Bilstein sports + road magnet 1.25"+ hotchkis + 245/40/17 all around

[a_ahmed]

I am considering doing some work probably in the spring on the mz3.

Are the bilstein sports still available?

I have stock shocks that are crap and some kinda lowering springs (yellow -- aerospeed? -- not sure how much of a drop... WAY TOO SOFT!)

Considering bilstein sports and road magnet springs... 1.25" should be wiser than 1.75" for both not screwing with roll center and rubbing tires...

Also wondering if this sorta setup will be able to accomodate 17x8.5 with 245/40/17... I have some enkei rpf1 sbc 17x9.5+15 from my track car.. but im not sure if this will fit on the mz3...more than likely not due to such a low offset right :-/

Also with this setup hotchkis front and rear, I heard stories of them hitting the suspension or subframe? Aftermarket endlinks a must?

[S.F.W.]

Yes the bilstein's can still be sourced. I recently purchased a set of B8's.

[a_ahmed]

There are different models of them? Do you mind elaborating, its for an mz3 not speed3

[S.F.W.]

There are different models of them? Do you mind elaborating, its for an mz3 not speed3
You can get either the B6 or b8, you would need to do somee research, but since you are tracking and lowering the car the b8 is likely the better choice.
With regard to the wheel setup, unless you roll and pull your fenders, and change the tire size you are going to have major fitment issues. The offset is too low for the mazda3

[a_ahmed]

I believe I've seen 245s and even 255s fitted though? I think these ppl might have had extra negative camber front and rear aside from a pull/roll?

I wanted the 245/40/17 as its shorter but still significantly wider. I would run some RS3s on the mz3, not going to go all out with an r comp i already have the other track car thats a money pit...

[a_ahmed]

025. Bilstein Heavy Duty Struts And Shocks 2004 - 2008 Set of Four Heavy Duty Shocks/struts35-110736 LF 35-110743 F RT. 24-110808 REAR Includes Mazdaspeed 3 734.60

026. Bilstein Sports Struts And Shocks 2004 - 2008 Set of 4 Part # 35-110767(L) 35-110774(R) 24-110815 Rears INCLUDES MAZDASPEED 3 734.60


I see these two as available on shox.com

[Scottobot]

How do you like the Bilsteins, Ami? Noticeable improvement?

[S.F.W.]

How do you like the Bilsteins, Ami? Noticeable improvement?
Really happy with them. The combination on the speed with the swift springs is great. Not overly harsh, but more planted on the road.

[Scottobot]

Really happy with them. The combination on the speed with the swift springs is great. Not overly harsh, but more planted on the road.

Hmmm.. neat. My Speed3 is nearly 5 years old (hard to believe) so I'll need to start thinking of this. Thanks!

[a_ahmed]

hmmm i cant seem to find new bilstein b8s for sale anywhere for a mz3... road magnet are easily buyable via road magnet but the b8 bilstein shocks not sure...

[a_ahmed]

Oh yeah I figured out what's on my car finally gold springs... they are h-tech garbage with stock shocks.. cant wait to get rid of them both

[S.F.W.]

hmmm i cant seem to find new bilstein b8s for sale anywhere for a mz3... road magnet are easily buyable via road magnet but the b8 bilstein shocks not sure...
bilstiencanada.com or Northern Performance are your two sources for Bilstein. You want the following part numbers
Sport Series (VE3-B076-H1) Left Front (35-110767)
35-110774 (http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default.aspx?58=1&38=68403746&36=854&14=4&32=17670&10=C62CDE9218DF2906E040A8C00A3E7B45018004&12=140) - Right Front
24-110815 * 2 - Rear

[a_ahmed]

thanks man!