Recommendations for new suspension and brakes?

[DJ]

Hey, I have posted on here in a LONG time. That is mainly due to the car becoming a daily driver and other things taking up my cash (house). Now though, there are a few things that need fixing that I can't stand any longer.

First thing, suspension is very weak and making lots of noise. What are the recommendations for new suspension all around? I'm not really planning on going to a track or anything (maybe once). When I take a nice spirited drive I would like it to feel solid through the corners like it use to be. I know if I just go to a local shop and let them pick what to put on they will put on the most basic cheapest family car crap.

Next thing, brakes. I had them replaced a few years ago at Midas(rotors and pads) who just put on some generic crap and after a few aggressive stops they can barely stop the car. So nothing too crazy because this is a daily driver now, but something that will hold up.

Last thing, my parking brake barely works. Only the rear passenger side works, the drivers side does not engage. A mechanic messed around with it for a while, he says I need a new caliper on that side. Does that sound right?

Car is a 1994 Mazda MX-3 GS with a 5speed manual transmission of that makes a difference.

Thanks!
DJ

[nightfire]

I love my Eibach/Tokico setup, and it wasn't too expensive. It's harsh on Montreal roads (especially on summer tires), but it's not unbearable. On decent roads it would be fine.

If your suspension is making noise it could be a ton of things other than springs/struts. Make sure you replace everything on the strut (top plate, thrust bearings, bumpstops, boots, etc) and you might have someone check your bushings. If you need to replace them, there's a group buy going on right now for polyurethane bushings (70 rating should be only a bit stiffer than stock).

Another thing you might want to consider is an upper strut tower brace. They're like $40-50 shipped on ebay, minutes to install, and help the suspension do its job properly. It keeps some of the harsh forces away from the body/frame and smooths out the ride noticeably.

EDIT: Oh, for brakes, if brake fade is a problem, it could be pads, discs, or both. I'd recommend ordering some decent rotors off ebay (zinc/cadmium coated, cross drilled if you like) and quality pads. Any aggressive pad will do... anyone else have suggestions there?

EDIT 2: lol... with regards to the handbrake, when you say it doesn't work, do you mean it pulls to the top position and doesn't apply the brakes? If that's the case, your cable may be shot. You can try adjusting it by pulling the center console thingy apart, but you may need a new cable. Should be $100 installed. It's unlikely that it's the caliper that's at fault, but hey.

[RS_OBD'oh_2]

I agree with the HP and Eibach set up.. it's nice, not too low and not too harsh.
For new rotors.. check out KVR. - Something like that. IIRC they should be driving distance within your corner of Canada. EBC greenstuff pads would help out.. slight overkill for a DD tho.