OEM MS3 springs on MZ5

[dima_rus]

Does anybody here tried mazdaspeed 3 OEM springs on a 5??

if so can you post a picture.

Thanks in advance
Dima

[Katner]

I could swear someone has done this dima. And I too am really curious about this set-up. Seems really logical.

[dima_rus]

I'm getting my springs at the end of March. Once it is on the car I will post some pics.

[2ride4life]

are you guys worried about the damping rate of the ms3 spring on our heavier Mz5?

[dima_rus]

not really. MS3 vs MZ3 height difference is 0.5', considering that MZ5 is a bit heavier, I'd say the biggest drop I'm looking at is 1', which would be perfect for me

[tillyspeed81]

I recently got a hold of a MS3 suspension, springs and struts, gonna try it out. I'll post pics of it if I have time....

[Katner]

I'm getting my springs at the end of March. Once it is on the car I will post some pics.
haha. Just went for it hey? This isn't the first time I've seen you start a thread about something and then solve your own problem. I love that because they become good references for later. And your mods are always tasteful...the ones that I want to do to my own 5. If I get it back.

I recently got a hold of a MS3 suspension, springs and struts, gonna try it out. I'll post pics of it if I have time....Nice. So we'll have two applications, and two opinions expressed on the result.



How much did you guys pay for these?

[red headz]

I recently got a hold of a MS3 suspension, springs and struts, gonna try it out. I'll post pics of it if I have time....

POST please! (with picts)
(cool)

And rough $$ spent on parts? I will probably install the setup myself.
michael.

[dima_rus]

I should have my springs on March 21, will probably install them right away, so the pics should be up by the end of March

[red headz]

I should have my springs on March 21, will probably install them right away...

Will you install or take it to a shop? New struts/shocks also or just the springs?

michael.

[dima_rus]

I will install it myself. Just springs with OEM struts and shocks. Should be just fine.

[Katner]

I will install it myself. Just springs with OEM struts and shocks. Should be just fine.

I can not wait for this post. What I'm most interested in is the change in handling dynamics. I'd be very interested in a comprehensive handling review too!

[ScratchNSniff]

POST please! (with picts)
(cool)

And rough $$ spent on parts? I will probably install the setup myself.
michael.

Not sure how much they spent, but I have a set FS for $300 shipped...

From what I have seen, they usually go for minimum of that price for the strut/spring combo...

[tillyspeed81]

haha. Just went for it hey? This isn't the first time I've seen you start a thread about something and then solve your own problem. I love that because they become good references for later. And your mods are always tasteful...the ones that I want to do to my own 5. If I get it back.
Nice. So we'll have two applications, and two opinions expressed on the result.



How much did you guys pay for these?

I got mine from someone on this forum, I previously bought mazdaspeed3 rims from him, and he said he had the suspension still, he's always been honest, so I got them off him. I think I paid $150 for them. Probably gonna do the install myself, but gonna also install a ($165)SPC camber kit, sway bars and get an alignment too, not sure how much it's gonna cost, one of my good friends owns a shop, so he should give me a break( Cross my fingers)

[dima_rus]

$150 is what I'm paying as well. I will try to do a how to and review after installation is done

[Kojack]

ooooo, for shocks and struts? I have to find me a ms3 person to get their suspension off!

[red headz]

ooooo, for shocks and struts? I have to find me a ms3 person to get their suspension off!

Not if I can beat you to it!(glare)

I'd love to throw a 1" drop on our Mazda5. Struts would be nice too, but not necessary.

michael.

[tetrapak]

Anyone know if MS3 shocks/struts will fit Mazda5?

[redaxelaspeed]

im also interested to find out. i have a set of ms3 springs. but i wanna find out if a ms3 colover kit will fit a m5.

[Kojack]

will the speed 3 shocks last longer than the stock 5 shocks? im after blowing 5 in 40k kms...

[tillyspeed81]

SO, today while fighting a cold I decided to install my suspension.As some of you may remember I tested my friend's Tein Coilover suspension on my 5 and it fit nicely, so without any worry I bought the speed3 setup. Unfortunately for me, my wife is the main driver of the 5. But since she is in Japan visiting family, I'm messin' with the rides...(cabpatch) The Mazdaspeed3 shocks and springs fit easily into my 5.... I didn't have to modify anything. I tried to see if my 3's strut brace would work on my 5, the bolts line up perfectly, but on the 5, I guess the power steering reservior (spellcheck)(screwy) is in the way. Tomorrow after work, I'm gonna attempt to install the lower brace and get an alignment. so for all of us fivers wondering if the Speed3 suspension works...it does...I'll post a review of the ride after I get my alignment.(cabpatch)(cabpatch)

[dima_rus]

how much lower is the ride now?

[62Lincoln]

how much lower is the ride now?

x2, please tell us that you did some before and after measurements...maybe even some pics!

[dima_rus]

pics would be great.

I'm at the stage where I need to decide if I want to lower the car at all, cuz my front lip is pretty low as it is

[red headz]

Anxiously clicking...

but to clarify - you installed stock MS3 springs and shocks into a Mazda5. Because you can also purchase MS3 sport springs - which drop the MS3 even more than stock...

I am looking for about a 1" drop overall from the stock M5 ride height without much of a sacrifice in ride quality. A bit firmer would be alright, but ideally - I just want the 1" drop.

Hoping the stock MS3 springs on a M5 drop about 1"...

still anxiously clicking...
michael.

[tillyspeed81]

I just got the stock Mazdaspeed3 suspension, It seems to be about a 3/4" drop, maybe when it all settles it will hit 1". The ride is much firmer from stock, but not too firm. I like it, and I don't think my wife will notice at all...hehe...(drinks) I'll try to get pics up soon...

[dima_rus]

Thanks man, much appreciated. Speed3 springs here I come :)

[mazdaspeedster3]

I know the springs fit. There is a thread on the other forum. Looks nice. The CBE off the 3 also is a nice fit on the 5 and sounds awesome. I am waiting to get my hands on a used one as I dont plan to put an exhaust on my speed3 as of yet.

[Kojack]

yep same here...small front and rear lip, MS suspension and we are good to go!

[Katner]

I just got the stock Mazdaspeed3 suspension, It seems to be about a 3/4" drop, maybe when it all settles it will hit 1". The ride is much firmer from stock, but not too firm. I like it, and I don't think my wife will notice at all...hehe...(drinks) I'll try to get pics up soon...
tillyspeed, you feel like offering a little more depth on the review of how the new suspension performs? Do you notice less body roll? Any more confidence in handling or high-speed stability? Cornering stability? Would you say that it's a big improvement or should a person consider something truly after market if they want real handling gains?


The CBE off the 3 also is a nice fit on the 5 and sounds awesome.Forgive my ignorance...what's a CBE?

[dima_rus]

CBE = catback exhaust

[tillyspeed81]

tillyspeed, you feel like offering a little more depth on the review of how the new suspension performs? Do you notice less body roll? Any more confidence in handling or high-speed stability? Cornering stability? Would you say that it's a big improvement or should a person consider something truly after market if they want real handling gains?

Forgive my ignorance...what's a CBE?

Honestly, I haven't taken the car out much yet since I lowered it. I'm going in Monday for my alignment and then I'll probably run it a little harder to test it's cornering. From what I've noticed so far from just normal driving, it does seem to hung the corners a little better, it's not great, still feels soft. I think it's just because of the weight difference. I have noticed the back end sags a little more than my front...But if you're looking for better handling gains, I probably would go aftermarket and get Mazda5 specific parts. Especially sway bars and such if handling is what you're trying to improve. I only installed the speed3 suspension, because my wife is the main driver of the 5 and she isn't so great on the speed bumps...so I can't slam the hell out of the 5 as much as I would have liked with a coilover suspension. Plus she's AT so I can't do much on the performance end of the spectrum.... All show and no go is what my 5 is gonna have to be about. ...(hippy)

[dima_rus]

how bad did the rear end sag? Is it that noticeable?

[tetrapak]

I managed to get mazdaspeed springs made specifically for the premacy from Japan. It was expensive but hopefully it'll be worth it.

[dima_rus]

Just picked up my Speed3 springs today, can't wait to get them on the car. Most likely it will happen on Tuesday.

[redaxelaspeed]

i got a set of oem speed 3 springs laying around if any one wants to make an offer.my speed3 is running on tein s tech made for the mz3,so the oems are just collecting dust,also my stock ms3 exhaust is collecting dust!

[Katner]

i got a set of oem speed 3 springs laying around if any one wants to make an offer.my speed3 is running on tein s tech made for the mz3,so the oems are just collecting dust,also my stock ms3 exhaust is collecting dust!
What kind of mileage do the springs have? And the exhaust?


I managed to get mazdaspeed springs made specifically for the premacy from Japan. It was expensive but hopefully it'll be worth it.
What did they run you? Springs only?

[redaxelaspeed]

springs about 1000 mi and exhaust about 10,000

[dima_rus]

Finally got the speed3 springs installed. Just like tillyspeed81 said, the ride is definitely firmer, feels a lot more solid, takes corners a bit better and still drives pretty soft. I'd say the car is 3/4"-1" lower. The only down side is that rear is a bit lower then the front, but then again, I have a heavy sound system in the back. I would probably have to go with some rubber spacers to lift the back a little bit.

Pics will be posted soon.

[dima_rus]

Quick update, as it turned out, I was right, I had to put in 2 rubber inserts on each side rear springs to even out the height.

[SCCA_MS3]

I have a set of OEM Speed 3 Springs from a 2009 with aprox 3k on them for sale. Looking to get $150 for both if anyone is interested.

[tillyspeed81]

Quick update, as it turned out, I was right, I had to put in 2 rubber inserts on each side rear springs to even out the height.

Hey Dima, what kind of rubber inserts did you use and where can I get a set? Got any pics of them? I haven't got my alignment yet because had to order some tires for my wheels first, but did notice that cruising at high speeds on the freeway was very smooth, before it would feel floaty and unstable.

[dima_rus]

I'll take pics tomorrow. Here in Canada, you can get them at any Canadian Tire store. Not sure where you can get those in States.

[tillyspeed81]

Thanks Dima, so do you scrape any with that lip and your new suspension? I'm still considering going lower, I'm used to driving slammed cars, but not my wife, so I'm in kinda new territory....can't have best of both worlds...sigh...why can't I tuck rim and NOT scrape...(lol2)

[dima_rus]

so far so good, I'm used to driving a lowered car too, I had mazda 6 that was much lower. Whenever I have to drive on/off driveway I have to angle the car, basically one wheel at a time :) I didn't get to take pics today and dropping the car off for service tomorrow, so hopefully I will post pics by this weekend, I promise.

FYI, it is not like the car is slammed now, I was just trying to minimize the wheel gap.

[Katner]

So dima are you running just the springs with the stock struts? That seems to be what most people are doing.

I just can't decide if this is the right thing for me or if I should go a little more hardcore. I definitely don't want coilovers, but I DO want a real step-up in handling. I'm much more concerned about handling improvement over lowering the car.

CBE = catback exhaust

K I'm an idiot for not seeing that one.

[dima_rus]

like I said the ride is not a lot stiffer, but a lot more solid, handles much better. If you are looking for something more hardcore I suggest go with HR springs. You will get about 1" drop with HR springs. The reason I didn't get HR, I was scared it would be too low for me.

[red headz]

pictures or it didn't happen Dima...(direct)

m.

[dima_rus]

Pics will be posted this weekend 100%, all it's left is to wash the car :)

[mothernature]

Pics will be posted this weekend 100%, all it's left is to wash the car :)

We look 4ward to the pics, both interior and exterior

or like he said, "it didn't happen"
(drinks)

[red headz]

My MS3 springs arrive on Monday!!(2thumbs)

[dima_rus]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0013-11.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0017-8.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0075.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0014-10.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0015-9.jpg

you be the judge

[tillyspeed81]

Thanks Dima, dependable as always...I guess I should get a camera and take pics of the rear sag before I fix it....

[nvanvlymen]

Dima, thats looks hot.

Ive been interested in droping my 5 down without having to spend an arm and leg. Where did you get your springs from?

I dont have the proper place to install them myself which sucks, but not the end of the world.

[dima_rus]

Dima, thats looks hot.

Ive been interested in droping my 5 down without having to spend an arm and leg. Where did you get your springs from?

I dont have the proper place to install them myself which sucks, but not the end of the world.

I got the spring from one of the Toronto Mazda 3 Club members, I think there is more people that want to sell theirs. As for install, I can hook you up with a good place that does really good job.

Dima

[red headz]

MS3 springs arrived today (cabpatch).

My wife and I began to install soon as the kids were in bed around 8:30pm... but we were unable to separate the steering knuckle from the strut. It's a tight fit. When I installed new springs on my VW - I used a strut nut spreader - basically a modified allen wrench smothed into an oval shape. It allowed the user to slide the narrow side of the oval into the knuckle, twist to the large side of the oval and pow... the knuckle was open wide enough.

No such luck tonight. I'm on the horn now to borrow the tool tomorrow. From what I read, the fronts are tougher than the rears. And now that I've been through once, the second time should be much simpler. Soon as the strut assembly is out, removing & replacing springs should be easy.

m.

[red headz]

you be the judge


Sounds like you are not satisfied? Now low enough?
m.

[dima_rus]

Sounds like you are not satisfied? Now low enough?
m.

Are you kidding me? That is exactly how I wanted it. Look where my front lip is. I have to take all the speed bumps on an angle now. No way I want to go any lower than that.

[dima_rus]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0058-3.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0056-3.jpg

Look at these pictures and tell me if I need to go any lower. Look at those mazda 6, that are slammed!!

[tillyspeed81]

Hey Dima are these the spacers you used? If so how do I get em on? Looks like I can just slide them in between the coils...or do I need to disassemble the suspension again o_O
...your ride looks low...I pick up my body kit on Thurs...looks like I'm gonna have to pick up another car for the wife....

[dima_rus]

yup, that's them :)

you just have to jack the car up and slide those in. It would be easier if you put them in water right before installing the spacers.

[tillyspeed81]

ok, thanks, so I need 2 on each side?(uhm)

[dima_rus]

no, 1 per side should do it.

I had a choice between these and smaller ones, which came 4 in one package, so I ended up using 2 per side. I'll try to find a picture of them

[dima_rus]

there you go

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/31D6C5PG00L_SS500_.jpg

[tillyspeed81]

Oh, I see..thanks..

[BLACKOUT]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0058-3.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb225/dimomazda/IMG_0056-3.jpg

Look at these pictures and tell me if I need to go any lower. Look at those mazda 6, that are slammed!!

yeah you could go lower like this guys 5

[dima_rus]

no thank you, if I lower it any more, my lip would be on the ground.

[Kojack]

Dima's car looks better than that other one anyways....having some wheel gap looks way better than having the wheels tucked...unless your a dubber with an old rabbit or something..

Dima, your car is awsome. Im going with the JDM lip so to have a bit more clearance...but if that was not an issue, i would def. get the DS style lip for sure.

Steve, AKA Kojack!

[dima_rus]

Thanks Steve, I personally don't have a problem with this lip/drop combo, but I have to be careful and angle everything. I'm used to it by now, been driving like that for the past 2 years :)

[Kojack]

yeah...the wife drives our 5 most times....im driving a Lifted F150...so I have no problems going over stuff including small cars..ha ha

you have HIDS....how did you get them not to flicker..im ordering a set now...

thanks

[dima_rus]

when installing HID, everything goes "plug in play". Only exception is that you have to find a better ground, that way you can have everything working properly.

[Kojack]

perfect!...just take the ground wire and ground to chasis... perfect.

[dima_rus]

perfect!...just take the ground wire and ground to chasis... perfect.

I grounded to the front rail that is right behind the bumper cover. My ballasts are also there :)

[Katner]

Is anyone concerned about using the stock struts with the MS3 spings? Would getting the struts from the MS3 make a big difference in how the car handles? I LOVE the way my sisters 3 GT handles so I'm just wondering how I can duplicate that experience. Either going with even firmer springs or getting the MS3 struts to go with the MS3 springs.

[Kojack]

im using both the springs and struts. using the struts mainly because they are gas instead of hydrolic. the crap that mazda puts on our cars, is just that. crap. I am after blowing 4 shocks on my 5 now, so hopfully the MS3 shocks will fix that problem

[tetrapak]

Just installed JDM mazdaspeed premacy springs on my 5 yesterday. Front and rear appears level for now. 2 and 1/2 fat fingers gap. Will post pics as soon as I get a chance.

[Kojack]

Dima...did the springs lower your car much?

[dima_rus]

about 3/4" front and just over an inch at the back, that's why I had to use the rubber spacers for the rear

[LAmazda3]

If you guys are looking for a cheap set, there are always some available on mazda 3 forum. com

[Kojack]

Perfect...yeah the spacer will make it sit like mine is now