GB: Tri-Point Mazda 3 Sway Bar

[nicole@Tri-Point]

http://www.tripointengineering.com/images/Mazda3BarSideView.jpg

We are now offering our in-house built rear sway bar for the MS/Mazda 3. This is the same bar that is being used on our Mazda 3 Turbo Kit Project Car that was debuted in a shoot-out versus the Mazdaspeed 3.

The stock Mazda 3 sway bar provides around 230 pounds per inch. With our design and 3-hole adjustment factor for fine tuning; hole #1 is 750 pounds per inch, hole #2 is 825 pounds per inch and hole #3 is 1000 pounds per inch.

In order for production to start we need a minimum of 10 people in the GB

We have Adjustable Rear End Links for $95.00 for the set as well, those are custom order.

Shipping will be $15.00 per bar to the lower 48 Cont. States in the U.S.

Group Buy Price will be $165.00


UPDATED LIST OF PAID (4/27/09)
1 . Andrew T.
2. Ronald B.
3. Christopher H.
4. Ryan L.
5. Ferdinand M.
6. Christopher V.
7. Eric S.
8. Sean V.
9. Thomas Y.
10. Matt K.
11. Robert K.
12. Derek K.

I had to use real names, its getting confusing with all your usernames :) This is my list of people who have paid and are confirmed.


____________________________________________

[daonly1around]

and this will work with the speed correct?

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

and this will work with the speed correct?

yes this will work with the Mazdaspeed 3.

[daonly1around]

and i just bought coilovers... but really want this, i know it will be better than the competitors..

come one people nine more
1. Daonly1around
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

when would you want money? after we get 10 people? i just purchased coilovers

[Olestra]

What's the diameter of the bar in mm?
Willing to ship to Alberta, Canada?

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

What's the diameter of the bar in mm?
Willing to ship to Alberta, Canada?

Stock Mazda 3 Rear Swaybar:
Stiffness: 230lbs/inch
Weight: ~6.6lbs

Tri-Point Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3 Rear Swaybar:
Stiffness: 750lbs/inch (hole #1)
825lbs/inch (hole #2)
1000lbs/inch (hole #3)
Weight: ~8.6lbs
Swaybar O.D: 1.25"/32mm


Yes we will ship to Canada, shipping will just be a little higher. Thanks.

[Akaveli]

Would this bar work well with the mz3 stock FSB or would the front bar need to be upgraded as well?

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Would this bar work well with the mz3 stock FSB or would the front bar need to be upgraded as well?

Yes it will work well. In my opinion, it would be ideal to keep the stock front bar for better balance.

[Akaveli]

Yes it will work well. In my opinion, it would be ideal to keep the stock front bar for better balance.

oh ok thanks.

1. Daonly1around
2.Akaveli
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

[nicole@Tri-Point]

List updated!

[rodslinger]

My Mazda5 is begging for one of these... I assume it will fit the 5 also, correct?

[Speedmoney]

I'd be down for this one!

[daonly1around]

come on people

[Akaveli]

Atleast with this RSB I don't have to worry about the stock FSB. Currently I have a progessive RSB which is only 22mm thick and its not doing my car any good.

[rodslinger]

Add me in if it will work on the 5.

[nicole@Tri-Point]

I believe it will work on the 5 :)

[nicole@Tri-Point]

List updated!

[nicole@Tri-Point]

Bump! 4 more people then we can start production!

[rodslinger]

Bump! 4 more people then we can start production!

Go let the 5 owners know as they could use a little love from Tri-Point too....

[projectMS3]

We just used this bar on our Redline Time Attack MAZDASPEED 3, this thing is awesome people, don't pass it up! It makes a massive difference on corner exit and evens out tire wear on the shoulders for the MS3. Just take a look at that tri-point sticker on our car, little known fact but that also adds like 10hp.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3410731511_3813e55eb7_o.jpg

[nicole@Tri-Point]

List has been updated, only 2 more needed! :D

[Dark Monster]

I'm in! what do I have to do?

[rodslinger]

List has been updated, only 2 more needed! :D

I'm tellin ya... Go pimp this on the 5 section. Most of the people over there probably don't even know about this. I'm sure this would do that thing wonders with the higher center of gravity the 5 has....

[nicole@Tri-Point]

I'm in! what do I have to do?

As soon as we get 10, we are going to collect money to start production.

[Bryan@Tri-Point]

Yes these will work on the mazda 5's for sure.

[bbrich57]

This appears to be a hollow bar. It that what it is? No other reason except that I'm curious.
I have followed the '06 3 in various magazines and here on 247 and am impressed w/what Tri-Point seems to be doing.
I only wish I was able to financially justify a turbo kit purchase... any body's but if I were, it would certainly be Tri-Points. Good job on the R&D.
With respect/regards, Richard.

[rodslinger]

Yes these will work on the mazda 5's for sure.

Sweet... Now tell me the turbo kit will be a direct bolt in also (thinking about intercooler issues here)....

[MM BOOST]

can you guys take a pic of the one mounted on the white one from underneath and from behind? Just curious as to how it looks installed. Interested.

[filet611]

Sign me up for one of these. I'd be #10 on the list. Thanks.

[daonly1around]

did you get my PM with my info?

[RC08MS3]

id like one but when do you need payment? just bout a CBE and ive got insurance do so ill have to get 200 together when i can

[nicole@Tri-Point]

did you get my PM with my info?


Yes I did.

Please submit your payments guys, you are holding things up! :D

[daonly1around]

Yes I did.

Please submit your payments guys, you are holding things up! :D

what she said.. hahah

[nicole@Tri-Point]

(attn)****UPDATE****(attn)


All payments MUST be submitted no later than MONDAY April 26th, for the introductory group buy price. NO exceptions.

We are still missing payment from some people, if we do not hear from you, you will be taken off the list.

If you would like to be added to this GB, please send me an email (nicolen@tripointengineering.com (nicolen@tripointengineering.com)) Payments MUST be received by MONDAY!




THANK YOU! (drive2)

[Ferdball]

Yes it will work well. In my opinion, it would be ideal to keep the stock front bar for better balance.

I just added BC Coilovers and did a canyon run last weekend. I have some strong understeer. Would this bar balance me out?

[rodslinger]

(attn)****UPDATE****(attn)



All payments MUST be submitted no later than MONDAY April 26th, for the introductory group buy price. NO exceptions.

We are still missing payment from some people, if we do not hear from you, you will be taken off the list.

If you would like to be added to this GB, please send me an email (nicolen@tripointengineering.com (nicolen@tripointengineering.com)) Payments MUST be received by MONDAY!




THANK YOU! (drive2)


You people need to pay up so we can move forward. I've paid for my bar and I want to put it on..... Come on!!!

[tsunami]

mmm i really want this... i have till monday to think about it...

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

I just added BC Coilovers and did a canyon run last weekend. I have some strong understeer. Would this bar balance me out?

This bar will help but it's hard to say how much of the understeer it will take out.

Keep it safe :)

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

http://blip.tv/file/1170057/

Here is a video of our Mazda 3 with H&R lowering springs, Tri-Point rear swaybar and Tri-Point Turbo Kit.

Without the rear swaybar, the car was pretty bad. It was way worse then the video posted.

With your BC coilovers, it should be somewhat better in handling depending on the springrates they have provided.

[Ferdball]

http://blip.tv/file/1170057/

Here is a video of our Mazda 3 with H&R lowering springs, Tri-Point rear swaybar and Tri-Point Turbo Kit.

Without the rear swaybar, the car was pretty bad. It was way worse then the video posted.

With your BC coilovers, it should be somewhat better in handling depending on the springrates they have provided.

Front Spring Rates - 330
Rear Spring Rates - 220

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Front Spring Rates - 330
Rear Spring Rates - 220
I think the bar would benefit you.

[Ferdball]

11. Ferdball (Paid)

[tillyspeed81]

Would this work on the Mazda5? I'm in the OC can I come up, check it out and buy?

[Dark Monster]

Hey guys you should really jump on this deal. I was on Protege Garage this morning buying my coilover's and found this.
http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/product_info.php?products_id=1633

[7mileshome]

<----Paid, and can't wait.

[bbrich57]

Would this work on the Mazda5? I'm in the OC can I come up, check it out and buy?
Yes. The subject has already been covered.

[tsunami]

alright after understeering like a pig at the autocross this weekend i need this...

[tsunami]

i emailed nicole earlier... should i just send my money?

[nicole@Tri-Point]

You emailed me?

[tsunami]

yuppers i did... and you emailed me back a bit ago... just replied to your email with a question:)

thanks

[nicole@Tri-Point]

yuppers i did... and you emailed me back a bit ago... just replied to your email with a question:)

thanks

ah, got it :)

[nicole@Tri-Point]

First post updated with confirmed list!

[Ferdball]

Any chance of getting this by Wednesday?

[nicole@Tri-Point]

The bar?

No, we are making them now. ETA a couple weeks. I will post an update when I know the date. :)

[Ferdball]

The bar?

No, we are making them now. ETA a couple weeks. I will post an update when I know the date. :)

Weeks? Oh. (shocked) Mazfest is on May 23rd, you know...

[tsunami]

woot i am in on this... cant wait to get this installed and go attack the next set of cones!!! luckily my ms3 shocks/struts will be here soon and give me something to do before the next autox!!

[nicole@Tri-Point]

Weeks? Oh. (shocked) Mazfest is on May 23rd, you know...

Mazfest is 4 weeks away, we anticipate them being done before then.

Like I said, as soon as I can get a better idea, I will let you guys know.

[coondogg]

I hope by the 15th...

[Ferdball]

We are now offering our in-house built rear sway bar for the MS/Mazda 3. This is the same bar that is being used on our Mazda 3 Turbo Kit Project Car that was debuted in a shoot-out versus the Mazdaspeed 3.

The stock Mazda 3 sway bar provides around 230 pounds per inch. With our design and 3-hole adjustment factor for fine tuning; hole #1 is 750 pounds per inch, hole #2 is 825 pounds per inch and hole #3 is 1000 pounds per inch.



Lightweight, durable and adjustable 1-1/4" (32mm) hollow Rear Sway Bar
95% stiffer than the stock sway bar with a rate of 1625 lbs/in
140% stiffer than the stock sway bar with a rate of 2030 lbs/in


According to Hotchkis, the MS3 rear swaybar should be between 833-845 lbs/in. If that is correct, is this even a noticeable mod for the MS3?

http://www.hotchkis.net/mazdaspeed3_sport_sway_bar_set.html

[Ferdball]

Can we get an official response from Tri-Point please? If the OEM bar on the MS3 is actually in the 800 lbs/in range, then it is significantly different from your 230 lbs/in claim.

If that is the case, then I think it would be fair to allow any MS3 owners to back out of this buy.

[coondogg]

The claim of 230 was for a stock MZ3 rear bar not the stock MS3 rear bar...

[nicole@Tri-Point]

We are gathering the specs for the stock bar. We are going to test the stock MS3 on our swaybar tester.

We have had one MS3 install it and here is his feedback:

We just used this bar on our Redline Time Attack MAZDASPEED 3, this thing is awesome people, don't pass it up! It makes a massive difference on corner exit and evens out tire wear on the shoulders for the MS3. Just take a look at that tri-point sticker on our car, little known fact but that also adds like 10hp.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3410731511_3813e55eb7_o.jpg

As soon as we finish the testing, I will post the numbers up.

Thanks.

[Ferdball]

Well, if the numbers are right, then your product is about 400% stiffer then the OEM Mz3 bar, but only about 15% stiffer than the MS3 bar, at its stiffest setting. I think that kind of difference should be pointed out before offering them to both communities.

The fact that "it works" with the MS3 should not go hand in hand with a statement that implies a 400% increase.

That being said, I want to say that I'm not trying to be difficult here. But I would like to get a bar that benefits me now, than wait for a bar that may not help. I'm sure you'd agree.

So, I'd like to make sure that I have the option of backing out for a full refund. But if you can show a benefit for us MS3 users, I'm all for it too.

[coondogg]

I'd love to see a different bar added for MS3 users. I'm already on MS3 sways and its hard for me to swallow just a 15% increase at $180...

[7mileshome]

it's the number game!

[filet611]

The stiffness of the sway bar is a function of their torsional inertia. I can't imagine the Tri point 32mm bar being dramatically different than the other 32mm bars out there. I got this one b/c it's the cheaper 32mm bar so far.

MS3 bar is 25mm stock. Tri point is 32mm.
Torsion moment of interia = (pi*d^4)/64
Comparing the two = (32/25)^4 = 2.68. So this one would be 268% stiffer than the MS3 stock bar.

Thoughts?

[Ferdball]

Is the stock bar hollow?

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Here are the results from the Mazdaspeed 3 Stock Rear Swaybar on our Swaybar tester. The testing procedure was done exactly the same way as our Rear Swaybar.

Test 1: 479lbs/inch
Test 2: 467lbs/inch
Test 3: 470lbs/inch
Test 4: 465lbs/inch

No guessing games here.

[dabears2k]

so speed owners are looking at up to ~110% stiffer.

[Ferdball]

I spoke to an MS3 owner who has a Hotchkis rsb, and he said that even on the light setting, the sway bar was very stiff. Your rsb is not as stiff, and has 3 settings, vs the Hotchkis' 2 settings.

Thanks for the data. I'm still in.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

I spoke to an MS3 owner who has a Hotchkis rsb, and he said that even on the light setting, the sway bar was very stiff. Your rsb is not as stiff, and has 3 settings, vs the Hotchkis' 2 settings.

Thanks for the data. I'm still in.

Without testing the Hotchkis rear swaybar it's really hard to say that the bar is stiffer or softer then our bar.

Anyone want to send us a Hotchkis bar to test? :)

[Bryan@Tri-Point]

Its a 210% increase in stiffness.

A 110% increase would only yield a 522lbs/inch.

[Olestra]

Stock Mazda 3 Rear Swaybar:
Stiffness: 230lbs/inch
Weight: ~6.6lbs

Tri-Point Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3 Rear Swaybar:
Stiffness: 750lbs/inch (hole #1)
825lbs/inch (hole #2)
1000lbs/inch (hole #3)
Weight: ~8.6lbs
Swaybar O.D: 1.25"/32mm


Yes we will ship to Canada, shipping will just be a little higher. Thanks.

Hi can I still jump in, depending on shipping costs?
How much will it cost to ship out to Edmonton, Alberta T6L6l9.

Btw,
(1000-470)/470 * 100% = 113% stiffer for the Speed3 guys.
(1000-230)/230 * 100% = 335% stiffer for the Mazda3 guys.

[coondogg]

Thanks for the data. I'm still in.

+1...

[Wagonbacker9]

Its a 210% increase in stiffness.

A 110% increase would only yield a 522lbs/inch.

470*1.1=517... this would be a 10% increase.
470*2.1=987... this would be a 110% increase.

[tsunami]

i have gotta say nicely done tri-point!!

people came in here "wondering" about real benefits for the ms3 and you guys didn't lash back went back to work and answered questions with hard data....

i am very impressed with everything i have seen from you guys so far and look forward to getting this RSB!!

thanks again!

[coondogg]

ProjectMS3, What setting are you using?

[dabears2k]

470*1.1=517... this would be a 10% increase.
470*2.1=987... this would be a 110% increase.

Thanks, I knew that my math skills weren't lacking ;)

[Olestra]

470*1.1=517... this would be a 10% increase.
470*2.1=987... this would be a 110% increase.

Ah yeah, revised my post. =)

[Wagonbacker9]

i was bored at work, and the math just didn't look right, so I sat down with the calculator... anyway...

[bbrich57]

i have gotta say nicely done tri-point!!

people came in here "wondering" about real benefits for the ms3 and you guys didn't lash back went back to work and answered questions with hard data....

i am very impressed with everything i have seen from you guys so far and look forward to getting this RSB!!

thanks again!

+1

[coondogg]

Are they done yet? :P

[gtlaw]

I guess I'm too late to get in on this

[Grilla]

Is the GB over?

[nicole@Tri-Point]

Yes the group buy ended already. Sorry.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Update: Swaybars are getting close :)

[Ferdball]

Got any pics?

[daonly1around]

Update: Swaybars are getting close :)

woot

[coondogg]

:)

[daonly1around]

HAHAHA, i just saw the retail price, glad i got in on the group buy !!!

[coondogg]

I'm thinking that they are not going to make it in time for my next Auto-X event this weekend... :(

[Ferdball]

Mazfest is still within range.

[coondogg]

Update: Swaybars are getting close :)

Anything new during the past week?

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

They will be going to the powder coater either today or tomorrow.

[Ferdball]

Speaking of powdercoating, check out the new black bracing I'm getting.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ferdball/Mazdaspeed3/IMG_5524CR2.jpg

[Wagonbacker9]

threadjack much?

[Ferdball]

Yeah, sorry.

[coondogg]

Shipping today?

[Ferdball]

How about at least an ETA?

[tsunami]

man you guys are brutal... if they shipped them out for powder coating late this week i would imagine we would get them around the 1st or earlier depending on shpping method to us.

[coondogg]

Not being brutal, lol...

ETA has already been established as two weeks from the end of the group buy.

[coondogg]

Any news?

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

We got the swaybars back today, we are waiting for the bushings currently. We have only a few sets of bushings in stock, so we might be shipping partial, not sure yet. If I can't get an answer on the bushings tomorrow, I will have to look at another supplier.

[coondogg]

Thanks for the update Jeff.

I keep my fingers crossed for delivery by Friday for my Test and Tune...

[7mileshome]

Thanks for the update! Im looking forward to it, I know it will be great.

[daonly1around]

i think i was the first one in line ;)

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

We should be seeing the bushings tomorrow, I have a tracking # and it looks promising.

[Ferdball]

do you have instructions? never done before.

[coondogg]

Ugh...

I don't think by Friday is happening. :(

[Ferdball]

Ugh...

I don't think by Friday is happening. :(

Why not? Ship on Wed, receive on Thurs or Fri?

[coondogg]

hahaha, if you are in Cali...

Mine has to go the whole way across the country.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Ugh...

I don't think by Friday is happening. :(

Yeah, sorry :(

[Ferdball]

Jeff, does it look like it will ship out on Wednesday? If not, would you guys be up for me driving up before close on Friday and having you put it on? :)

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Jeff, does it look like it will ship out on Wednesday? If not, would you guys be up for me driving up before close on Friday and having you put it on? :)

We close at 5, do you think you could make it by 3-4?

[Ferdball]

I'll have to leave by noon ish. I didn't realize that you were so far North. I can try as a last resort. Is there any chance that it could ship today?

[tsunami]

ferdball

installing a RSB is really simple. you have to remove a chasis brace with 4 bolts. then undo the rsb from the end links and then remove the clamps. all you need is a couple of jack stands and some metric sockets easy cheesy!!

[Ferdball]

ferdball

installing a RSB is really simple. you have to remove a chasis brace with 4 bolts. then undo the rsb from the end links and then remove the clamps. all you need is a couple of jack stands and some metric sockets easy cheesy!!

That's what I thought, but then I read that someone on msf had to load the suspension. I have undone the endlinks when I did my coilovers, and all that is left is the bushings. Seems too easy, thought there might be a catch.

Thanks.

[nicole@Tri-Point]

(direct) SWAYBARS ARE SHIPPING OUT TODAY! (yippy)

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

We have a few left over if anyonoe is interested.

$221.25 shipped.

[Ferdball]

You should bring them to Mazfest if you have any left on Saturday. I'll be happy to sport any Tri-Point vinyl for the day if you want.

[bbrich57]

I want one to replace the Progress 22mm I have now, but $221 is a bit steep for my wallet.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Update: We have 5 available.

[Ferdball]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ferdball/Mazdaspeed3/IMG_5588CR2.jpg

Wait. What's this under all this bracing?

[Ferdball]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ferdball/Mazdaspeed3/IMG_5587CR2.jpg

Money shot.

[coondogg]

booo....

Mine is going on later today... :P

They look nice Jeff!

[detonnation]

Say I get one, what will it improve in my daily driving? Does it help with torque steer? Or just general handling?
Thanks.
Mike

[Wagonbacker9]

Say I get one, what will it improve in my daily driving? Does it help with torque steer? Or just general handling?
Thanks.
Mike
nothing to do with torque steer, as this is for the rear, but it will tighten up body roll, improve turn-in and exit precision... all sorts of fun stuff.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Wow, that was fast Ferdball! Looks good! (cool)

[coondogg]

Jeff, The pre-production photo shows clamps to keep the bar from walking. Are they just not installed in that pic or am I just missing them?

Edit: Scratch that, I see them in the pic from under the car. They must not have been installed at the time the pic was taken.

[Ferdball]

Yup, they're in the installed pic. Quality piece. The bushing brackets even have a nipple so you can re-lube then when they get squeeky.

[Ferdball]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ferdball/Mazdaspeed3/IMG_5595CR2.jpg

Another shot, just because...

[coondogg]

lol, waiting on the Big Brown Truck to show up...

[coondogg]

Got about 30 or so Auto-X runs at the test and tune today with the new sway installed. I’m pretty happy with the improvement to turn in that the bar gives. I blindly installed it in the second setting paired with my stock MS3 front sway bar and don't see a need to change it from there for now. The care actually has a large neutral zone that is easy to manipulate between loose and tight using the throttle. By no means is it a knife edge feeling...

[rodslinger]

Mine hasn't shown up yet. So one made all the way to Philly but not Atlanta? (scratch)

[coondogg]

Philly? If you are talking about mine, I'm in Pittsburgh. I ended up paying for second day air to make sure it was delivered before my test and tune.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Only 3 bars left.

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Got about 30 or so Auto-X runs at the test and tune today with the new sway installed. I’m pretty happy with the improvement to turn in that the bar gives. I blindly installed it in the second setting paired with my stock MS3 front sway bar and don't see a need to change it from there for now. The care actually has a large neutral zone that is easy to manipulate between loose and tight using the throttle. By no means is it a knife edge feeling...

Did you have any wheel spin prior to the bar? If so, did the bar help out?

[daonly1around]

got mine today

[coondogg]

Did you have any wheel spin prior to the bar? If so, did the bar help out?

I had a lot of wheel spin before install.

Before vid from 4-26

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ora8owKLIUw&feature=channel_page

After vid from 5-24:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slHPiilibSM&feature=channel_page

After vid included spring alignment and sway bar change. My rear camber was dropped from -2.0 to -.08...

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

I had a lot of wheel spin before install.

Before vid from 4-26

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ora8owKLIUw&feature=channel_page

After vid from 5-24:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slHPiilibSM&feature=channel_page

After vid included spring alignment and sway bar change. My rear camber was dropped from -2.0 to -.08...

Hard to hear, did it get rid of most of it?

Did you gain camber?

[coondogg]

My alignment was changed in the rear via adjustable camber links from -2.0 to to -.08. I think I'm going to add a little of that back though for around -1.2ish...

I didn't really do an apples to apples since the before and after were on two different surfaces. Even with that being said, the after vid was on a much smoother surface compared to the first vid.

I still say that there was less wheel spin after installing the rear sway on the surface with less grip.

[Dark Monster]

Got my bar today! After the 30 min install, it started to downpour. I still took it for a test drive. Definitely felt a difference, but could not push it nearly as far as I wanted due to the roads. The car felt like it was more eager to turn in to corners. Can't wait for my next auto-x. Thank you Tri-Point, I'll see you at Mid-Ohio!

[tsunami]

still waiting on my bar... sometimes living in the middle of the tundra has its downsides... :(

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

still waiting on my bar... sometimes living in the middle of the tundra has its downsides... :(

It shows that you are getting it today :)

AUBURN,
ME, US 05/28/2009 5:59 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY

[tsunami]

thank you very much jeff... wasn't really complaining i know i live in the middle of nowhere and shipping times usually reflect that.

thanks for the update though...

[coondogg]

I was running around on the streets today for the first time after install. Even in 1st gear turning from a stop it is very difficult to break the inside tire loose.

[Wagonbacker9]

I was running around on the streets today for the first time after install. Even in 1st gear turning from a stop it is very difficult to break the inside tire loose.
thats pretty impressive...

[coondogg]

I was still on my sticky RE-01R's but I kept trying over and over. There is a fun twisty road I normally run that I usually end up loose traction in second pulling out of corners. I was not having that issue anymore...

[rodslinger]

Holy crap that was the easiest install EVER. I think it takes longer to change the oil. I didn't even have to jack up the rear and still got my fat ass under there to wrench it out. Of course I'm driving a 5. I probably have an extra inch or two of clearance under the back. Getting ready to go drive it now. Hopefully it's enough to keep me from scraping up the door handles....

(drive2)

[rodslinger]

So far I'm pleased. Need to lube the bushings though. Already have a little squeak.

The biggest improvement I've noticed so far is it has almost eliminated wheel spin starting off on a turn. The 5 is a lot more top heavy and unloads the front inside tire quickly when accelerating. There is a 270 degree tight exit ramp I take on the way home. I usually get through it about 45mph and it would spin the inside tire accelerating at the end of it.

Today it felt fairly comfortable on that ramp closer to 50 and did not break loose that inside front tire accelerating at the end.

I have to drive up to Bryson City, NC this weekend. Might jump over and drive the Dragon on the way to see how well it does on fast transitions.

[tsunami]

i installed mine today and am very happy with the results. reduction in understeer in tight cornering, less wheel spin on inside tire as others have said on entry with accel. more of a nuetral feel when slinging it around at speed.

the MS3 shocks and struts last weekend, this bar this weekend i should be good to go for the autox next weekend!! thanks tri point!!

[7mileshome]

I installed mine today also... Really great product. Much more neutral while turning, I felt a significant decrease in body roll. Thank you tripoint!

[rodslinger]

How about a pic of the bar mounted on a 5?....

http://www.sys1tech.com/me/bar1.jpg

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Glad you guys like them!

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Only 1 set available.

[kwsmithphoto]

All I can say is...wow. The bar is so pretty and well made that I almost bought the last one they have to hang on my wall!

On the way back from Tri-Point, I ran 65 miles of canyon roads I'm very familiar with. What a huge freakin' difference this thing makes!!! I have it set to medium, Koni FSD shocks, OEM springs, OEM tires, Mazdaspeed3.

I was mostly only driving at 8/10ths for safety, but there were some times where I could really push it (safely). I drove everything from 90mph sweepers to narrow, skinny roads with very slow speed turns, trying to see what it does in every type of corner. The roads ranged from super smooth, to undulating, to cracked to pieces.

I should also mention that I had them rotate the tires, which always affects handling until they scrub in, and inflated all 4 to 34psi cold, not 34/32. But it didn't take long for that to sort itself out.

Anyway...this thing just works!

25-50mph: quicker turn in, less body roll, reduced understeer, and ability to get power down much sooner and harder (the best part). If I only cared about cone racing I would have used the stiffest setting, but I don't do competition events in this car.

50-80mph: whole different ballgame! A smooth, neutral corner entry from the driver gets you a nice neutral car! No need to force it to rotate it anymore with trailbraking or other control inputs. Slight corrections with throttle were easy to keep the car on line. Exit traction was also a huge improvement, which leads to:

90+mph: be very, very smooth or the rear can get a bit loose, especially while braking, even in a straight, bumpy line . Combining braking with turning, or dumping the throttle mid-corner, is probably not a good idea at these speeds, at least not on public roads.

But I never experienced a truly dangerous condition - higher velocities require more skill or less velocity, but a little stability is gone. I don't normally drive that fast on public roads anyway but should be fine on a proper road course though...and I'll be on one this weekend!

The roads I took have very few straights, they're mostly just a series of linked turns, with lots of elevation and camber changes. The exit speed of the car is now sooooo much faster, and the balance so much better, that I literally had to re-learn how I drive the car at every speed.

In a good way though - I used way more fuel than expected, and spent a lot more time in higher gears which simply means the car was faster! And faster is good, right?

This rear bar is serious. Nobody else has mentioned any fitment issues so I won't mention mine until I get it resolved, and hopefully be able to explain what the problem was.

Anyway, to make a long story even longer, just get one!

[whteltning]

PM Sent....Mine! :) (I hope)

[whteltning]

PM Sent....Mine! :) (I hope)

Well sh!t...it's gone (sad1)

[nicole@Tri-Point]

we are building more as we speak :)

[whteltning]

we are building more as we speak :)

Whats the ETA? Any chance you'll do another GB?...and did you guys sell protegegarage a bunch of them? or why do they still have them listed?

Thanks!