Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

Hey all,

I've done a lot of searching for feedback on both the Mazdaspeed kit and the urethane MS replicas that are available. From what I've read, the consensus seems to be that the urethane front bumper from mazdaparts.com or RotaryExtreme fits pretty well, but the sideskirts may sag in the middle and the rear bumper may have some gaps when fitted.

I've been considering what would be best for me (economically speaking, and without sacrificing too much in quality), and so I'm thinking of a possible mix of the kit components. I'd like to go with the real Mazdaspeed sideskirts and rear under-bumper, but then possibly use the urethane MS style front bumper. I'd just like to get some more feedback from those who have the urethane front, and find out exactly how the fitment is, and what hang-ups you (or the body shop) had -- if any -- that made the job tough. Also, does it have mounting points "out of the box", or do you need to drill every hole? I think over the long run I can save a few hundred bucks by using the urethane bumper and having it painted, but then I don't want to make 5 trips to a body shop, trying to get it fitted correctly, either.

Thanks, and any feedback or opinions are greatly appreciated!

boostedrx8

the Urethane kit should fit good because my friend has one, but then it depends on the manufacturer too. email boostedmazda@hotmail.com for info on it.. hope it'll help you out

hitman408

Olorin2 what did you end up doing? The mixing of the kits sounds like a great idea.

SiLVeRE8

iTrader: (8)

hey Olorin2 you are thinking exactly what im thinking. i really dont think the genuine front bumber is worth it. but one more thing is the wing. im thinking about buying the wing from www.mazdasportsparts.com in primer instead of painted. the last time i checked it cost $500 sometng without paint but still genuine. so the fitment is guarenteed. right now i just have to find out how much is painting for the wing. hopefully its cheap

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

Well, I really am going back and forth with it. I ordered the authentic MS sideskirts a couple days ago, since I knew I wanted those. Can't wait to put those puppies on. Read below also...


Yeah, I think that's your best bet, too. The urethane MS-style front is sounding better and better all the time. I just need to find a bodyshop around here that can fit and paint it without jacking the overall price up to around the cost of a real MS bumper.

PM me guys or post about it, if you decide to go that route too!

8at18

I am thinking about doing the same think also so if you get any info on it that would help a lot

ftwmcmillan

I've been debating this also. Currently I have the authentic ms sides and rear. I have oem front with lip. I just can't see myself paying $1200 plus for a front bumper. I probably can make some money back by selling the oem front, lip and fogs. I just don't know if I want to purchase a replica front and have to deal with paint and fitment.

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

And this is exactly why I was unsure about the replica. However, that authentic MS bumper is now going to cost over $1300 w/shipping. If you bought the replica for $350 plus shipping, I can't imagine having to pay anywhere near $1000 to have a bodyshop fit and paint the thing. Even though it's a little more inconvenient to have to take it somewhere, the money you'll save with the urethane replica may be worth it.

ftwmcmillan

Maybe I'll just wait and hope Rosenthal gets another damaged front in. I'll jump on that deal if it ever comes around again.

Moostafa29

Seriously, just go for the real thing. When you think about the cost of paint, and fitment, you realy don't save very much by buying the urethane knock off. And with urethane you have to worry about it sagging over time. Not only does the real thing come painted, you don't have to worry about fitment problems. Will bolt right on. Save yourself some time and effort.

IZoomZoomI

I'm with the real thing... Trust me waiting for someone to paint your bumper is irritating. At the same thing good paint cost good money. Unless you were planning on getting a cheap paint job, I think you will come up on top with the real thing.

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

Wait... the urethane bumper's gonna sag over time?? I'd like to hear from anyone who's had one of these bumpers on their car for a couple years. Maybe Mikeb? I have heard of problems with the replica sideskirts, and that's why I got the real ones. Not sure how the bumper could sag, since it's a large, rigid part as opposed to a long, skinny one.

As for the cost of paint, would it really cost anywhere near $900-$1000 -- which is approximately the difference in price between the two bumpers -- to paint it, even with good paint? I doubt it. But I do plan to call around to some reputable shops in the area to get some ballpark pricing.

IZoomZoomI

Urethane is infamous with sagging over time. I believe mikeb did run into an issue with his kit earlier when he had on for a while.

1k will get you a nice well prepared paint job I wouldn't expect any flaws for that price. It's a headache to wait for body shops to get your paint right a lot of back and forth. Getting the original is definetly a better option.

Moostafa29

Yeah, I'm pretty quite a few of the replica ms kits in urethane did not fit correctly at first. I'd find a pic, but I'm too lazy, and they are on my other laptop. But as Jason said, you're really not saving any money, and dealing with the whole paint process is a pain in the ****.

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

Well of course getting the replica would only be worth it if I could save a substantial amount of money. I didn't think the cost of fitting and painting it would come close to the price of the real MS bumper. I need to call around to some shops, but I still don't think it would be more than $400 to get a nice paint job on just a bumper. That's still a savings of about $600. So if that's the case, you can have the MS kit, plus have enough left over for some other goodies.

Tirminyl

Ditto, I would think $400 or just a tad over will get you a good paint job (cheaper if you get a hookup). The max I see you saving is $600 and the least is $300. You can also recoupe by selling your factory front.

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

Well, I just got my real MS sideskirts and all I have to say is WOW. I know they've been around a while, but this is the first time I've seen them in person. They are made incredibly well, the instructions are fantastic - and it really makes me want to get the real MS front too. Well, almost. The price is still steep. But man, they are the highest quality and I'd really love to have the authentic version for the front, if I can convince myself to fork out the $1300. But in the meantime, I can't wait to put the sideskirts on this weekend!

StealthFox

lol dude, whoever told you it would cost near a grand to paint and fit a front bumper doesn't know what they're talking about, generally paint and fitment for a bumper even if its not perfect is going to be more like 500 at most, and its a good idea to do as many body pieces as you can because that saves BIG $$ compared to doing it at seperate times and the less time body shops are matching colors the more consistent your paint is going to be, for example im going to get my sides back and front all painted at the same time. if you get real mazdaspeed stuff all you need to do is read the instructions and bolt on the pieces yourself and you save on materials for paint, labor for paint, and labor for fitment all in one purchase. overall though for the front bumper if you can get a good urethane one for around 400 bucks i would say its definately worth saving the money because you'll be up 500 bucks, thats enough for another mod to your car like a mazdaspeed wing or almost an exhaust or something ;D