View Full Version : Kain on the COBB
The car's a month and two weeks old, and I'm already done with power and suspension mods. (lol2) I modded the hell out of my last car and got it out of my system. Going pretty light this time around.
COBB SRI went on two weeks ago. Won it in a raffle at a local meet, spent only $10 for raffle tickets. Budget modding FTW! The COBB sticker on the TMIC cover has been removed, but I may use that area for a subtle roll call down the road.
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/cobb/cobb-sri.jpg
COBB RSB went on this morning. Posted a pic for comparison with the stock bar. Went for a little drive around the block, and even pushing the car 5/10ths around the turns, I noticed a big difference. Much more neutral and confidence-inspiring, and the rear rotates quicker.
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/cobb/cobb-rsb_1.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/cobb/cobb-rsb_2.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Kain/cobb/cobb-rsb_3.jpg
aaronc7
07-12-2008, 11:49 AM
car is so clleeaannn underneath. nice
lestat13
07-12-2008, 11:55 AM
I thought I got it all out of my system with the Integra..... I bought the speed3 cause it was fast, comfortable, made some nice exhaust noise, all right outta the box. Thought I wasn't gonna mess with it. Yay for warranties!
I did the turbo xs hybrid first, then the cobb sri. Thought I was done, NOPE! Hardwired a 8500 X50radar detector, then got a dashhawk, tints, fun with nightshades, then the corksport motor mount inserts. Now I have a downpipe/midpipe combo waiting to go in, I will probably lower the car, and my next mod is definitly shifter bushings. I am also looking into FMIC kits.
You can't stop man. Well, at least I know I can't stop.
Warranty? I really hope I don't need it cause it's gonna be hell getting back there!!
CWPspeed3
07-12-2008, 01:15 PM
I thought I got it all out of my system with the Integra..... I bought the speed3 cause it was fast, comfortable, made some nice exhaust noise, all right outta the box. Thought I wasn't gonna mess with it. Yay for warranties!
I did the turbo xs hybrid first, then the cobb sri. Thought I was done, NOPE! Hardwired a 8500 X50radar detector, then got a dashhawk, tints, fun with nightshades, then the corksport motor mount inserts. Now I have a downpipe/midpipe combo waiting to go in, I will probably lower the car, and my next mod is definitly shifter bushings. I am also looking into FMIC kits.
You can't stop man. Well, at least I know I can't stop.
Warranty? I really hope I don't need it cause it's gonna be hell getting back there!!
I know what you mean, coming from my integra this was a huge upgrade so I thought I'd stay stock for a while... A while lasted almost 4 months, I was proud of myself, then the trz poly mm, dash hawk, twm ss and bushings, and cobb sri magically showed up at my door... I'm having a hard time deciding between the turbo xs or turbosmart bpv's so that ones still to come, that cobb rsb looks nice... race pipe would be nice... IT NEVER ENDS!
Supermonk61
07-12-2008, 02:32 PM
Just curious are you going to replace the front sway bar as well or just going to stick with the rear? Also any advantages to just doing the rear?
08cosmic3
07-12-2008, 03:25 PM
My first suspension mod is going to be a Cobb RSB. I was not planning on adding the front bar and I'm also interested to know if replacing the front is necessary. I came from a 97 Probe GT and had upgraded the RSB and it made a big difference, flattened out the corners.
lestat13
07-12-2008, 05:23 PM
I know what you mean, coming from my integra this was a huge upgrade so I thought I'd stay stock for a while... A while lasted almost 4 months, I was proud of myself, then the trz poly mm, dash hawk, twm ss and bushings, and cobb sri magically showed up at my door... I'm having a hard time deciding between the turbo xs or turbosmart bpv's so that ones still to come, that cobb rsb looks nice... race pipe would be nice... IT NEVER ENDS!
I always knew I wanted to have the bov sounds when I got the speed, so I had the turbo xs hybrid purchased and installed within about 3 weeks. The Cobb SRI would have been installed within 2 month of purchase but it was backordered for 8-10 weeks. I can't stop and I didn't stay stock for long. I got those and tints done before my first oil change!!!
mo08ms3
07-12-2008, 07:02 PM
That Cobb sway bar looks awesome! I've always been more for the power mods, so I hope you guys didn't start me on the suspension mods, too!
Unoriginaluser
07-12-2008, 07:20 PM
i started of saying i would just get an intake... well then the CPE TBE seemed like a good idea. Well if i have those two getting the AP looked like it made sense since i could run stage 2. Well the ap stage 2 v.1.0 map wasn't the best but i knew that cobb was going to have a fmic map and they would have their fmic out shortly so i got that two. well then i needed a motor mount, and springs (cobb) but if i am going to do that my as well get the sways when i am at it and next thing you know your warranty is history
SwampAss
07-12-2008, 07:22 PM
I promised to leave mine stock..and here I am with a $32,XXX MS3. heh It's a sport with no options too!
ericrapp
07-13-2008, 05:22 PM
You guys have no self discipline
ericrapp
07-13-2008, 05:25 PM
Just curious are you going to replace the front sway bar as well or just going to stick with the rear? Also any advantages to just doing the rear?Front bar and springs, yes i will. Stage two why not . while you are down there get it all done!
Just curious are you going to replace the front sway bar as well or just going to stick with the rear? Also any advantages to just doing the rear?
Front bar and springs, yes i will. Stage two why not . while you are down there get it all done!
lawl, thanks for answering, but I think he was asking me. :D No, I'm sticking with just the rear, so I installed the endlinks at the less stiff setting. My intent is to keep the mods on this car to bang-for-the-buck and easily removable in case I need something warrantied. The FSB is more than I want to invest money, time and work-wise. Otherwise, I would've got the Hotchkis set.
I'm waiting for the vent pod for a boost gauge, may get a Redline armrest cover to match the shift boot and leather bolsters, and a rear motor mount (eyeing the CP-E to keep vibes down). I'm kind of paranoid of the COBB intake mount because it connects to the battery brace, which doesn't move with the engine. Hopefuly the motor mount will minimize my concern and smooth the shifting some, too.
That's pretty much it. The car is already everything I need.
mazdaspeedster3
07-13-2008, 08:32 PM
Well a motor mount may do just that my freind... WOW... That cobb intakes mounts there, I had no idea, I didnt see that on yours Matt, post a pic.
CWPspeed3
07-13-2008, 08:35 PM
Yeah that was interesting I wasnt too sure about that. It seems weird that the engine will move but the brace that connects to the MAF housing is bolted to the battery base and doesnt move. When I take some pics I'll try and show it.
Not to jack my own thread, but here's a pic of someone's battery brace that snapped:
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5971/brokenkp8.jpg
Apparently, COBB is aware of this and is working on a new mount.
ericrapp
07-14-2008, 05:09 PM
Hey buddy, I meant WE all should go stage two with motor mounts, sorry to jump. I only have the rear bar installed and what a difference just as you described Kain!
CWPspeed3
07-14-2008, 05:18 PM
Ouch, was that picture with an upgraded motor mount or stock?
Hey buddy, I meant WE all should go stage two with motor mounts, sorry to jump. I only have the rear bar installed and what a difference just as you described Kain!
lawl, it's all good. I'm loving just the RSB so much, I'm set suspension-wise now.
Ouch, was that picture with an upgraded motor mount or stock?
Not sure, and I'd imagine it came after numerous hard launches since this is the first I've heard of it. On my Sentra, I had the fender bracket on my AEM CAI completely rip off due to engine movement (and I even had Energy Suspension MMI), so I'm definitely getting a mount of some sort next.
ericrapp
07-14-2008, 07:15 PM
Yep, that is going to be a very worthwhile upgrade, I only have Cork inserts and that helped engine rotation and the shifting quality.
CWPspeed3
07-14-2008, 07:49 PM
I have the trz poly and I love it, made the car much more responsive. Then the shifter bushings improved shifting and now I'm starting to get into some power mods.
mrjoshyman
07-14-2008, 07:53 PM
yeah, i just installed the SU motor mount and I've also got the shifter bushers. Both installs really easy. The combo made such a difference. I went with the SU MM b/c I didn't want excessive vibrations but with the SU mount I honestly can hardly even feel it. I'm content, but I definitely could have gone with a stiffer mount.
MikeHTally
07-17-2008, 06:26 PM
[QUOTE=Kain;3960348]
COBB RSB went on this morning. Posted a pic for comparison with the stock bar. Went for a little drive around the block, and even pushing the car 5/10ths around the turns, I noticed a big difference. Much more neutral and confidence-inspiring, and the rear rotates quicker. [QUOTE]
What did you use for the torque settings? I called Cobb today asking them, but I'm not real comfortable with the answer. My Ram's RSB torque specs were radically different between the axle brackets and the ends of the bar.
phillyb
07-17-2008, 06:33 PM
my next mod has GOT to be a rear sway bar. i've heard great things about them
What did you use for the torque settings? I called Cobb today asking them, but I'm not real comfortable with the answer. My Ram's RSB torque specs were radically different between the axle brackets and the ends of the bar.
40-50 ft. lbs. with blue Loctite.
arkenzo
07-17-2008, 06:48 PM
Just curious are you going to replace the front sway bar as well or just going to stick with the rear? Also any advantages to just doing the rear?
Adding a stiffer front sway bar is a no-no on a FWD car...I wouldn't recommend it. I'd stick with a beefier rear sway bar and call it a day.
I'd also look into some new shocks and springs, but with the mazdaspeed 3 being sort of new, the choices are weak and limited...I don't like the springs from cobb, and H&R's are too low for the stock dampers.
phillyb
07-17-2008, 06:54 PM
Adding a stiffer front sway bar is a no-no on a FWD car...I wouldn't recommend it. I'd stick with a beefier rear sway bar and call it a day.
would you please elaborate on this?
ericrapp
07-17-2008, 07:05 PM
Adding a stiffer front sway bar is a no-no on a FWD car...I wouldn't recommend it. I'd stick with a beefier rear sway bar and call it a day.
I'd also look into some new shocks and springs, but with the mazdaspeed 3 being sort of new, the choices are weak and limited...I don't like the springs from cobb, and H&R's are too low for the stock dampers.What. are you sure? about front bar w/rear. The dampers are more than enough for stock and quite good for the Cobb springs, the h/r drop are too much for dampers and are really for appearance. I think you want coilovers A. But i have to question the no front bar on front wheel drive. Help me out on this .thanks
arkenzo
07-17-2008, 07:27 PM
would you please elaborate on this?
What is there to explain? If you knew how a sway bar works, you'll understand why it isn't smart to have a beefier front rear sway bar on a FWD car.
Let me explain, the stiffer the bar, the less traction you will get when turning.......meaning you will lose traction in the front end of your car...losing traction in the front end of your car on a front wheel drive is kind of....BAD.
arkenzo
07-17-2008, 07:31 PM
But i have to question the no front bar on front wheel drive. Help me out on this .thanks
The stiffer the bar, the less traction you will get when cornering, and not having traction or enough traction with a front rear sway bar on a front wheel drive car while cornering hard, will yield some very bad results.
That is all.
ericrapp
07-17-2008, 08:01 PM
Well, that is not quite true. Too stiff is a problem when not mated to apprpriate dampers but keeping the car level, without a dramatic weight transition in turns is priceless. Just my experience. Less body roll is always always better to keep car planted. Rear wheel drive and front wheel drive. There is much more to this but i will just leave it respectfully, imo. And yes sir traction is everything! Understeer can be reduced and the chassis balanced.Mine is greatly improved.Thanks.
phillyb
07-17-2008, 08:14 PM
What is there to explain? If you knew how a sway bar works, you'll understand why it isn't smart to have a beefier front rear sway bar on a FWD car.
Let me explain, the stiffer the bar, the less traction you will get when turning.......meaning you will lose traction in the front end of your car...losing traction in the front end of your car on a front wheel drive is kind of....BAD.
The stiffer the bar, the less traction you will get when cornering, and not having traction or enough traction with a front rear sway bar on a front wheel drive car while cornering hard, will yield some very bad results.
That is all.
so in turn, a rear sway bar on a rear wheel drive vehicle would also be "bad?"
arkenzo
07-17-2008, 09:09 PM
so in turn, a rear sway bar on a rear wheel drive vehicle would also be "bad?"
Think of it this way...The front end of your car is doing alot of work...Steering....Delivering power.....and traction...it is much easier to control the rear of the car, than the front of the car.
A front sway bar will reduce traction on a FWD car under cornering, this is common knowledge and is much less desired than losing traction on the rear of your car....
Some users who have the COBB front sway bar have been saying they've had their TCS lights come on more often because of it as well...
ericrapp
07-18-2008, 06:10 PM
Then turn the dsc off! damnit! just kiddin' kinda
chaos4
07-19-2008, 12:10 PM
Big bar on the rear, stock on the front if you do no other suspension mods.
Stiff bar on the front tends to lift the inside front wheel, but stock bar, being softer, does not.
I ran the Hotchkis rear on soft setting last year. Great improvement in turn in response and no extra front tire spin. Oh, only about 2,000 track miles to base my opinion on.
mrjoshyman
07-19-2008, 01:22 PM
Big bar on the rear, stock on the front if you do no other suspension mods.
Stiff bar on the front tends to lift the inside front wheel, but stock bar, being softer, does not.
I ran the Hotchkis rear on soft setting last year. Great improvement in turn in response and no extra front tire spin. Oh, only about 2,000 track miles to base my opinion on.
so say cobb stage 2 would b fine (front & rear sways + springs) ?
Quiksilver05
07-19-2008, 09:09 PM
Im trying to debate which to get either the Cobbs or Hotchkis.
Any insight? (gossip)
MikeHTally
07-25-2008, 03:25 PM
I put my Cobb RSB on last night. Considerable improvement in high-speed cornering. The car feels more planted. Super-easy installation, too. I torqued the clamps to 40 ft/lbs and the end links to 35 ft/lbs.
arkenzo
07-25-2008, 04:49 PM
Im trying to debate which to get either the Cobbs or Hotchkis.
Any insight? (gossip)
Get the least expensive one, cause they're all the same shiznit(braindead
UHATEIT
07-26-2008, 12:39 AM
Get the least expensive one, cause they're all the same shiznit(braindead
prices anyone? :) If I put on springs, will a rear sway be enough?
MikeHTally
07-26-2008, 08:40 AM
$185 from Protege' Garage, including shipping. $165 from Cobb plus shipping. PG came out a bit better overall.
Capt Crunch
07-26-2008, 10:17 AM
What is there to explain? If you knew how a sway bar works, you'll understand why it isn't smart to have a beefier front rear sway bar on a FWD car.
Let me explain, the stiffer the bar, the less traction you will get when turning.......meaning you will lose traction in the front end of your car...losing traction in the front end of your car on a front wheel drive is kind of....BAD.
Not always true. If you have lots of body roll, heavy cornering can negatively affect the suspension geometry. A thicker front sway bar can limit roll and thus improve traction.
This is definitely the case on WRXs and STIs. An ideal setup is a thicker sway bar in the front than in the rear. Counter intuitive, I know.
ericrapp
07-26-2008, 04:43 PM
It seems the rear will help, not hurt, philly and U., Mike is on same page as my experience. mrJosh, the tuned stage two package is as it should be done, imo. i believe the H are less $ than C and are suspiciously similar. Are there 2 stiffness settings on the C? I am sure some of you guys you could drive right under me in the turns, chaos and folks, but after just the rear sway [the super easy one. agreed. and first part of package to be installed and driven on by me], the car becomes more balanced and you are able to actually 'drift' the car around powered turns. Seriously! I have a more controllable tire than stock and the car is a hoot. Very consistent in turns. And this will also help reduce braking distances. My experience with the car forms most of my statements, But chaos probably has a more knowledgeable opinion than me!
MikeHTally
07-26-2008, 07:31 PM
... Are there 2 stiffness settings on the C? YES ... the car becomes more balanced and you are able to actually 'drift' the car around powered turns. Seriously! ... And this will also help reduce braking distances. Hunh?
I have felt some lift-throttle oversteer today (not severe -- just a bit of a tail-twitch). Can't see how a swaybar can affect stopping distance, though.
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