Questions for owners

[Dezoris]

Hi,

My buddy was looking at the MSP today, kinda an impulse, IMO.
But for around 20k I don't see a better car for the $$.

Sure there is the WRX, and the SRT, but the WRX is a cow, and the SRT, is not a car that we think will have the longevity the MSP will.

Now the questions. After taking a spin I reliazed that it's a very solid car, I am surprised about the weight of it at 2800 seems hefty, but can anyone confirm these numbers I saw in a previous post.

Spring rates
MSP: 145F/118R

For a sport tuned suspension I am quite shocked at how low those rates are.

Also does anyone know what they did with the shocks valving? Seems the same as the MP3, I assume they ramped up the rebound. Still feels soft.

Also does anyone have the MSP's alignment specs, or factory ranges.

Supposedly they made some more agressive changes, I'd like to know what they are.

I think the marketing is there to make the car seem like it handles better, but to me I think stickier tires and a more agressive alignment is all it is.

Anyone have any input?

 

[MSP Pro]

From the www.mazdausa.com web site, specs for the MSP. Front springs, 2.59 kg/mm, Rear springs, 2.10 kg/mm. On the site they talk about tuning the Tokico shocks, sounds like angle drilled orifices??? Curb weight is 2810 lbs, but with 1/4 tank of gas mine weighs 2750, which is about right at 6 lbs/gal for gas. Alignment specs go to the Protege FAQ web site for the TSB showing what they should be set to. http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/tsb/

The car handles wonderfully just as it comes from the factory. Bone stock, I won my street tire class in autox for Oregon on the OEM rubber, beating two WRXs for the title. Are you sure you want to change anything?

 

[YuYuRena]

i think they also change the thickness on the sway bars too?? So they made the chassis stiffer? You might want to look into that as well