Yep, new... Sorry if asked before....

Simple, will factory series 2 shocks/springs work on a series one?

Yes, I prefer something "better" but kind of in a situation. Thanks!

 

Yes.

 

Not to be difficult (I'm about to drop money on some series 2 shocks/springs), but there is a sticky that seems to allude to the fact that it is different. But how is it different? Better shock used? Is the mechanics different? Will the car sit different?

All the aftermarket shocks/coil overs will cover the entire range of years for compatibility. Can't find anything for OEM.

 

The rear perch on the S2 is different and the springs and dampers are different part number. there is not much info about the exact differences but the S2 handles better stock versus stock. But as long as you use all S2 parts it fits fine. Coilovers can be adjusted so the rear perch height is not an issue.

That being said, I see no reason to use S2 parts unless you are getting them free.

 

I appreciate the info. So when you say all S2 parts, does that include the rear top hats? This is more of a quick fix. I've got blown rear shocks on my 04.

 

I'm not sure on the top hats, they look the same but you may want to check part numbers for those and the rubber inserts.

quick fix = more time and money wasted down the road. You can new rear shocks for $200.00.

 

I swapped R3 shocks and springs, not top hats, on my car and everything is fine. Literally just use shocks and springs from an S2 and you're good.

 

^ There you go. I have a set of R3 suspension on my work bench and everything looks the same but I wouldn't recommend without knowing for sure.

 

Thanks for all the info guys! One more question. Loki, is there any significant change in ride height? I'm also basing the need for shocks on the fact that when on rough roads, it does nothing to absorb the road.... That, and the often mentioned "bottom out" in the rear when going over a bump hard enough.

edit: probably a dumb question, but would using the old springs be better for ride height?

 

No difference in ride height (in other words remains stock). No bottoming out. This is a sports car, it's not going to comply nicely to rough roads

If you start mixing S2 and S1 springs and shocks, you could end up with something different, I don't recommend it.

 

Oh I figure it won't ride like a sedan, which is what I prefer. It's more of a rattling/knocking kind of ride instead of a solid, road feeling ride..... Not sure how else to describe it. What I find interesting in all this, is that Mazda doesn't just recommend the "updated" shock in the S1s.

 

For all we know the S2 and S1 fronts are identical. It's the reara that are physically different.