8 Maniac

iTrader: (1)

I dont know too much about this, so was wondering what the rates mean? higher lb = stiffer?

kwescott

the rate is how much pressure ("weight") is needed to compress the spring one inch. So, a stiffer spring would have a higher weight needed to compress it...a softer spring would require less force....hope that helps you.

icyur2

Stupid question, but...in the future at some point, I would like to swap out my stock shocks/springs, and would like to know what is comparable to Mazdaspeed, as far as performance and feel (ie, any aftermarket items that just get name brand to Mazdaspeed - MS6 has this, based on what I have read)? Based on what I have found out, the combine cost for parts alone is roughly $600.

shinronin

tein s. tech springs should be closest in feel to MS springs:
MS
front drop: 0.8
rear drop: 0.8
total drop: 1.6
front lbs./in.: 280
front increase: 79%
rear lbs./in.: 190
rear increase: 68%
total lbs./in.: 470

Tein
front drop: 1.4
rear drop: 0.7
total drop: 2.1
front lbs./in.: 207
front increase: 33%
rear lbs./in.: 145
rear increase: 28%
total lbs./in.: 352

speeddemon32

Exactly!
a 300 pound spring mean that if 300 pounds is applied to it, it would collaps one inch. 600 would be 2 inces. and so on.

a progressive spring is a little differant. let say 300 for the first inch, and additional 350 for the second inch, and additional 450 for the 3rd inch.... you get the hint.



EDIT: wow I was a little late on that reply.

kwescott

I assume that you are planning on switching out the struts as well? If not, then you may want to stick with something a little closer to stock, but that gives you a drop. If you're planning on switching out your struts...you best bet is to stick with the matched set of MS springs and struts. They are made for each other and I don't feel much difference in ride quality from the stock Sport suspension. However, the drop is nice, and the quality of the performance on the track is incredible, and very predictable.

Another option for you may be a coilover...that way, you have some adjustability in both ride quality and ride height.

Two of the guys in our group have gone with the Tein S-techs...and have stayed with the stock sport struts. I've driven their cars and the feel is nice...and drop seems perfect.

vOc

I'm doing Tein S-techs with stock struts, my ride feels pretty good and the drop is fair I'd say:

icyur2

Thanks Shinronin!! Next question would be, what shocks will work best with the tein s. tech springs? I'll check out the pricing..not unless you have those handy?

shinronin

i'm 99% sure the tein s.tech's are designed to work best with the stock shocks. someone else will surely correct me if i'm wrong. ;-)

kwescott

They should work fine with the stock struts...I definately wouldnt see a reason for changing out perfectly good stock struts with the S techs. The spring rate is about the same so the strut will not be working that much harder.

peterisurhero

okay guys, i've been readin a few threads about springs now an i wanted to ask you guys cuz im really confused. i wanted to get the koni yellow shocks. but wat springs go well with the koni shocks? i am doing mostly street driving and no real autox or drag or watever. so wat would u guys recommend the most with those shocks??

speeddemon32

... in that case, how low do you want to go? that would really be the only thing you are concerned with.

kwescott

My question would be, why do you want to go with the Koni Yellows...they are a really stiff option and are going to be difficult to match up nicely with any spring. The stock Tokico's will go with most springs without much difficulty...of course they will wear faster, but the valving in them is not as stiff as the Koni's. This is just my opinion...


If you are set on the Koni Yellows, maybe go with a softer spring in the ride height you are looking for.

speeddemon32

^^^ I agree with him. if you are not racing it, why bother with the struts? (or are you looking for a better mountain runner?)

if your set on the Koni's then dont get the mazdaspeed springs. they are pretty stiff from what I hear. the two will beat you up. honestly, just pick the drop you want, and then find the spring that best fits that on the first page here.

for a long time I used to have stock struts and sprint drop springs. car handles fine like that. but it's all up to you.

peterisurhero

oh okay guys, hahah i shall look at the springs and juss use them on stock struts. i juss thought that if i got aftermarket srpings, then i thought i had to get some shocks or soemthing and i heard the koni yellows are the best. hahah thnx guys. i shall look at the springs now