springs on your mp3

[changedman]

Whoever has an mp3- wondering what springs you have (if you've replaced stock)

and if you have ANY pics of the drop, that'd be great. also please let me know any good/bad things and if you've expeirenced any FAST tire wear.

Thanks!

 

[mp3girly]

I have a set of Tein S.Techs, and I really like them. I haven't noticed any bad noises or anything, but then again I had THE CLUNK and THE SQUEAK long before I had the springs. The ride isn't that much different from stock IMO, and it took the wheelgap down nicely. I need to get some pictures up.. maybe I will tomorrow.

 

[NCMP3]

Tein S-Tech's love them.

 

[Vulcanon]

any mp3's running sprint springs? they look like the offer a good drop..

 

[INiTiAL33]

im running H&Rs ... lov'in them

 

[MP3skaterNC]

A set from the first batch of spool springs, pretty good, but going away in the spring for some jic's

 

[VizaX]

not sure if you want to know about any coilovers (Slip overs mainly) but I got a set of Ground Controls, rides not the best kinda bumpy, but it makes the mp3 sit nice, barely if any wheel gap

 

[NCMP3]

Heres a pic of my car on the Highway with th teins. If you need more close up pics I have at least 1 or 2. Just thought I would help.

 

[DooMer_MP3]

Here's my ride with the SPOOLs (first batch). I wish the rear was .5" lower. I'll probably end up getting some different ones in the near future. Better than stock though...

/members/DooMer_MP3/spool2.jpg

EDIT: Good Lord. I can't wait to get these fugly winter steelies off

Chris

 

[azian6er]

pat i say go with the teins. You'll love them.

-B

 

[krb1482]

I have the eibachs from the bluemp5dave gb. noticed a wierd noise in the back, but it could be the clunk just came back. not sure yet. I do like the look better and didn't sacrifice much ride quality. here's some pics
/members/krb1482/mazda 01.jpg
/members/krb1482/mazda 02.jpg

 

[Tanginamo425]

Well here is the spring rate differenece between the Mp3 Springs and the S-Techs.

Stock: (Could be wrong, so give or take a few)
Front: 2.59kg/mm (145 lbs/in)
Rear: 2.10kg/mm (117.5 lbs/in)

S-Techs:
Front: 3.2kg/mm (179lbs/in)
Rear: 2.6kg/mm (145lbs/in)

Like I said I could be off so... well thats as close as I could get.

 

[mp3moose]

Spools here. I am pretty satisfied but wish they were stiffer.
moose

 

[Tanginamo425]

I've been meaning to ask you moose, how are the HC Pistons?

 

[MP3skaterNC]

Well here is the spring rate differenece between the Mp3 Springs and the S-Techs.

Stock: (Could be wrong, so give or take a few)
Front: 2.59kg/mm (145 lbs/in)
Rear: 2.10kg/mm (117.5 lbs/in)

S-Techs:
Front: 3.2kg/mm (179lbs/in)
Rear: 2.6kg/mm (145lbs/in)

Like I said I could be off so... well thats as close as I could get.

those rates are for the stock protege springs.

from this thread http://mazdamp3.com/vbb230/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22716&highlight=spring+rates

The Numbers
When compared to the Racing Beat Springs that originally come on the MP3, the S-Tech's are very soft. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find out the exact spring rates of the MP3, but through searching on the boards and making a few phone calls to Racing Beat I found the numbers I've listed below. We all know that the MP3 springs are 27% stiffer than the regular Protege Spring Rates. The regular protege rates are listed at 169ft lb. front and 119ft lb. rear. That translates into 215ft lb. front for the 152lb ft. rear for the MP3. The S-Tech's are 179lb ft. in front and 145lb ft. rear. So....if the MP3 came with the factory protege springs, then everything would be perfect. You'd have a nice rate increase when upgrading to the Teins, but using the S-Tech's for the MP3 is actually a step down in stiffness. This may be nice for some, but it is not what I was looking for.

the tein's are significantly less stiff than stock, so you lose handling when using them. yay!

 

[PaulMP3]

Early batch of spool springs here...