Suspension!

[Fr!sco]

Hey whats Up ? for some reason the thread I did can not be found but Im new to this and maybe I did something wrong anyways was wondering how long it takes to install lowering springs? Ive been looking at the prokits and they seem to be the ones im after, does anyone have pics that I can see what it looks like please? Also will I need a camber kit ? And whats a good dealer to get them at ?
Thanks
Fr!sco

[fini]

Hey whats Up ? for some reason the thread I did can not be found but Im new to this and maybe I did something wrong anyways was wondering how long it takes to install lowering springs? Ive been looking at the prokits and they seem to be the ones im after, does anyone have pics that I can see what it looks like please? Also will I need a camber kit ? And whats a good dealer to get them at ?
Thanks
Fr!sco

It usually takes about 1 hour to install at a shop. Unless you are asking about doing it yourself, which is a whole other story.

Recommended location of install: Street Performance (Markham)
Recommended vendor: Supershyguy (Sponsor -- Nextmod)

From what I've read, there are a lot of mixed feelings about camber kits. Personally I don't have it and my tires are fine after about 12,000 km. search with keywords camber kit or camber links and you can see previous discussions about them

Below is a pic of my car on prokits:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/fini/n81012203_38121918_7211.jpg

[dj_chinaman2097]

I bought my pro-kits from NextMod and had them installed at Street Performance. Took two or three hours because I wasn't in a rush and Jimmy was working on another car simultaneously.

Before and After shots at Street Performance:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/djchinaman/mazda3/03_15_2008/FrontCompare.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/djchinaman/mazda3/03_15_2008/RearCompare.jpg


After the springs had seven months to settle:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/djchinaman/mazda3/10_13_2008/DSC_0301_copy.jpg

The rear doesn't look much lower than stock. But it looks good at the front.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/djchinaman/mazda3/07_28_2008/IMG_3514_copy.jpg

[michaelm]

wow ur car is super shiny dj :D!

[JordanAndrew]

Here's a related question about prokits, during winter do they tend to squeak more or created more sound than stock? I know it's probably a stiffer suspension, but other than the drop, are there any other noticeable difference other than performance of coarse?

[fini]

Here's a related question about prokits, during winter do they tend to squeak more or created more sound than stock? I know it's probably a stiffer suspension, but other than the drop, are there any other noticeable difference other than performance of coarse?

for me, no other difference other than performance and aesthetics.
no squeeks or squeels during cold weather for me (knock on wood)
you do have to be careful where and how you drive though so you don't snow plough too much or into anything that would ruin your car. (speed bumps, pot holes etc)

[MistaChin]

Looks great DJ, i'll be putting my prokits on very very soon!

[Fr!sco]

Awesome thanks for all the help it looks dope I cant wait !!!but now I was told i might of bought the wrong wheels cus they kinda stick out Ill put pics up soon !!!

[Olestra]

Awesome thanks for all the help it looks dope I cant wait !!!but now I was told i might of bought the wrong wheels cus they kinda stick out Ill put pics up soon !!!

You may not necessarily have the "wrong" wheels but a low offset wheel (which makes them stick out) would require more attention.

[Flagrum_3]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/djchinaman/mazda3/07_28_2008/IMG_3514_copy.jpg

dj_...Car looks fark'n awesome, really love those rims on there too!!

Frisco_...You can't go wrong with the pro-kits, been using them for 2+ years, no problems (50k+), great ride-(close to stock in comfort), but with great road handling.
Usually or in most cases camber kits are not needed...I don't use them and have no problems, tires wear perfectly even!!...Best thing is to install the springs, wait a week or two for them to settle , the longer the better I believe and take her in for a alignment.The alignment will show if camber kits will be needed or not.


_3

[mazdathree]

for me, no other difference other than performance and aesthetics.
no squeeks or squeels during cold weather for me (knock on wood)
you do have to be careful where and how you drive though so you don't snow plough too much or into anything that would ruin your car. (speed bumps, pot holes etc)

does snow ploughing cause damage to the car?

[Giaro]

How much does the pro kit cost (avg.) CAD? is there shipping/ any other fees besides install if i ge it from nextmod?

[Fr!sco]

Hey Dj whats the secret to that nice shine and ya I really like how the drop looks does it take much time (like to settle?)

[fini]

does snow ploughing cause damage to the car?

Usually it's soft snow, I haven't seen any damage yet because of it (2 winters now). Normal highway driving has beat my car up more than snow ploughing ever could. All you gotta do is be mindful where you drive and you'll be A-OK


How much does the pro kit cost (avg.) CAD? is there shipping/ any other fees besides install if i ge it from nextmod?

the price that SuperShyGuy (NextMod) states is cash pickup, no other charges.

[marvin24k]

That's a nice drop fini. I am looking to get the prokits as well!

Fr!sco you won't be dissapointed!

[dj_chinaman2097]

Hey Dj whats the secret to that nice shine and ya I really like how the drop looks does it take much time (like to settle?)

I have that accessory where I press a button on my dash and all the bird droppings and dirt get vaporized off the paint.

Actually, forum sponsor Kaval of Make it Shine detailed it a month prior to that picture. Plus I park in a garage so the car usually stays clean for a while after it's been washed.

As for the springs the general concensus here is to wait at least two weeks before getting an alignment. I never went for an alignment but I might this year since I hit quite a few potholes during the winter.

This was my first winter with the springs and the suspension squeeked when it was really cold and while driving slowly over bumps and speed bumps. I could only hear it at low speed. Since the weather has warmed up I haven't heard it squeek once.

Snow plowing through fresh, soft snow shouldn't be a problem. Just be careful of chunky snow banks on the side of the road and in intersections. I got stuck twice in one night on street corners because the snow had piled up like king-mattress size and was taller than the bottom of my car.

But my favorite benefit about the pro-kit springs is the car feels more stable and tilts less when turning.

[Mty Mous]

Here's a few more noob question for all you Prokit owners out there...

Does the front always sit lower than the rear?
If so, how much lower?
Are you guys still using your stock shocks or did you guys upgrade those too?
If still on Stock shocks, how many clicks has it been since you lowered it?

Okay, I think I reached my question quota for the week. :)

[baymoe]

Nice drop DJ. Anyone got info/review with Tanabe springs? One in particular, the NF series for our Mazda3. I bought a set on impulse and have yet to install it.

[fini]

Here's a few more noob question for all you Prokit owners out there...

Does the front always sit lower than the rear?
If so, how much lower?
Are you guys still using your stock shocks or did you guys upgrade those too?
If still on Stock shocks, how many clicks has it been since you lowered it?

Okay, I think I reached my question quota for the week. :)

From what I've seen and based on personal experience, the drop in front and rear is equal.

I'm on stock shocks and have gone though about 40,000 km on prokits so far so good.

[Mty Mous]

From what I've seen and based on personal experience, the drop in front and rear is equal.

I'm on stock shocks and have gone though about 40,000 km on prokits so far so good.

40K? Wow! I can live with that. :)

Hmmm, I really like how DJ's car looks with his prokit, and I sure won't mind going that route. :)

[dj_chinaman2097]

Here's a few more noob question for all you Prokit owners out there...

Does the front always sit lower than the rear?
If so, how much lower?
Are you guys still using your stock shocks or did you guys upgrade those too?
If still on Stock shocks, how many clicks has it been since you lowered it?

Okay, I think I reached my question quota for the week. :)

I understand with the prokits, the hatches will sit at the same height front and rear because of the extra weight of the hatch. The sedans are usually a bit lower in the front than the rear.

When I had the prokit installed I also had the Mazdaspeed accessory shocks and struts installed. They were in the For Sale section for a good price so I got them.

[mazdathree]

I'm on stock shocks and have gone though about 40,000 km on prokits so far so good.

Thats some useful info! getting the prokits is just too tempting!

Does anyone know how high the front and the middle sits above the ground when the car is stock? ie no front lip and stock suspensions. Just to get the idea how high the car is going to sit after the prokits are installed....I know I can go measure it myself but just thought I'd ask if someone has done that already...thanks

[fini]

Thats some useful info! getting the prokits is just too tempting!

Does anyone know how high the front and the middle sits above the ground when the car is stock? ie no front lip and stock suspensions. Just to get the idea how high the car is going to sit after the prokits are installed....I know I can go measure it myself but just thought I'd ask if someone has done that already...thanks

the ground clearance used to be posted on the mazda.ca website, probably gone now with the '10 models. but if i remember correctly, i guesstimated 11cm or so clearance AFTER installing the prokits. so if the prokits lower you 1.2" - 1.5" then stock clearance should be about 14cm - 14.8cm

[mazdathree]

the ground clearance used to be posted on the mazda.ca website, probably gone now with the '10 models. but if i remember correctly, i guesstimated 11cm or so clearance AFTER installing the prokits. so if the prokits lower you 1.2" - 1.5" then stock clearance should be about 14cm - 14.8cm

thats not too bad...hmmm i'm seriously thinking of geting a kit for myself.

[whiteomega]

I understand with the prokits, the hatches will sit at the same height front and rear because of the extra weight of the hatch. The sedans are usually a bit lower in the front than the rear.

When I had the prokit installed I also had the Mazdaspeed accessory shocks and struts installed. They were in the For Sale section for a good price so I got them.

i had squeaking from the front shocks in colder weather; the culprit was the ungreased bumpstops. Jimmy installed my suspension, so I had him grease up the bumpstops and the squeaks were gone. The squeak is slowly coming back and only when the front outside wheel is somewhat loaded; otherwise i don't hear anything.

the mazdaspeed accessory springs i have included the camber kit; the drop isn't as severe as the pro-kits are (at least on my hatch..it looks like about 3/4 inch..maybe an inch). i picked up the mazdaspeed shocks at the same time. Winter is always an adventure, but the car still rides higher than most sports cars in the winter, so it hasn't been a huge issue.

Here's a pic with them on:

http://www.minions4.net/images/mazdaspeed-after.jpg

[mazdathree]

i had squeaking from the front shocks in colder weather; the culprit was the ungreased bumpstops. Jimmy installed my suspension, so I had him grease up the bumpstops and the squeaks were gone. The squeak is slowly coming back and only when the front outside wheel is somewhat loaded; otherwise i don't hear anything.

the mazdaspeed accessory springs i have included the camber kit; the drop isn't as severe as the pro-kits are (at least on my hatch..it looks like about 3/4 inch..maybe an inch). i picked up the mazdaspeed shocks at the same time. Winter is always an adventure, but the car still rides higher than most sports cars in the winter, so it hasn't been a huge issue.

Here's a pic with them on:

http://www.minions4.net/images/mazdaspeed-after.jpg

which kit is that?

[Terrible3]

which kit is that?



the mazdaspeed accessory springs i have included the camber kit......
Here's a pic with them on:



I may look into them also!

[jcutner]

Below is a pic of my car on prokits:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/fini/n81012203_38121918_7211.jpg

Anyone have a guess on the tire size there? I'm gonna be putting pro-kits on with 225/45/18's with RX-8 rims, im worried that 45 is much too large, height wise...

How many of you guys have seen, or are running 225/45/18s with pro-kits?

[Thrizzl3]

Anyone have a guess on the tire size there? I'm gonna be putting pro-kits on with 225/45/18's with RX-8 rims, im worried that 45 is much too large, height wise...

How many of you guys have seen, or are running 225/45/18s with pro-kits?


Steven is a member on our board http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=391049&highlight=low+hatch#post391049 he's running 225/40/18 on eibach Sportlines which are lower than prokits

[fini]

Anyone have a guess on the tire size there? I'm gonna be putting pro-kits on with 225/45/18's with RX-8 rims, im worried that 45 is much too large, height wise...

How many of you guys have seen, or are running 225/45/18s with pro-kits?

these are 225/40/18 on my car. the proper ratio for an 18" wheel not to throw the speedo off.

and as i've said in previous posts. rubbing at full wheel lock. but i don't have any experience with 45 aspect ratio tires so i can't say what will happen there

[mazdathree]

these are 225/40/18 on my car. the proper ratio for an 18" wheel not to throw the speedo off.

and as i've said in previous posts. rubbing at full wheel lock. but i don't have any experience with 45 aspect ratio tires so i can't say what will happen there

what offset are your wheels?

[Nextmod]

now taking new orders for the prokits - http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=31010&page=3

[fini]

what offset are your wheels?

based on other thread discussions, i think it's 50mm.. it didn't matter much to me at the time as long as i knew it fit and looked good.. which this was evident by other members running the same wheels.