Struts on the MSP.... looking for the facts

[UnNaturalinc]

I've read the perch sits higher on the MSP struts, maybe just the rears. This is why the back end sits so high when lowering w/ springs.

I was recently told I can get just off the shelf Tokicos would bring the back end of my car down a bit. Also stiffen the ride slightly (I always though the MSP struts were off the shelf Tokico, but I guess not now).

I don't want this rake in my car anymore, that's for sure.

I'm debating on new struts or D2 coilovers now.


.....discuss

 

[MrDiggler]

Somewhere in this subforum I've run across pictures of the stock Tokico struts standing beside the "other" Tokicos. Unfortunately, I can't remember what that thread was titled, but I do remember seeing a difference in the perches, and I may have actually posted asking why there was a difference. I know that the thread would have been posted to newer than 6 months ago, if that helps you search. It may have been a thread about the green Mazdaspeed struts, but I just can't remember for sure. Sorry. Good luck. I'm curious now too.

 

[UnNaturalinc]

The green ones are actual Mazdaspeed parts from Japan. By actual Mazdaspeed I mean the company oppose to the "badge" in the United States.

 

[UnNaturalinc]

Someone has to have the info on this....

Also, anyone know what the stock struts are worth fromt he MSP used?

 

[Jan]

i had illuminas... and stock struts r tokico blues.. i believe they r the same.. i mean the srtucture (outer wise) is pretty much the same

 

[srd555]

Here are some pics of the Illuminas vs the stock MSP blues.(rears only, the fronts are the same)

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2129357&postcount=33

I also happen to know that the off the shelf Blues are the same as the Illuminas.

 

[apocman]

Well it looks like the blues that come on our cars have the perch sitting higher or do all blues sit higher than the Illuminas?

 

[apocman]

BTW, your getting some positve rep luvin for your pics

 

[UnNaturalinc]

BTW, your getting some positve rep luvin for your pics

Yeah, no crap... I knew someone had to know the facts. ha

Well, if they are in fact regular off the shelf Blues (HP's) then I may just get the backs and save myself a lot of money. heh



Thanks man!

 

[srd555]

BTW, your getting some positve rep luvin for your pics

Thank you very much. (alright)

Bye the way, here is the original thread.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123617848&page=2&pp=15

 

[UnNaturalinc]

I called Tokico and Racing Beat both to see what they had to say.

The "Protege guy" is no longer at Tokico (the guy who had the red P5 you see in ads). The guy I spoke with didn't really want to help it seemed. However, he did say they are NOT an off the shelf HP. They're a slightly less aggressive version spec'ed for "Mazdaspeed".

As for Racing Beat, the guy didn't have specific info either. He actually told me it must be some freak thing my rear perches are lower (wtf? Thats not even the slightest bit possible). He didn't think it'd be a problem to JUST change the rear struts. I don't know I feel about that honestly... It's probably not "bad" to do, but I'd rather not experiment with the possibility of messing up a good suspension system.


*frustrating... I'm not expect everyone/anyone to answer my specific questions, but don't make up answers. Get me to the right person... goodness. /rant

 

[JDM Sam]

I've read the perch sits higher on the MSP struts, maybe just the rears. This is why the back end sits so high when lowering w/ springs.

I was recently told I can get just off the shelf Tokicos would bring the back end of my car down a bit. Also stiffen the ride slightly (I always though the MSP struts were off the shelf Tokico, but I guess not now).

I don't want this rake in my car anymore, that's for sure.

I'm debating on new struts or D2 coilovers now.


.....discuss

you work at a retail place. get coilovers.

 

[UnNaturalinc]

you work at a retail place. get coilovers.

Who do you think I am? Brian Spilner?

 

[JDM Sam]

come on man. get them.

 

[low_psi]

typical white boy name!

 

[MrDiggler]

Here are some pics of the Illuminas vs the stock MSP blues.(rears only, the fronts are the same)

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2129357&postcount=33

I also happen to know that the off the shelf Blues are the same as the Illuminas.

Yep, those are the pics I was referring to!! + rep for you!

 

[MrDiggler]

Who do you think I am? Brian Spilner?

Omg, that's the best laugh I've had in a while! *crying*

Yeah, gimme those coilovers and some naaaawwwwzzz!

 

[MrDiggler]

I called Tokico and Racing Beat both to see what they had to say.

The "Protege guy" is no longer at Tokico (the guy who had the red P5 you see in ads). The guy I spoke with didn't really want to help it seemed. However, he did say they are NOT an off the shelf HP. They're a slightly less aggressive version spec'ed for "Mazdaspeed".

As for Racing Beat, the guy didn't have specific info either. He actually told me it must be some freak thing my rear perches are lower (wtf? Thats not even the slightest bit possible). He didn't think it'd be a problem to JUST change the rear struts. I don't know I feel about that honestly... It's probably not "bad" to do, but I'd rather not experiment with the possibility of messing up a good suspension system.

I'm now in the market for some new struts. Mine seem to be ok at 47k miles, but after some research I picked up a set of Goldline springs and figure I'll go ahead and replace them while everything's apart. I've looked at the Tokico Illumina and Mazdaspeed "green" struts so far, and am not thrilled with the price tag for either one. One of my other concerns is making sure my relatively soft Goldline springs aren't overdamped.

What I'd like to know is if anyone has had any direct experience with running Tokico HP's or "blues" with a fairly non-aggressive spring like the Goldlines. From what I've read it appears that the HP's are what the factory MSP struts are based on, but that they're NOT the same thing as what we can get from Tokico in the aftermarket. Apparently the aftermarket HP rears have a lower spring perch like the Illuminas and overall the HP's may be slightly stiffer than what Mazda and Racing Beat developed for the MSP. Someone reported that they had been slightly detuned for the stock application. If that is correct, the aftermarket HP's should match up well with the Goldline springs for someone like me. That is, someone who loves twisty mountain roads but rarely exceeds 8/10ths and doesn't do autocross or track days. I spend a lot of time in my MSP for both work and pleasure and therefore ride quality is important to me. From what I can figure out, both the Illuminas and the MS "green" struts may be stiffer than what I need/want. Please tell me that the aftermarket HP's will work at least as well as the factory struts and save me $200 over Illuminas!

 

[livelyjay]

I think ONRAILS is running the stock blues and Goldline springs, shoot him a PM. I've looked into the different options for the struts and springs, and I think the D2 or K-Sport coilovers would be the best overall option. I think the K-Sports cost around $800, which is what new struts and springs would run you any ways and they will be easier to install because you won't need a spring compressor.

Does KYB make struts that fit out car?

To answer my own question, KYB does not

 

[Tommy1005]

KYB makes the GR2's for the standard protege, so yes they make them for our car, atleast in the rear. The guy at advanced auto parts is still trying to figure out why they list a part number for the fronts, but they don't give him a price. I'll let you know what I find out.