dropping a cx-7

[cx-7_racer]

Hey I am new to AWD cars and was wondering if you can drop a cx-7 and how hard it would be.

thanks for any info

[pluto316]

I'd imagine it'd be the same as any other car.

[G-Papi]

Something in the How to subforum would be nice.

[spike blue]

yeah it will be the same as any other car!!

[njcx7]

why drop it? it's low enough and u may F up your warrenty. CX handles fine. instead of lowereing, add 20" rims and tires and i think u will be pleased instead of lowering. it will also ride more harsh if u lower, but handle better. ...depends on what u r looking for.

[Sveivo]

20" rims will only amplify the wheel gap. The only way to get rid of it is to drop. A bigger wheel would work if there was even wheel gap around the wheel. Since this does not hold in the case with the CX-7, dropping is the only alernative.

I imagine it will be a drastic drop if you want it to look tight, so might be kind of expensive to implement.

[Byrnie]

why drop it? it's low enough and u may F up your warrenty. CX handles fine. instead of lowereing, add 20" rims and tires and i think u will be pleased instead of lowering. it will also ride more harsh if u lower, but handle better. ...depends on what u r looking for.

The same might be said about the ride with 20s on 0_o

[09factor]

Who actually make a lowering kit for the -7?

[9Hooker]

the question is who would want to. it's an SUV. why people would want it lowered is beyond me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgV9mPj0reI

^ watch all 9 minutes of it.

[dmitrik4]

it's really more like a wagon than an SUV. it's not as if lowering it is going to ruin all the awesome off-road ability the CX-7 has.

[07CopperGT]

Who actually make a lowering kit for the -7?

I just spoke to Eibach and they are going to have a ProKit available in a couple of months for the CX-7. They made the springs that are on the DG Motorsports and the Troy Lee Designs CX-7's from SEMA. He said that the drop will be somewhere between 1.5" and 2".

[SuperStretch18]

I've also been talking with Tein to see if they will offer one as well! The initial reaction was "no plans", but I am trying to play the "oh well, I guess I'll have to buy the eibach kit" card. (sssh)

I'll keep you posted...

[Infymus]

I'd pick the TEIN springs over the Eibachs - I've had multiple sets of both for different cars, and the TEIN was always better. Just beware of fake TEIN springs out there.

[Rainman]

I am not an SUV fan, but I was driving behind a CX7 the other day thinking that if I needed a slightly bigger vehicle for my family a CX7 would not be a bad way to go. Were I to get one it wouldn't be for any SUV tendencies, but rather that it had an engine platform that I already enjoy from a manufacturer I support. Were I to get one, the first mod that I would do would be to lower it because I enjoy the look of something that has a sleek, aggressive stance. It wouldn't matter to me that I was negating the off-road capabilities of the vehicle by doing so because I would never plan to take it off-road.

R

[SuperStretch18]

I'd pick the TEIN springs over the Eibachs - I've had multiple sets of both for different cars, and the TEIN was always better. Just beware of fake TEIN springs out there.

My sentiments exactly; I haven't been able to make any head-way with Tein, but they did mention that there may be something in the works for the japanese market.

Unfortunately, noone is offering a kit right now, but hopefully someone gets the picture soon!

[Killer]

why drop it? it's low enough and u may F up your warrenty. CX handles fine. instead of lowereing, add 20" rims and tires and i think u will be pleased instead of lowering. it will also ride more harsh if u lower, but handle better. ...depends on what u r looking for.

Wrong. I'll make it look worse, and 20" wheels will slow it down.

[Rainman]

Wrong. I'll make it look worse, and 20" wheels will slow it down.

Exactly.

R

[hotrod]

20" rims will only amplify the wheel gap. The only way to get rid of it is to drop. A bigger wheel would work if there was even wheel gap around the wheel. Since this does not hold in the case with the CX-7, dropping is the only alernative.

I imagine it will be a drastic drop if you want it to look tight, so might be kind of expensive to implement.

(attn)
only alternative? oh come on now you have not checked out my car then! i think 20s on the cx-7 was just perfect!!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2480342(attn)

[meanstreak]

Hey I am new to AWD cars and was wondering if you can drop a cx-7 and how hard it would be.

thanks for any info

I'm not into lowering cars but if I were, I would not waste my money lowering an AWD vehicle. With AWD, you want as much ground clearance as possible so that the AWD works like it is supposed to. The AWD will still be a benefit lowered, but just not worth the extra money. Of course if you already have the AWD then it is a matter of what you want more... form or function. To each his own.....(cheers)

[Sveivo]

(attn)
only alternative? oh come on now you have not checked out my car then! i think 20s on the cx-7 was just perfect!!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2480342(attn)
I think it looks great with those wheels. I just think that alot of people are quite particular about wheel gap and would not want even that much wheel gap.

[Killer]

I'm not into lowering cars but if I were, I would not waste my money lowering an AWD vehicle. With AWD, you want as much ground clearance as possible so that the AWD works like it is supposed to. The AWD will still be a benefit lowered, but just not worth the extra money. Of course if you already have the AWD then it is a matter of what you want more... form or function. To each his own.....(cheers)

The AWD works on lowered cars the same as it does on stock height cars. It has no effect on how it works.:)

[Antoine]

I think the CX-7 needs a bit of a drop because the stock stance is a bit high for my taste...Obviously the CX-7 is not intended for any serious off-roading and even lowered slightly would still be able to use its AWD effectively...:D

IMO...The CX-7 is like a sexier MS6 with more room...In no way an SUV!

I support an aftermarket for the CX-7...I think it's a unique vehicle which presents a great platform for performance parts!

[SuperStretch18]

I think the CX-7 needs a bit of a drop because the stock stance is a bit high for my taste...Obviously the CX-7 is not intended for any serious off-roading and even lowered slightly would still be able to use its AWD effectively...:D

IMO...The CX-7 is like a sexier MS6 with more room...In no way an SUV!

I support an aftermarket for the CX-7...I think it's a unique vehicle which presents a great platform for performance parts!

Ditto! (iagree) Now, we just need to convice manufacturers that there is a market out there...

[CJS525]

Check it out...
http://autoexe.co.jp/indexTopLink.html
The 2nd thing on there...lowering springs!!! If only I had the money.. lol

[Sveivo]

Check it out...
http://autoexe.co.jp/indexTopLink.html
The 2nd thing on there...lowering springs!!! If only I had the money.. lol
Hmm...it doesn't look like they drop much at all, considering that is an "after" pic.

[SuperStretch18]

Hmm...it doesn't look like they drop much at all, considering that is an "after" pic.

LOL! You should see the gap stock! Honestly that is probably a good 2" drop over the stock rims.

[Sveivo]

LOL! You should see the gap stock! Honestly that is probably a good 2" drop over the stock rims.
Holy crap, okay :D

[bguild]

Any update on the Eibachs? I would really like a set if I decide to get a CX-7.. I have a dodge magnum now and need a more practical vehicle so I am thinking of trading it in for the cx-7.. I have a set of 22 that are on my Magnum.. i am going t o hope they bolt up.. The bolt pattern is a tad different and so the offset but I will try.. 5x115 instead of the 5X114.3 The tire size is 265/35/22 which will work. I am worried about the offset.

Anyway let me know about teh spring update. It will help make my decision.
By the way Lowering a AWD crossover is no different than lowering a car. This basically is a car. Its a cross between a mazda6 and mazda3..

Now lowering a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Wrangler I woudl have to agree whats the point.. This car is intended to be driving on the road.

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Wrong. I'll make it look worse, and 20" wheels will slow it down.

I agree. More rotational mass is not worth the look to me. I think the CX-7 is perfect the way it is. The MX-5 is more than enough to satisfy my need to "fall in and crawl out". :D

[HeavyH20]

The stock rims and tires are 60 pounds per corner, so rotational mass and the ability of the stock springs and shocks to keep the tires on the road is already up there. The 20 inch rims and tires on the CX-9 weigh about the same, so it is a marginal change. Ride will definitely be a little more harsh with less sidewall.

[Gray Ghost]

LOL! You should see the gap stock! Honestly that is probably a good 2" drop over the stock rims.

Here is a link to some Lowering Springs or Coilover adjustable suspension for the CX-7.

http://corksport.com/store/category/cg7t/CX7_Suspension.html

[SuperStretch18]

Here is a link to some Lowering Springs or Coilover adjustable suspension for the CX-7.

http://corksport.com/store/category/cg7t/CX7_Suspension.html

Already with you...

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123672456

Still deciding if this is actually the way that I want to go, but it seems like these will be the only options for a while. I have reached out to most companies and they mostly seem unwilling to produce product. Thanks though!

[Gray Ghost]

Someone must have them because they are on backorder until about mid September. Anyone have the sport springs or coil overs yet???

[Gray Ghost]

Already with you...

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123672456

Still deciding if this is actually the way that I want to go, but it seems like these will be the only options for a while. I have reached out to most companies and they mostly seem unwilling to produce product. Thanks though!

Hey Stretch,
I got the sport springs installed this week and they are awesome. The ride quality is unchanged and the handeling is sweeeeet. I was worried that the ride would be too rough with these springs but I really can't tell a difference when on a bumpy road. It's the best $420 you can spend to take the handeling to another level. The stance of the 7 with these springs looks very aggressive. I will post pics as soon as I can find my digital camera.

[astraelraen]

You got the autoexe springs? Kept the stock shocks/struts?

Did you install the springs yourself/how much did it cost to get them installed?

[dirtyhat]

Please post some pics of the lowered 7 when you get time.

[Gray Ghost]

You got the autoexe springs? Kept the stock shocks/struts?

Did you install the springs yourself/how much did it cost to get them installed?

Yes, I got the autoexec springs. They are the only ones that I know of that are available for the 7. Everything else is stock suspension. The springs are designed to work with your stock shocks/struts. I am not sure how much it would cost to only have the springs installed. I paid $250 to have the springs installed, new tires mounted, balanced and alligned and an oil change.

Again, I will post some pics as soon as I can borrow a digital camera. I can't seem to find mine.

[astraelraen]

Want me to mail you my digital camera? I'm waiting excitedly... haha :)

[Sveivo]

Want me to mail you my digital camera? I'm waiting excitedly... haha :)

Let's start a thread so that everyone can donate and get a camera for this member.

It worked once when a P5 owner was getting an LSD! His car was extra powerful though.

[SuperStretch18]

Yes, I got the autoexec springs. They are the only ones that I know of that are available for the 7. Everything else is stock suspension. The springs are designed to work with your stock shocks/struts. I am not sure how much it would cost to only have the springs installed. I paid $250 to have the springs installed, new tires mounted, balanced and alligned and an oil change.

Again, I will post some pics as soon as I can borrow a digital camera. I can't seem to find mine.

Hey Ghost, any pics yet?

[CeeExSeven]

Ghost,

Look behind your couch...i'm pretty sure your digicam is there!

[Gray Ghost]

Hey Stretch,
I have a new digital camera and I will try and take some pics today and get them posted some time over the weekend. I have really enjoyed the performnance of the cx with the sport springs. It really corners on rails and has not made the ride harsh. I have been driving on the sport springs for a couple of months and love them. On another subject, has anyone purchased the CP-E standback. I was wondering if it made a noticeable difference in HP gains with the increased boost. I was considering getting the new CP-E QuickPower Pipe and Dual Cat exhaust but if you can get better gains from an aggressive tune with the StandBack, I might go for that instead. Who am I kidding, I'm sure I will end up with all of this stuff on my cx over the next few weeks. I can't help myself. This cuv is too much fun.

[SuperStretch18]

Very interested in pics...

Regarding the exhaust vs. standback question; CP-E has even said that the gains from the exhaust would likely be less than 10 hp. With proper tuning, you will likely get much more gains from the standback. The problem is that the only option right now is to hard wire it in. They are working on the Plug-n-play harness, but that is likely a couple of months out.

[Gray Ghost]

I have 255/55zr18 tires on my cx so they are lower profile than stock. You can really tell the difference when you pull up next to a stock cx or another cuv like a lexus rx330 with 8" of wheel gap.

[CX7_Rider]

Hello, good pic's,
With new spring, do you ajust alignement of the 4 weels ?
Do you observe change when you load your CX7 (many luggages or 5 peoples on board)?



I have 255/55zr18 tires on my cx so they are lower profile than stock. You can really tell the difference when you pull up next to a stock cx or another cuv like a lexus rx330 with 8" of wheel gap.

[Gray Ghost]

No, I did not have an alignment done but I have been keeping a close eye on tire wear to see if I will need one. So far so good. AS far as putting a load in the car goes, I can't tell a difference in the spring rates. Yes, they are lower and will drop the cx about 2 inches under stock but the stiffness (spring rates) are said to be the same as stock and I would have to agree. The car handles better because of the lower center of gravity but the ride quality is the same.

[07LiquidCX7]

(Note to self) Add Autoexe springs to list of "to do's" on CX-7

Thanks for the pics.(usa)