ATTN MAZDA 3 OWNERS; Regards to lowering springs/coilovers
 

I need some help, a good friend of mine is thinking of lowing his 08 Mazda3, I am unfamiliar with this car. Hoping you guys can give me some direction on what to use, what do you use/prefer? Are you on springs or coilovers? as the car will be daily, I would imagine springs would maintain a more comfortable ride quality.

TIA!

anyone will tell you if you have the money, dont do half ass job


spring/proper shocks / coilovers is the proper way to go


springs on oem shocks...is just a cheap fix

Well... that's what I'm trying to figure out... coilovers offer a much harsher ride quality VS springs. I'm just trying to figure out what everyone is using/prefers.

Vancouver = Springs.. Too many damn potholes.

I added TRD springs to my 09 Corolla. Big difference.. A little stiffer on the ride, only lowered the car about an inch but got rid of the huge wheel gap.. As for performance my car barely rolls now this thing takes hairpins way better than stock.. All i need are some sway bars and this thing will handle like a go cart.. I couldve done the shocks too but hell this isnt a ferrari. and If so i wouldve went coilovers. I went springs first so i know what limit i have with new rims..

depending on what application


TEIN basic and SS is pretty soft/mild



TEIN FLEX, holly shit im gonna break my neck going thru rail road tracks

Commonly used throughout our club are:

- Canuck Motorsport springs - 1.75" drop all around. One of the lowest spring drops around. Many guys have these springs. They are manufactured locally. Least costly to purchase

- Eibach Pro-Kit - I think about 1.2"-1.3" drop. Milder drop for those who don't want to worry about scraping. Name brand, so a bit pricier.

- Many guys have paired the springs with Koni Yellow or FSD shocks. This provides good ride quality and cornering without any of the adjustability of coillovers.

In terms of coilovers:

- BC Racing - I think this is a Taiwanese or Chinese made product. Most affordable coils, offer dampening and height adjustment

- H&R - Height adjustable only. Pricier but good quality coils.

- KW Variant 1, 2 or 3. The priciest of coils but IMO highest quailty.

Best of luck.

Kev

KW = mad money


but good shit
:thumbsup:

u know, people need to get over this point. if the manufacture did their research and used the right dampers with the right springs, the coilovers wont be harsh.

heres a general rule of thumb, euro dampers usually ride better than jdm coilovers on the street.

as for the mazda3, i would go with an eibach kit or h&r coilovers if they make them. its going to be a bit more pricey, but well worth it if ur paying for a quality set of coilovers.

whatever your friend does, dont go with springs + oem.. i currently have that because i was super cheap, they might look good cuz they get rid of wheel gaps but the ride bounces soo much, a friends accord coupe bone stock oem rides more firm than my suspension setup now because my shocks are starting to show the symptoms of getting soft.. luckily i have coilovers coming in next month, go with shocks + springs if spring is your choice, dont make my mistake

I love eibach pro kits! i've had them on two cars, issue is you shoudl get new shocks with them i mean you could get away with stock shocks since they're relatively new but after awhile they'll just blow.

but judging by the specs listed by Roach it doesn't seem like enough of a drop on a Mazda3. do they make the sportlines for the mazda 3?

also anything more than an inch and a bit drop you'll want to look into camber kits.

Posted via RS Mobile
Your stock shocks are probably worn, hence the bounce

Most cars stock struts aren't valved properly to handle a drop... soon as you put lowering springs on them, they're going to ride like shit.

If you want to lower a car properly... don't half-ass it... get springs AND struts/shocks designed for a lowered application. You might not get it, but your passengers will appreciate it.

I'm using H&R springs on stock shocks for about 2 years now. The ride is a bit stiffer then stock, no bouncing at all. Lowers about 1.5" F and 1.3" R when all is settled.

If he has the money go for H&R coilovers or Mazdaspeed coilovers. He won't regret it.

This is great guys, thank you for all your input!