h&r springs or cobbs/ms

[logik816]

word up ladies and gents. i'm sure that this has been dicussed over and over but, i'm interested in a new set of springs. the twist is that i would like a set of springs that will allow me to have the VG lip kit with a nice clearance.

options are:

h&r springs with ms camber kit
cobbs springs with ms camber kit
ms springs and camber kit

fyi... i have a ms3 and currently have hotchkis sway bars (front and back)
b4 anyone suggest coilovers, i would love to have coilovers but there alil too pricy for me. i dont have any plans in the future to change out my shocks for aftermarket ones. so springs will do just fine for me.

[benzo]

I would go with the H&Rs. Nice drop, good quality springs. However the other brands are just as good. You might not need a camber kit with the springs. Depends on if the car can get put within specs during the alignment. Of course it doesnt hurt too.

[MidwestSpeed3]

I recommend Cobb if you are planning on keeping it on stock struts. H&R a little too much of a drop for the stock struts. They would probably need replacing soon.

Cobb are also a great performance and comfort balance as far as a daily driver goes.

[logik816]

I recommend Cobb if you are planning on keeping it on stock struts. H&R a little too much of a drop for the stock struts. They would probably need replacing soon.

Cobb are also a great performance and comfort balance as far as a daily driver goes.

i will be using this as a daily drive. funny how i forgot to mention it. anyone have any experience on the ms spring/camber kits?

[stephani3]

H&R!!!

I love mine

[logik816]

H&R!!!

I love mine

i hear alot of hype about h&r springs, not so much about cobbs. what's the drop between the h&r springs and cobbs? anyone know of someone with either h&r springs/cobbs with the VG lip? just want to know if there is any problem scratching the VG lip kit after the drop.

[logik816]

I would go with the H&Rs. Nice drop, good quality springs. However the other brands are just as good. You might not need a camber kit with the springs. Depends on if the car can get put within specs during the alignment. Of course it doesnt hurt too.

which ever spring i choose, i'm going to put on camber links for sho. just for the ease of mind. i know that it's not required but better safe then sorry.

[stephani3]

i hear alot of hype about h&r springs, not so much about cobbs. what's the drop between the h&r springs and cobbs? anyone know of someone with either h&r springs/cobbs with the VG lip? just want to know if there is any problem scratching the VG lip kit after the drop.



if you're on MZ3forums you can ask Pirate Kitty.

She has Cobb springs right now, but she just bought a set of H&R's and she has the GV lip.

Cobb springs drop about 1". H&R is 1.4" F/1.3" R.

[aaronc7]

I think a few ppl blew their stock struts with HR just FYI... I have cobb and like them but never tried the HR obviously.

[Albone]

Cobb are also a great performance and comfort balance as far as a daily driver goes.

I agree. COBB springs are very nice balance.

[logik816]

thanks for all the feedback. anyone dealt with the mazdaspeed spring and camber kit?

[AutoXRacer]

I also would like this info... I was thinking about Cobb or MS, though the MS come with the camber arms included...or any other brand.

I'm looking to upgrade suspension components to increase traction up front. The stock setup has too much weight shifting to the rear, I am looking to settle the front to rear sway. Any suggestions?

I also would like it to perform on the track as well, not just for a daily driver. I thought about coilovers, but at $1200, thats a little pricey.
I like the smoothness of the stock springs over rough roads...but they suck for high speeds and hard accelerations.

Also, are the stock shocks and struts compatible with firmer springs?
Are we forced to upgrade shocks as well with stiffer springs?

Thanks for the suggestions!!!

[ericrapp]

I also would like this info... I was thinking about Cobb or MS, though the MS come with the camber arms included...or any other brand.

I'm looking to upgrade suspension components to increase traction up front. The stock setup has too much weight shifting to the rear, I am looking to settle the front to rear sway. Any suggestions?

I also would like it to perform on the track as well, not just for a daily driver. I thought about coilovers, but at $1200, thats a little pricey.
I like the smoothness of the stock springs over rough roads...but they suck for high speeds and hard accelerations.

Also, are the stock shocks and struts compatible with firmer springs?
Are we forced to upgrade shocks as well with stiffer springs?

Thanks for the suggestions!!!

Mazda offered a spring upgrade right, did they offer a strut ? I did not see one. I would think a setup similar to that would be safe with stock struts, but a drop of more than an inch might be affecting geometry enough to cause issue. Do not forget to get the sway bar upgrades!

[SPEED305]

the mazdaspeed springs gives you a .6 inch drop.
i like the cobb, picking them up soon. they sit good at 1.0 if you like it close to "slammed" look, the h&r are best at 1.4. i dont think that the struts will have an issue with any of these options, imo

[AutoXRacer]

Not really looking for a "look"...

I'm more interested in performance...

[chacon101]

Has anyone put on the MS springs and just the rear sways? I am looking for something a little more performance oriented but it's my DD so I don't want to get beat up over it. Maybe I am nuts but I want the whole car to have MS parts.

[mazdaspeed32007]

i was planning on getting the cobb springs from all the threads and posts ive seen about them. cobb makes some serious shit with tons of planning. all of their stuff is superior or equal at worst to other vendors products. but thats what ive known and read about them.....i know.....(kissass) not intentionally though.

[logik816]

Has anyone put on the MS springs and just the rear sways? I am looking for something a little more performance oriented but it's my DD so I don't want to get beat up over it. Maybe I am nuts but I want the whole car to have MS parts.

i like the idea of having all ms performance parts as well. that's the only reason why i am leaning more towards the ms spring/camber kit. but i do like the more aggressive drop cobbs give.

i dont know if a .6 drop is going to affect the ride quality much. i know cobbs offer a 1.0 drop, but i dont like ruff rides over bumpy roads. anyone have cobbs without any ride quality issues?

[ericrapp]

Not really looking for a "look"...

I'm more interested in performance...

Yes, Cobb has the package Bars and Springs. This tells me this is a tuned set. And of course there documentd track times! I cannot decide to go to coilover w/ sway or spring/sway. I think more products are creeping out now. Tough decision really. Good luck

[logik816]

Yes, Cobb has the package Bars and Springs. This tells me this is a tuned set. And of course there documentd track times! I cannot decide to go to coilover w/ sway or spring/sway. I think more products are creeping out now. Tough decision really. Good luck

i personally am going with spring/sway. i'm already half way there. already have my hotchkis sway installed(front and back).

if i had the cash, i'd go coilovers/sway. so i'm savin myself a couple of c notes and doing spring/sway.

[mazdaspeed32007]

i like the idea of having all ms performance parts as well. that's the only reason why i am leaning more towards the ms spring/camber kit. but i do like the more aggressive drop cobbs give.

i dont know if a .6 drop is going to affect the ride quality much. i know cobbs offer a 1.0 drop, but i dont like ruff rides over bumpy roads. anyone have cobbs without any ride quality issues?

the most common answer to this quetion both on product reviews and people on this forum is the ride isnt harsher its louder. you feel the bumps a little more but its def worth it.

[ericrapp]

i personally am going with spring/sway. i'm already half way there. already have my hotchkis sway installed(front and back).

if i had the cash, i'd go coilovers/sway. so i'm savin myself a couple of c notes and doing spring/sway.

Can't argue that. Coilovers are pricey still. And I think your choice of parts would be a great investment. Did you read the test that installed all the Mazdaspeed upgrades? I believe that it was Edmunds Inside line. With coilovers, wheels and probably some sticky tires, the Mspeed stopped, 60-0 ten feet less. And those are serious #s. 104 ft. on stock brakes. That is just silly good. Compare to Porsche here. Skid pad increased .03 to .91 I think. But the car was so stable lap times increased a lot. Please give the report after you install springs. Sounds good so far!

[SPEEDYHANS]

what abaut tein springs n-e-1 has a set of tein here

p.s. how r they

[mazdaspeed32007]

what abaut tein springs n-e-1 has a set of tein here

p.s. how r they

the just recently did a tein group buy on another part o the forum somewhere. i know it needed 10 people so at least 10 have some. look around at peoples sigs if no one replies to get some feedback and PM them.

[SPEEDYHANS]

the just recently did a tein group buy on another part o the forum somewhere. i know it needed 10 people so at least 10 have some. look around at peoples sigs if no one replies to get some feedback and PM them.

WILL DO THENX

(cool)

[SPEED305]

Not really looking for a "look"...

I'm more interested in performance...

and for this i decided to go with MS springs.

[ericrapp]

Reports i hope from the both of you.

[AutoXRacer]

I am leaning toward the coilovers... MS or BC...not sure.

[Sacrilicious]

i got the cobb stage 2 suspension because i knew it would be:

1. more comfortable than the MS and HR springs.
2. not break the bank.
3. give me a balanced handling upgrade.

i'm very happy with it so far. there was no need for camber adjustment, so any money spent on the MS camber links is really quite wasted.

[logik816]

i've heard that ms3 shocks were being blown from the hr springs. anyone know of someone that has personally experience this?

i dont like the, "he said she said". we all need to know the facts and pics if available. dont want anyone getting springs and blowing their shocks. lets help each other out.

[logik816]

i got the cobb stage 2 suspension because i knew it would be:

1. more comfortable than the MS and HR springs.
2. not break the bank.
3. give me a balanced handling upgrade.

i'm very happy with it so far. there was no need for camber adjustment, so any money spent on the MS camber links is really quite wasted.

glad to hear more good feedbacks about the cobbs. nice drop for DD if your not looking for an aggressive drop like hr & roadmagnet.

[ericrapp]

i got the cobb stage 2 suspension because i knew it would be:

1. more comfortable than the MS and HR springs.
2. not break the bank.
3. give me a balanced handling upgrade.

i'm very happy with it so far. there was no need for camber adjustment, so any money spent on the MS camber links is really quite wasted.
Really glad you are pleased with Cobb tune. I have been staring at these before I bought the speed. If I don't do coils This will be it. If someone had agreat price on springs and bars well right this minute I would puul the trigger. But i think I really want coilovers. Thanks for the posts

[ericrapp]

i've heard that ms3 shocks were being blown from the hr springs. anyone know of someone that has personally experience this?

i dont like the, "he said she said". we all need to know the facts and pics if available. dont want anyone getting springs and blowing their shocks. lets help each other out.

Both opinion and fact are important, But I have to agree I need hard data first. Rogue pointed out the spring specs + for comparison with coilovers and that stuff really helps me make better decisions. And opinion is cool too, great to hear that their new parts rock!

[Munnugles]

well since were on topic... (sorry if this is thread jacking) ive seen the hr springs on a ms6 (very nice drop)... any one have pics of the cobbs, ms, and hr springs on the ms3 (side by side would be a +) i have ms springs and chambers sitting around in my closet that i cant seem to sell, but im thinking of getting the cobbs or the hr and keeping the rear chambers with hr if i go that route... but if shocks are being blown with hr im going cobb.. this is my dd and i dont wanna blow big bucks, but do want a nice stance...

Edit: is there aftermarket shocks for our cars yet? and whats the drop on hr springs?

[logik816]

i think that cobb springs and ms camber is a great idea for a DD

[ericrapp]

well since were on topic... (sorry if this is thread jacking) Ive seen the hr springs on a ms6 (very nice drop)... any one have pics of the Cobb's, ms, and hr springs on the ms3 (side by side would be a +) i have ms springs and chambers sitting around in my closet that i cant seem to sell, but I'm thinking of getting the cobbs or the hr and keeping the rear chambers with hr if i go that route... but if shocks are being blown with hr im going cobb.. this is my dd and i dont wanna blow big bucks, but do want a nice stance...

Edit: is there aftermarket shocks for our cars yet? and whats the drop on hr springs?
Konis are all i have seen so far but I have not looked very hard. Cobb are an inch and I believe the h/r is 1.3 or more. That is why folks are concerned about strut failure i suppose. decreased travel range due to reduced spring height causing stress I guess. Or much more technical geometry changes that I barely grasp. Think performance first.

[ericrapp]

Munnugles, Pm me about what is in your closet. good price I will help you spring clean

[Munnugles]

Munnugles, Pm me about what is in your closet. good price I will help you spring clean

pmed

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

i think that cobb springs and ms camber is a great idea for a DD

You are correct about the springs, but Cobb has made it quite clear that you don't need a camber kit with their spring kit. It only drops the car an inch, and that is not enough to throw the camber off. The only reason to add a camber kit would be if you are a serious racer and put in an adjustable camber kit. Assuming of course that your class rules allow it.

[frito]

I am not sure from this thread that anyone has use both MS and Cobb springs to compare?

[Munnugles]

I am not sure from this thread that anyone has use both MS and Cobb springs to compare?

if your talking about height wise, ive seen pictures and the ms springs practically makes our cars look like there still stock height... just ordered the cobb springs and rear sway the other day cuz i sold the ms springs. couldnt sell the chambers at the same time to the guy, so im throwing them on even tho there not needed...

[frito]

I am wondering more about performance and ride quality comparisons bwtween cobb and MS springs...

[stephani3]

Here is what PirateKitty on M3F has said.. she had Cobb springs but switched to H&R because she wanted to go lower...


Stock vs COBB vs H&R

So after a weekend of driving on the H&Rs I figured I could post a review now.
Keep in mind, I live in the state that is in the top 3 of worst roads in the country and #1 with worst Highway (I-10) in the country. I have also driven and ridden on all sorts of suspension set ups. With that being said this is MY OPINION.

Stock - We all know how stock feels. Too soft and I bottomed out once, gawdd that felt like ass.
Cobb - Very much stiffer than stock, but still forgiving on the bumpies. Car felt like a beast at auto-cross, just not low enough for me. All that stiffness and my car wasn't at the stance that I wanted.
H&R - A hair softer than COBB and actually pretty comfortable. Call me crazy, but the ride isn't any worse than COBB. I put it to the test today and drove it through crater avenue and I was genuinely impressed. While installing the h&r's I did trim my bump-stops a bit so that may have helped some. Haven't auto-crossed on them yet, will post impressions after I do.

[FrequentFlyer]

Edit: is there aftermarket shocks for our cars yet? and whats the drop on hr springs?

Bilstein's website comes up with part numbers for the MS3 and they usually make some kickass shocks. Anyone know of anyone who's tried Bilsteins?

[Munnugles]

Bilstein's website comes up with part numbers for the MS3 and they usually make some kickass shocks. Anyone know of anyone who's tried Bilsteins?

wondering the same thing... sooner or later i would want to change out the shocks... or if they ever ended up blowin

[ccann26]

Here is what PirateKitty on M3F has said.. she had Cobb springs but switched to H&R because she wanted to go lower...

Did she mention what size tires shes running with the H&R's ? I was told Cobb is running a 18x8 with 245 40's toyo Rir's with the fenders rolled I would love to be able to run 245's on my car . Esp at an autox

I just ordered the Cobb stage 2 yesterday I hate it when I start going back and second guessing my decisions !!

[iredremix]

i'd recommend cobb + gv lip setup. H&R and lip might be too low, ur gonna have to worry about scraping. i just bought cobb + gv lip

[FrequentFlyer]

wondering the same thing... sooner or later i would want to change out the shocks... or if they ever ended up blowin

I think it's a mistake since now that I look closer, it's coming up with two rear part numbers, one being a sport shock and the other being an HD and for some reason it brings up a Volvo S40 front strut. (uhm)

[cornflaykes]

I think it's a mistake since now that I look closer, it's coming up with two rear part numbers, one being a sport shock and the other being an HD and for some reason it brings up a Volvo S40 front strut. (uhm)

Because The MS3, Euro Ford Focus, and Volvo s40 use the same front suspension and brakes.

[Munnugles]

Because The MS3, Euro Ford Focus, and Volvo s40 use the same front suspension and brakes.

i know that the ms3 has the brakes from the volvo... but the suspension?

[stephani3]

yes, the Mazda3/MS3, Mazda 5, Volvo S40/V50/C30 and the European Focus all share the same front and rear subframes, suspension components, steering components, braking systems, passive safety features and electrical systems

[Munnugles]

thats interesting... i wonder if i have any friends with a s40... hmmm i can always use extra parts just in case :-)

[Yoo Shin]

Did she mention what size tires shes running with the H&R's ? I was told Cobb is running a 18x8 with 245 40's toyo Rir's with the fenders rolled I would love to be able to run 245's on my car . Esp at an autox

I just ordered the Cobb stage 2 yesterday I hate it when I start going back and second guessing my decisions !!

So I take it you got the Cobb set up by now? How do you like it?