tokico HPs + RacingBeat springs

[LX_StreetGlow]

just wonderin is anyone is runnin tokico HPs + RacingBeat springs, did you guys get noticable drop? how's handlin? ... i''m getting HPs but having a hard time deciding on springs, i only want like an inch of a drop, no more. and racingbeat states theirs' is .75/.85. anyone know of any good springs that only drop an inch or so? thx for all the help

peace

[JoshP5]

I just bought RB springs and will be buying HPs soon. If you're patient, I'll let you know what they're like after I get them on.

Other suitable springs are iON sport springs (1.2" drop), although their availability may be limited. Have a look at this (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123666889).

Another option is Tein H-Techs. Tein lists the drop as 1.2", but enough searching reveals the rear drop may be more like 0.6" leaving the car a little raked.

All these springs are about 15-20% stiffer than stock.

Another option is to go with MP3 springs and struts. Part numbers 0000-88-C03-KT and 0000-88-C04-KT, respectively. 10% stiffer, ~0.5" drop. These should be used together.

More options can be seen on the spring buyer's guide (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58798). Hope this helps.

[BlueWolfCry]

wouldn't these just be the MSP set up?

[LX_StreetGlow]

awesome thx man, i'll wait and see how urs looks and handles :)

peace

[JoshP5]

wouldn't these just be the MSP set up?Nope. That's a common misconception.

MSP and MP3 struts are different from off-the-shelf HPs. The spring perch location is higher on the rear strut body and the valving is a little softer than HPs.

RB springs were fitted to the prototype MP3, but in the end Mazda opted for softer and higher springs for the production MP3. MP3, MSP, and RB springs are all different!

All this information is available on the RB site (http://www.racingbeat.com/FRprotege.htm).

[benjpi]

Well, I have MSP springs and Tokico HP's, so its similar to that setup. The drop was minimal, the car doesn't look terribly different than my mother-in-law's 2001 ES. It it noticeably lower, but it is NOT "slammed".

The handling was greatly improved. I'd reccomend getting a new rear sway bar too, when you get the chance. Watch the classifieds, they come up fairly frequently & its easy to change. Same goes for the OEM front strut bar.

If you hunt around, there's also some old info about Delsing Motorsports. Delsing as a business is no longer around I guess, but the website is still up. The website has some tips on cheap upgrades for handling, one of which is rotating the front stock strut bushings for more caster. If you did that when you changed the struts, you'd get that handling benefit too.