ASH8

OK guys I think I already may know the answer, but, just wanted to go through this out there with you who have more hands-on experience than I in actually DOING suspension mods or changing over shocks and springs.

Now, I have the opportunity to "upgrade" my S2 GT's Sports Suspension (OE Tokico black Sports Shocks) with the S2 R3 Bilsteins...

Now I want some advice on the following, I don't want to be talked out or suggested I try another brand of shock, as I said I have the opportunity to get R3 Bilsteins very cheap.

The S2 suspension components (parts) are all the same between R3 and GT, the only difference is (1) Wheels (19"), (2) Solid Rear Sway Bar, (3) Bilstein Shocks, (4) Coil Springs...That is all, everything else is the same...I will have all these parts to replace EXCEPT the 19" Wheels...I will continue to use my S2 GT 18" Wheels?.

So, IF I install the Bilsteins would I have to also change over to the R3 specific Coil Springs???..

Now if I don't change the 4 Coil Springs will the Bilsteins still fit correctly with my GT's Coil Springs?.

The reason I don't really want to change over to the R3 Coil Springs is I believe it would possibly lower my car, as the R3 set up is designed for 19" Wheels, I am using my original 18"....I don't really want to lower my car IF this is the outcome in using R3 Coil Springs and OE Bilstein Shocks.

So basically will the S2 OE R3 Bilsteins fit with my S2 GT Coil Springs OK?, and maintain existing ride height, or do I have to use the S2 R3 Coils Springs with S2 Bilsteins, and will it lower my car as I am using 18' Wheels.

Thanks for your helps mates!

Bladecutter

You most likely "won't" need to change over the springs, it just depends on the differences between their overall length, and if either is a progressive rate spring vs a straight rate spring.

If there's a significant difference in length of springs or shocks, the only thing you would be looking at is using the Bilsteins in a different portion of the length of travel than the GT Springs are originally designed for. Could lead to a different ride than you were expecting.

What really matters is this:

Differences in spring rates between GT springs and R3 springs.
Overall length of GT Springs vs R3 Springs
Overall length of GT shocks vs R3 shocks

The size difference between the R3 tires and the GT tires is a non-factor.
There's a difference between .1 and .3 inches, so it won't make a difference. What does make a difference is the sidewall stiffness of the R3 tires. That's also part of the suspension feel.

Honestly, if there's no difference between the lengths of the two shocks, and they have the same amount of travel, just slap in the Bilsteins, and tell me how much they cost, as I'd love a set too.

BC.

AerialEight

iTrader: (2)

I would go with the springs as well as the shocks, ASH. The wheels are an inch different, but overall diameter is 26.0 inches for the OE 225/40/19, vs. 26.1 inches 225/45/18. Stock R3s don't ride any lower than their S2 siblings.

Here is a picture of mine when it was on stock R3 suspension.



As you can see, no lowering concern swapping the entire spring shock combo.

ASH8

Thank you...
I like your suspension mod with the "other" adjustable Bilsteins.

AerialEight

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. I didn't realize the R3 springs were different. If they are, its a good bet Mazda matched a different spring to that shock for a good reason. Enjoy your upgrade.

ASH8

Yes, Springs are different...still negotiating about the change.