So it looks like you can break the mazdaspeed suspension down into three components: the shock/springs (I'd want to do these together so I don't consider them separate), the sways, and the strut braces.

What I am wondering is should you really go for the whole lot, or can you not bother with certain parts. For example the rear strut eats up trunk space, so could you leave out the strut braces without sacrificing too much - or worse, making the car handle worse than stock.

I guess it also helps to describe what I am after. I am after a suspension setup that is great for twisty roads that I drive daily to and from work. I may AutoX the car, but I've been saying that for ages with my Miata and never actually done it. I don't mind a harder firmer ride, so long and it is still a capable daily driver. I tend to prefer handling over shear power and that is why I am thinking about going the suspension route for my first big mods.

You are at least following the correct path of modification, and that is the big three in this order:

Handling - Braking - Power

I installed the complete MS upgrade and I love it. It is what the car was meant to be. The brakes are fine stock, so now I'm into power.

As for the ride comfort, at think it is fine. It is allot firmer, but not enough to bug me as a daily driver. I can out handle my buddies 911 right now, and he is amazed at the speeds I can take corners. :)

Reading your reply just makes me smile. You make it sound very worthwhile.

Did you install the rear strut brace as well? If so, how much space does it really take up?

Reading your reply just makes me smile. You make it sound very worthwhile.

Did you install the rear strut brace as well? If so, how much space does it really take up?
Go to my website and look at the 6th photo down on the left. That should answer your question about the rear shock tower brace. I can still get me golf clubs in the trunk if that is what you are worried about. :)

Actually - That's a great answer. Golf clubs are important !!!

hey nemesis,

can the rear brace be easily removed for those times when you need more trunk space?

I have the sways and spring/shocks, but not the strut bars. I love the combo. the sturt bars have the smallest effect on handling so I may or may not do them.

hey nemesis,

can the rear brace be easily removed for those times when you need more trunk space?
Yes - only the end bolts through the brace itself need to be pulled, and then the brace can come out. The end links, so to speak, remain in place.

I have the sways and spring/shocks, but not the strut bars. I love the combo. the sturt bars have the smallest effect on handling so I may or may not do them.
The front brace's master cylinder brace really helped out the brake reponse. I would recommend at least the front, but I would get both. It really improved the total experience.

I'm thinking of getting the under bracing now.... :rolleyes:

I currently have the MS front strut brace (4pt JDM), rear JIC strut brace, and MS shocks/struts/springs...

As for the ride comfort, it's very nice. The shocks aren't superstiff nor is it uncomfortable like the 350z. For a better idea, i believe they are tokico blue's -- just read up on that. The drop is just about right.

As for cornering, OR wheel hop, it's almost gone now. I love it!! I'm aiming for the sways soon, but i don't know how hard the install will be. But yea, the MS setup is very very comfortable and very aggressive (if that makes sense to you).

Think about it this way -- Mazda doesn't want to the car to be "bad" in any sense, so they make the car a bit better w/ the MS packages -- that's what i think in my opinion. The shocks are not too stiff, nor are they soft in any way. Braking seems to have improved dramatically as well due to the suspension work (imo).

As for brakes, there's no need to upgrade to a big brake kit... just better pads if you want the brake dust to be a little less bothersome to your rims.

Yes - only the end bolts through the brace itself need to be pulled, and then the brace can come out. The end links, so to speak, remain in place.
thanks, that is what i was hoping to hear.