30% stiffer claim - and I'm having trouble at this point telling how much of that is a) that they haven't yet settled, b) I still need an alignment, and c) that the OEM dampers are completely wrong for these springs. I get a bit of bounce from the struts with any quick elevation change and over speedbumps, and light but noticeable rebounding with most any significant bump or dip in the road. It's not what I was hoping for from a ride standpoint. After my 16"s are on and after an alignment I'll think it over, and if I'm still feeling this way, I'll probably switch over to RacingBeat springs, even though the gap looks pretty big in pictures (does it seem less in person?).
I'd definitely like to hear thoughts from any of you out there who have the RB springs, and any of you who have been living with the H&R springs for a while. Do you feel the same about the ride? Feel different about it?
Before:
After:
You pretty much explained exactly why I am staying away from the H&R's, and am trying to decide between the RB's and eibachs. I definately want to get rid of the wheel gap and stiffen things up a bit, but not at the cost of a bouncy ride or scraping the bumper on steep/poorly designed driveways. The eibach's are available through mazda in other markets, and I wonder if mazda had some input regarding the specs. Good job on the before and after photo comparison!
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I have HRs and yes, they need some sort of aftermarket strut to help with the bounce. But that goes for just about everytime you lower a car no matter what springs you use. Stock struts are designed for stock springs. Coilovers would be best, but if you are not looking to spend gobs of money a nice spring/strut combo would suffice. Unfortunately we don't really have any options at the moment.
shortfuse12
Member
I had racing beat on my 2 and will be up for sale soon. ut if u are thinking of buying the RB minimize the wheel GAP nope RB is not it. ride comfort wise hands down RB is the best spring for the 2. had to switch to coilovers for the wheel gap.
Eyeballs, go for it if you've decided on RB. I'm still thinking about it. If you do take them, I definitely want to hear your thoughts when you get them on your 2!
Over here in the UK ive purchased some after market rear struts, gas filled ones, they adjust themselves apparently, says on the box that they get used to the roads you drive on regularly and adjust automatically, they are by KYB and after searching ebay i came accross KYB gas filled front shockers, i just havn't bought them yet lol, hopefully getting my 2 lowered this weekend, 40mm all round, apex springs
Chris
Chris
inspekt - Thanks, I think I will go with those since I really need to try and stay conservative with this car (though it will be difficult for me). I figure the RB springs with a corksport f&r swaybar setup should improve handling nicely without noticeable nvh. And after driving up to my in-laws house (on a mountain with partial gravel driveway) I'm not so sure going much lower would be a good idea.
Chris - sounds like this is what you have: http://www.kyb.com/products/shocks/gasajust.php
It'd be nice to get some kyb options here in the states...usually the agx's and gr2's are good options when available. I've had both on previous vehicles. I think the gr2's are most similar to the gas-a-just. You'd think it'd be easier to have the same products with the same names available worldwide.
Chris - sounds like this is what you have: http://www.kyb.com/products/shocks/gasajust.php
It'd be nice to get some kyb options here in the states...usually the agx's and gr2's are good options when available. I've had both on previous vehicles. I think the gr2's are most similar to the gas-a-just. You'd think it'd be easier to have the same products with the same names available worldwide.
Wheels!
Today I finally had time to get my wheels on. As mentioned in the stock Touring wheel weight thread, these wheels+tires came in within a half pound +/- of the stock wheel combo, which is the neighborhood I was hoping for.
Sparco Assetto Gara in bronze = 16x7 (+37) riding on 205/45/16s. The fitment looks better than I hoped in person, and it seems like +37 with a 205 is just about perfect stance for a 16 on this car. It's very difficult to photograph our 2s with the same dimensional presence they have in real world space, but you'll see how snug the offset is. I'm thrilled with the combo. It's not totally flush, but it looks flush from nearly every angle in person and that's what I was shooting for.
Some general angles:
Offset details:
Tighter wheel details:
Today I finally had time to get my wheels on. As mentioned in the stock Touring wheel weight thread, these wheels+tires came in within a half pound +/- of the stock wheel combo, which is the neighborhood I was hoping for.
Sparco Assetto Gara in bronze = 16x7 (+37) riding on 205/45/16s. The fitment looks better than I hoped in person, and it seems like +37 with a 205 is just about perfect stance for a 16 on this car. It's very difficult to photograph our 2s with the same dimensional presence they have in real world space, but you'll see how snug the offset is. I'm thrilled with the combo. It's not totally flush, but it looks flush from nearly every angle in person and that's what I was shooting for.
Some general angles:
Offset details:
Tighter wheel details:
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Great job! Those look absolutely amazing. I was checking those wheels out myself as well, but in the 15" size and black. I love how far the spokes are carried out to the rim edge...it makes the wheel look larger. After seeing your photos I'll be considering 16's as well now I think. The only thing I don't love about those is the weight....definately not bad, but for the price there are lighter options available (though none that look nearly as good IMO).
UnZipHer15
Member
- :
- Mazda 2, Miata, & P5
as said in the other picture thread, looks amazing! well done sir... Portland is holding it down for the Mz2
