New to the whole "SUSPENSION" thing

[nicolasbeique]

getting a KL-ZE installed and a new suspension is one of the things on my list. (the mazda guys told me my struts were leaking anyways so its a good time to change)<P>I've heard alot of good things about Ground-Control coil-overs and I've pretyy much set my mind on them. What else do I need? What are good springs to ad to the CGs???<P>Don't really know anything about suspensions so any help would be helpful.

[ProtegeSTS]

the Ground Controls already come with Eibach springs, in specified rates. Im not sure what they are, but i wouldnt trust what they give you. Im still working on figuring out exactly how much different the EC chassis is from the BG chassis cars, but id estimate that ~250 front and 225 rear would be a nice street setup. For lengths, 8" front and 8" rear. Otherwise, you'll run into suspension travel issues.<P>the MX-3s can NOT be "dropped" without having major issues with suspension travel, so unless you like a horrible ride and screwing up your suspension, dont lower more than 1.5"<P>Next...for those springs, you NEED good struts to control them, unless you feel like bouncing around all over the place. Mazdaspeed would be the only one id suggest to work with the spring rates i mentioned above. You *could* do koni inserts, but thats more expensive.

[nicolasbeique]

Thanks alot<P>but I thought coil-overs replaced struts??? I guess I'm even more confused now...

[ProtegeSTS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nic Beique:<BR><STRONG>Thanks alot<P>but I thought coil-overs replaced struts??? I guess I'm even more confused now... </STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR>K....there are 2 kinds of "coilovers"<P>1. Coilover sleeves. These are the Ground Controls. This is the only thing available for the MX-3. They are sleeves that fit over the strut body and have a moveable perch that allows you to change ride height.<P>2. "Full coilovers". These are much more expensive and replace both the spring assembly and the strut. Nobody offers anything for the MX-3, so when i refer to "coilovers", im refering to the sleeves.

[nicolasbeique]

Thanks again... starting to make more sense

[ProtegeSTS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nic Beique:<BR><STRONG>Thanks again... starting to make more sense </STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>It depends...<P>read through the old posts...<P>each product has their fuction. ARe you looking for max performance? A good ride? the "slammed" look?

[nicolasbeique]

want the car to be lower for looks... (about 2 inches) being able to adjust it (GC coil-overs) depends on the overall price.<P>performance wise... well its always nice to be able to corner better, but I don't need anything exesive because I wont take the mx3 to the track (drag strip yes, but not the track)<P>just want a suspension with good quality products (won't snap or fall of on the highway) that will be an improvement over my current suspension (and lower )

[ProtegeSTS]

2" lowering is gonna cause you to ride on your bumpstops through corners, unless you plan on using some VERY stiff spring rates. 1.5" is a much better solution. If you need to get rid of more "fender gap", get some taller tires.

[bmwm3guy]

Ground Controls are going to kill your back. If you want comfort, its not found with Ground Controls.

Good affordable combo spring/struts is KYB GR-2's and Suspension Techniques springs... the GR-2's are lifetime garanteed and the springs are decent. The ride is stiff but still semi-comfortable. If had them for 6 months now and LOVE the ride it gives.

[ryanlindenberg]

bmwm3guy: how much of a drop did you get after it settled?

[DavidOS]

DMS they will do custom work for you:D
sounds like you have cash to burn talking about mazdaspeed and GC etc...etc..

have a look at DMS suspension

[tatsu]

Actually, another source for "full" coil-overs is...Ground Control! They sell the Advance Design coilovers, which are a full-threaded-body adjustable strut made to work with Eibach race springs (really, any 2.25" spring). The struts are about $400 (U.S.) each, without springs. They apparently do have applications for Escort ZX-2's, so they should be relatively easy to fit to an MX-3.

For your purposes (street driving and the occasional run down the dragstrip) I would not bother with coil-over sleeves. As others have said, going for more than a 1.5" drop will give you a pretty punishing ride. The only benefit to coil-overs I could see for you would be the ability to lift it back up to stock height for winter road conditions.

Overall, your best bet would be some reputable brand springs (H&R, Eibach or Suspension Techniques) and non-adjustable struts. I have driven an MX-3 with H&R springs and Tokico HP shocks - the ride was a LITTLE more firm than stock, and the handling was noticeably better. It had a nice look as well - not "slammed", but noticeably lowered. That's probably the combo we will be going for next summer...

[bmwm3guy]

Originally posted by ryanlindenberg:
bmwm3guy: how much of a drop did you get after it settled?

I never really measured it, but with my stock 15" rims n tires the front fender is even with the top of my fron tire and the back fender is about an inch or two off the top of my tire. I really like the aesthetic aspect and the performance is good too. In my opinion my money was spend well and I have no regrets. And remember, KYB's are lifetime garanteed... if one breaks, send it in and you get a new one.