Trying to figure out the best way to reduce wheel gap.

[Eric J]

HI, I've got a 2010 Mazda 3 GT stock.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to reduce the wheel gap between the fenders and tires without voiding any warranties. After calling a few Mazda dealers, they all tell me that installation of any aftermarket parts (such as coilovers) would basically void my suspension warranty. I'd like to avoid that, so what i was thinking about was installing 18 inch rims/tires and getting the mazdaspeed springs installed which are supposed to lower the car a bit (~0.5 inch). The idea is that by having mazdaspeed parts installed by mazda techs, i would avoid any risk of voiding the warranty since the parts I'm installing are technically not "aftermarket". Anyone tried this? Worth it?

 

[nastynogales]

dude its ur suspension, eventually they're supposed to get replaced. i wont worry about voiding it.

and the method ur taking about wont do jack... the ms3 suspension has huge wheel gap even w/ lowering springs and thats lower than the regular 3.

 

[Remazda]

I just put new wheels on my car and for some reason the wheels look much smaller. I want to reduce wheel gap so I am seriously considering Eibach Pro Kit springs. The drop is less than 1.5" which is a necessity unless your are willing to buy a camber kit and new shocks after a year. If I install the springs and something does go wrong, I wouldn't want stock parts on the car anyways. The suspension problem would need to be directly related to the installation of the part for them to legally void it anyways.
In your case, going through all the trouble of buying used springs or overpriced springs from Mazda and getting them installed seems like a big pain and IMO a waste of money. I would bet that 5" would look very similar to what you dislike now.

Hope this helps and let me know what you decide on. I attached a photo of the eibach springs after. If I buy springs I'll send you a pic

-Jack

 

[Eric J]

Yeah, I see what you are saying about the warranty issue. I had talked to another group of guys and they recommended some coilovers (BC) to lower the car because they can be adjusted for ride height and stiffness. The BC ones I found are reasonably priced (about a G) and come with the necessary accessories (camber kit). The problem for me is I do not have the skill or tools to be able to install them myself, so I'm forced to rely on a dealer to get that stuff installed. My service guy is reluctant, but said they would do it. So combining the coilovers with 18 inch rims and tires should lower the car around 1.2-1.5". Thats what some other users (on another forum) had told me.

 

[skatethesea]

The tools needed to do the install can be found at any autozone or advanced auto parts. They should cost you less than $150 for all of them. (low pro jack=$50, Jack Stands=$25, cheap ratchet set=$25-$30, some 2x4s=free from Home Depot, OEM jack=Free, Allen wrench set=$7-$10) You wont even need a spring compressor cause you wont need to take the springs off the strut. As for the drop, it depends, if you go 1.25"-1.5" you can leave the damping pretty light due to the room to travel before you get a little wheel rub. But if you go 2"+ then you will need to set your damping pretty high.

Side note, even if you have your dealer install it, they wont be good the first time you put them on. You will have to adjust them at least once if not a couple time to find the perfect ride height for you. Plus dont forget that the springs will settle after a week or two. Find some locals and do it yourself. It will teach you a ton and give you the ability to adjust the ride height and damping whenever you want. Just my $.02. I hope it helps. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[nastynogales]

check out suspension techniques coilovers

they cost less than the BCs and designed similar to the kw v1s
i have a set on mine

 

[skatethesea]

Im about to drop these Yellow Speed coils. The front right coilover spring keeps rotating. It's an absolutely endless annoyance to have to reseat the spring every other day.

 

[Remazda]

Drop as in...?

 

[Remazda]

mazdaspeed springs installed which are supposed to lower the car a bit (~0.5 inch).

If you are only looking for minimal drop in your springs then check these out!
http://www.protegegarage.com/1729-racing-beat-spring-set-2010-mazda3.html

 

[skatethesea]

As in totally get rid of them. I would like to pic up some HKS or Bilstien PSS9s.

 

[Eric J]

Wow, excellent advice. I have a lot to consider. Just need to wait until Christmas bonuses roll in to see what all I can do. Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

 

[Remazda]

No problem. Glad I could help.