Mazdaspeed suspension review
09-22-2006, 07:15 PM
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Mazdaspeed suspension review
I recently installed my Mazdaspeed springs and shocks and have decided to give my impressions.
Firstly , after looking at all the available options to me except coilovers , I kept coming back to the Mazdaspeed option because it included both springs and shocks and was tuned to work together. This seemed VERY important to me, as I didnt want to upset the inherent balance of the car , as standard it works very well. However the 2 things that trouble me about our standard suspension is that the suspension is a little soft with excess body roll when cornered hard, and secondly the ride height being a little too high creating that unsightly wheel gap especially at the front
Having repeatedly watched the Mazdaspeed Rx8 handle the Tsukuba track on the Factory fighters Best Motoring dvd, I was convinced that this was my only option(excluding coilovers)
However I always had one reservation. Looking at the specification of the Mazdaspeed spring rates, I was concerned that because the rates were much higher than my other options, that the suspension would be just to stiff for the country roads around Albury Wodonga that I live at, and also I was a little concerned about the lowering stance (didnt want the front gap larger than back ie eibacks and didnt want the nose down stance of the teinS).
Well after installing them and driving around now for several weeks, all I can say is WOW!!! . This suspension is fantastic. The ride quality even on the rough potholed and undulating roads is great , seems to handle these irregularites with better authority and control than the standard suspension and is NEVER harsh.
Further ,ride height drop is PERFECT. NO uneveness wheel gap. Top of rim measurement to fender at front and rear is 4 1/8 inches . This is as low as I would ever want to go. The stance now is hunkered down, even and mean.
Finally, this car has the handling balance that very few cars could match, it is so tossable now ,body roll is almost non existent and overall an absolute delight.
So summing up, guys do your self a favour and seriously consider this suspension . It is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!
Regards
Rexi
Firstly , after looking at all the available options to me except coilovers , I kept coming back to the Mazdaspeed option because it included both springs and shocks and was tuned to work together. This seemed VERY important to me, as I didnt want to upset the inherent balance of the car , as standard it works very well. However the 2 things that trouble me about our standard suspension is that the suspension is a little soft with excess body roll when cornered hard, and secondly the ride height being a little too high creating that unsightly wheel gap especially at the front
Having repeatedly watched the Mazdaspeed Rx8 handle the Tsukuba track on the Factory fighters Best Motoring dvd, I was convinced that this was my only option(excluding coilovers)
However I always had one reservation. Looking at the specification of the Mazdaspeed spring rates, I was concerned that because the rates were much higher than my other options, that the suspension would be just to stiff for the country roads around Albury Wodonga that I live at, and also I was a little concerned about the lowering stance (didnt want the front gap larger than back ie eibacks and didnt want the nose down stance of the teinS).
Well after installing them and driving around now for several weeks, all I can say is WOW!!! . This suspension is fantastic. The ride quality even on the rough potholed and undulating roads is great , seems to handle these irregularites with better authority and control than the standard suspension and is NEVER harsh.
Further ,ride height drop is PERFECT. NO uneveness wheel gap. Top of rim measurement to fender at front and rear is 4 1/8 inches . This is as low as I would ever want to go. The stance now is hunkered down, even and mean.
Finally, this car has the handling balance that very few cars could match, it is so tossable now ,body roll is almost non existent and overall an absolute delight.
So summing up, guys do your self a favour and seriously consider this suspension . It is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!
Regards
Rexi
09-22-2006, 07:26 PM
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Rexi
Sounds like you made the right choice , can you share the cost of parts and fitting
Decided to give my car another 12 months reprieve to see what to do.
OPTIONS ARE , upgrade to Mazdaspeed RX8 if it ever comes , Go to different car altogether (dont worry it want be a VW POLO ) 
or hang on and totally rebuild TURBO / SUPERCHARGE EXISTING CAR AND MOD BRAKES SUSPENSION Bodykit ETC .
Michael
Sounds like you made the right choice , can you share the cost of parts and fitting
Decided to give my car another 12 months reprieve to see what to do.
OPTIONS ARE , upgrade to Mazdaspeed RX8 if it ever comes
, Go to different car altogether (dont worry it want be a VW POLO ) or hang on and totally rebuild TURBO / SUPERCHARGE EXISTING CAR AND MOD BRAKES SUSPENSION Bodykit ETC .Michael
09-23-2006, 12:43 AM
#5
congrats rexi, sounds like your happy.
try mazdaparts.com or japanparts.com.
very reasonable if you ask me. I keep coming back to this option since you can trust the suspension tuners at Mazda.
Originally Posted by xxup
Okay Rexi... Now tells us the bad news... How much were they?? 
very reasonable if you ask me. I keep coming back to this option since you can trust the suspension tuners at Mazda.
09-23-2006, 02:43 AM
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Got suspension from onlinemazdaparts.com. Check out their prices as they are very competitively priced and their service and shipping to Australia was fast . Price for springs and shocks adds up to about $680 US approx which is a bargain, or about $900 OZ dollars.This excluded shipping cost which you would need to confirm with them.
Sorry , but no photos at present. Just go out to you Rx8 with a tape measure and check the measurements I have provided, as they are EXACT and where taken on a level surface.
Just got back from having a demon drive up the winding road to Falls Creek. My enthusiasm for this car has just been reborn, after having become slightly bored with it.
Time now to install my lightweight alloy fidanza flywheel , agency power underdrive pulley and revi intake sitting in the garage , as this puppy is craving more power.
Regards
Rexi
Sorry , but no photos at present. Just go out to you Rx8 with a tape measure and check the measurements I have provided, as they are EXACT and where taken on a level surface.
Just got back from having a demon drive up the winding road to Falls Creek. My enthusiasm for this car has just been reborn, after having become slightly bored with it.
Time now to install my lightweight alloy fidanza flywheel , agency power underdrive pulley and revi intake sitting in the garage , as this puppy is craving more power.
Regards
Rexi
09-24-2006, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by EZZY
rule #1 - whats your primary use of this car? track? street/daily? fulli sik lowered look?
Still, nice to see a positive review on these from someone who has fitted them for Australian conditions.
Rexi, are your sways stock or something else?
09-24-2006, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by EZZY
rule #1 - whats your primary use of this car? track? street/daily? fulli sik lowered look?
its still nice for street/daily to have nice handling, i know i havent tracked it yet with the konis but i love how much firmer the car feels now. yes its slightly bumpier, and at first i did feel it was stiff, but now i dont even notice, and i have fun taking corners and not feelin much bodyroll
if u want to track then definately for sure go the coilovers.. also comes down to how much you are willing to $$$$$ vs how long you want to keep the car and how you drive it. If its a weekend car or car ur stuck in traffic with a lot.. then hmm
personal choice also i spose...
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