Suspension questions

[D-rock240]

Yeah, me and my friend did it at his shop. We didn't need the spring compressor to do the rear springs, just slid them in.

 

[JoshP5]

Ah, that was going to be my next question. I know they're short and wondered if they fit tightly in there.

 

[NeilBey]

What are the stock struts that come with the MSP? Are they the Tokico blues?

 

[D-rock240]

They are similar to the blues, but the rear spring perch is different.

 

[JoshP5]

Valving is different, too. HPs are slightly more aggressive.

 

[NeilBey]

OK. Found some stock MSP struts and endlinks. How much should I be paying for them? Just a ballpark figure. Should I even bother with the endlinks? Or get some aftermarkets? Is there some sort of guide or the service manual that I could refer to that states everything I need for this to work?

 

[D-rock240]

Stock MSP endlinks are good, I got a new set of them with my other parts. Price for the struts depend on their condition and how many miles are on them. I'd say ~100 a piece for used MSP struts would be a ballpark figure.

 

[NeilBey]

But I could (if I wanted them) get a set of HP's for $320 shipped. A set of used MSP struts can't be that much can they?

 

[D-rock240]

(shrug) Yeah they are probably less. Start a wtb thread in the for sale section, maybe you can get a good deal on a set from someone here.

 

[JoshP5]

A set of used MSP struts can't be that much can they?

Yes. The set of 4 is $460 at onlinemazdaparts.com, and that's discounted 20% from what you'd pay at the dealer.

They're pretty hard to get a hold of used.

Here's the advice I give to everyone who buys that eBay "kit"--just bite the bullet and dump those MSP springs in favor of some that work with HPs.

 

[NeilBey]

I'm going to make an offer on these other ones and see. Will the stock endlinks work with the new struts or will I need to get some new ones? Sorry 'bout all the questions. I just want to make my car as cool as yours so I can post a pic of a hot girl standing in front of my ride...

 

[NeilBey]

But I don't want the harshness of the HP's damping. This is my daily driver too so I'm trying to keep stuff as stock as possible (suspension, engine, etc) - unless I have to go aftermarket (headers, midpipe, etc)

 

[JoshP5]

HPs aren't that bad. My wife didn't even notice when I put mine on, and she's pretty critical of my automotive endeavors.

 

[NeilBey]

That's what they're there for . I'm gonna see about these stock struts and if that doesn't work, I might just get some HP's. I know a guy that works for Ohlins Racing that could probably custom valve them nicely for me. (Yes I know it'll void the warranty) Hell, the Illuminas aren't that much more either...

 

[NCZ13]

HPs aren't that bad. My wife didn't even notice when I put mine on, and she's pretty critical of my automotive endeavors.

how much do you think the ride quality would suffer with a pro kit and blues?

i got my springs today, and im still debating stock strut for tokicos.

 

[JoshP5]

As far as aftermarket suspension goes, prokit/HPs are pretty mild. The Eibachs should be ok with stock struts, too.

 

[D-rock240]

I'm going to make an offer on these other ones and see. Will the stock endlinks work with the new struts or will I need to get some new ones? Sorry 'bout all the questions. I just want to make my car as cool as yours so I can post a pic of a hot girl standing in front of my ride...

LOL thanks man. Actually, I didn't notice too much of a difference between the two setups in terms of daily driving, except that the new suspension feels awesome on the turns

Stock sedan endlinks are too short I believe.

 

[NeilBey]

Good news! I managed to find some stock struts! Woohoo! Can only get them in a week or so tho' (payday). Now for those AWR adjustable endlinks...