Shocks/Struts completely gone. Recommendations for lowering since I'm replacing them?

[Baez]

My baby is nearing the 100k mark.

After taking it to the garage, liquid is non-existant in two and the other two are close to it. So I figured while I'm at it I might as well go for performance and lower it too. Not looking for much more than 3-4cm. It's a 2006 GT.

Thanks men :cool

[FD22]

I assume you're looking for a shock/spring combo? Coils might not make sense since you don't want to lower it too much. Could still get coils and keep them towards a higher setting, but the cost of coils would likely be slightly higher than a shock/spring combo (if getting "quality"/well-known coils).

For 3-4cm, seems as though you're targeting a prokit type of drop (approximately 1.2" drop all around I believe). There's sportlines which are a little bit more aggressive, at around 1.7" I think (these numbers might be a bit off, but the general scale should be somewhat accurate). In terms of an uneven drop (lower in the front than back) there's h-tech's and s-tech's for spring options by Tein.

While you're at it, would be wise to invest in some aftermarket shocks/struts to handle the stiffer loads, as opposed to going OEM again. Popular options include Koni Yellows/Oranges, KYB, Monroe, etc.

There's a ton of threads on this stuff, so if you're willing to read a little, there's all the information you need and more waiting for you :)

[Baez]

I've heard prokits aren't too bad when it comes to suspension. Any good kits you know of? I was definitely thinking of aftermarket shocks yes. Though I don't have much of an idea where to find them. I'm stuck in Cornwall until I get these changed so buying online is probably my best bet right now.

[Baez]

Also coils would be great if the lowering isn't too much and doesn't break the bank. Already costing me an arm and leg to get this stuff done.

[FD22]

Do some snooping around at our sponsors on here if you're looking to buy new; there's a bunch of places that carry all kinds of solutions, so hit them up and they'll be sure to help you out. If you're going to look into used, there's usually a set or two up for sale on the boards, or Kijiji, etc; just have to keep your eyes peeled!

[Baez]

Thanks FD appreciate the help

[FD22]

No worries!

Best of luck :)

[trulankan]

whats your budget? its probably better to invest in better shocks for any lowering springs (i.e avoid monroe or any oem-spec). prokits and koni orange would be good i think.

[trulankan]

get'em while you can (used pro-kits for cheap): http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?72912-FS-Eibach-Pro-Kits-(-150)-and-Vibrant-Strut-Bar-(-50)

[Baez]

Budget is ~1k. I'm looking at the Koni Yellows with the Eibach Prokit. They work well together?

What's the average time it takes to replace all 4? Garage is quoting 4 hours total.

[Hyperion]

Hell, just get yourself a set of used BC coils for about $900. $160 to install, $70 to align and call it a day. Adjustable ride height and stiffness.

[peterm15]

Hell, just get yourself a set of used BC coils for about $900. $160 to install, $70 to align and call it a day. Adjustable ride height and stiffness.

+1

Or up your budget and get air off the bat. You'll most likely end up wanting it anyways. ( I know I do)

[5_Alive]

BC coils are a nice setup, or go Koni Yellows and Eibach prokit.
I had Yellows on the old MS3 and it was a great setup.

[Mr Wilson]

Eat some Mr Noodle for a few weeks and for a few $ more buy the BNIB KW V1's for sale on the forum.

[FD22]

Or up your budget and get air off the bat. You'll most likely end up wanting it anyways. ( I know I do)

+1 :( lol but don't we all...


OP, I've got yellows and prokits on my car, and I love it. But unlike coils, I don't have much adjustability. Like others have mentioned, if your budget is around $1k, you could definitely snag a decent set of coils for that.

[bukjoe]

I just installed Koni Orange and Eibach prokits about a month ago when my shocks were blown. I'm currently at 196000kms and the ride feels like a dream even in the snow :-) I recommend getting some Koni Oranges if you do not plan on spending "too much" but still looking for a great upgrade from OEM shocks.

[Hives]

Coils ride nice. They will eventually seize. I have 100k on mine, and the fronts are seized. Same with everyone else I know, except one guy. He cleans the threads at least twice a year. I unfortunately do not have that time. Gotta know what you are getting yourself into... Goodluck!

[prolifik]

for that budget just get coilovers, more low, adjustable for winter time, better ride if well tuned

[austinSedz]

4 hours sounds about right, maybe 3 if they do alot of 3's. For under 1000 I'd be looking at some used coilovers (bc) or koniyellow/bilsteins and megan racing springs (for a big drop) or eibach for a medium drop. If you are into lowering tho, you'll regret buying springs, so might as well just go straight to coils. I already went down that road, sold the koniyellows and sportlines a month after I bought them.

[TheMAN]

springs not low enough? you guys are crazy! even H&Rs makes the car so slammed, you have a hard time jacking it up!
cheap coilovers suck... they have crappy shocks and because they're adjustable, there's more parts to break and seize up from salt! they also have stiff springs so it makes the ride horrible too... any one who says they're fine are the same kind of people who say their coffee can exhaust isn't loud :rolleyes

[The Wolf]

Eat some Mr Noodle for a few weeks and for a few $ more buy the BNIB KW V1's for sale on the forum.

Please do this. They are what, 50% more expensive than BC's but IIRC they are the cheapest coilover that is actually purpose designed for the Mazda 3. It makes all the difference when it comes to actual performance and ride quality.

springs not low enough? you guys are crazy! even H&Rs makes the car so slammed, you have a hard time jacking it up!
cheap coilovers suck... they have crappy shocks and because they're adjustable, there's more parts to break and seize up from salt! they also have stiff springs so it makes the ride horrible too... any one who says they're fine are the same kind of people who say their coffee can exhaust isn't loud :rolleyes

KW's are not bad at a reasonable height. When I installed mine they were around sportline height (basically 1 finger gap rear, no gap front) and they were VERY comfortable. Much more comfortable than my previous pro-kit & oem setup. Since then I've lowered them all the way and removed the helper springs up front and it has become incredibly stiff and uncomfortable haha.

oh and my oem ms3 exhaust is too loud.