GC Spring rate w/ Zx2 Struts

[onlytrueromeo]

After reading through lots of material, I have found this information regarding struts/springs and the MX3 suspension.

In an ideal world, I would have lots of money to be able to spend on the car. In reality, I do not. So, I want to go with "the best" set up for the money, which I have found to be ZX2 S/R struts w/ Ground Control coilovers.

Koni's are a bit pricey, and some say that they aren't THAT much stiffer than the ZX2's anyway. The Mazdaspeed struts, which I have seen on this board a few times would be awesome, but again, money is an issue.

The ZX2 struts are valved 297F and 182R, so thats a good basis for the spring rate - for people who like to keep things easy. After reading Yoda's posts on understeer and spring rates, he describes a good setup as 250F and 500R......clearly out of the range of the ZX2's. After more searching, I found that a spring rate of 220F and 180R was suggested by Mazdaracer. Is there any way to balance this out a little bit between the two? I don't want to overload the strut, but how much would running 220F 200R affect the lifespan of the strut? And what kind of handling characteristics would this produce? What would be "the best" setup for the price? (Spring rates would be linear as the GC's have linear springs I've been told)

I have a '95 rs, so no rear swaybar, but a whiteline 22mm swaybar will be going on the car over the summer, the same time that I will be replacing the struts/coils on the car.

[Whisper]

Whiteline swaybar should stiffen the rear quite a bit, without the need for stiffer rear springs. I think 180 and swaybar should give you fair balance and a reasonably neutral handling. There's no need to have 500 pound springs in the back. Yoda's car allegedly rides good with those rates because he has coilovers with fair amount of adjustment.

AST coilovers for example have spring rates of 285F and 228R, irc, and are still supposed to handle well.

[onlytrueromeo]

thanks!

[Escort91GTX]

im runing that strut/coilover setup. ran it in my escort and now my mx3. wouldnt choose any other . its pretty dam stiff and handles like its on rails. not to mention im slammed too

[Ice Racing]

Could somebody supply part number to order and where. If pic, please add. I'm looking for a start up set-up that that might just be it.