I already posted this message in the protogetech newsgroup. Sorry if you already read it, but....

I have a '90 Mazda 323. Next year I'm going to invest in some Ground Control Coilovers. What kind of struts should I get with them?

Also, I have 14" 'rims' on my car now, and I don't think I can fit
any bigger because of the suspension 'perch' or whatever you call it (what the coil rests on). Has anyone else had these problems?

I will no longer have that problem with the GCs and the struts, right?? Because I'll be replacing all of that???

Thanks

Dan
'90 323

 

Terrific!!! How much do these cost a peice, and where could I find them? Should I have mentioned that I plan on putting 16s or POSSIBLE 17s on (depending what will fit). Thanks again!

Dan
'90 323

 

Tires won't fit?? I have had 225/50-14 wheels on stock rims before. They had minimal clearance with the strut tubes, but that's an extreme situation.

Currently I'm running 205/50-15 Falken Azenis on 15 x 7 rims with 33mm offset. No problems with fit, although when loaded (with about 200 lbs in the trunk) and new tires, they rubbed the rear fender lips.

I've also had 16 x7 ET38mm rims with 215/40-16 tires that fit fine.

The Tokico premium struts sucked, in my opinion. Valved with too much compression and not enough rebound. What that means is very harsh (with stock springs), but little control over big bumps. Plus they wore out in less than one year of autocrossing.

I'f think that if you were going up with spring rates (which you should do when lowering the car), you'd want the higher rebound rate that the ZX2 S/R struts give you. Plus, they are made for use on lowering springs. People who are using them in ITA with 500 lb springs, lower by 2 inches or so, have no reliablility problems.

 

It's not a problem of the tires being too close to the strut tube, it's the perch where the coil rests on... If my tire was 1" higher it would hit it... I have 195/60/14s on right now. I can probably post a picture if you really wanna see what I'm talking about. Thanks for the replies.

Dan
'90 323

 

I's assume I'd probably be OK with the ZX2 struts then because when I get bigger rims, I won't need to lower it quite as much... especially if I put 17s on. I think with 16s or 17s I'd only need to lower it 1-1.5" but I dunno.... How much are the ZX2 struts?

Thanks!

Dan
'90 323

 

Funkdaddysmack,

keep in mind when going up in wheel size and down in tire sidewall size, that it sometimes evens out. meaning that a 195/60/14 wheel tire combo is equal to a 205/40/16 wheel tire combo. (actually a hair off, but VERY close) a 205/45/16 wheel tire combo is a hair taller, but fits just fine (as this is what i am running) i am also running the ZX2 struts with Eibachs. i guess the perfect combo, i love the set up and forthe price, there's nothing even close.

 

Darryl,

Wow, I didn't know that they'd be that close... How much of a drop do you get with your eibachs? I'm kind of torn between lowering coils and coilovers. I know they're cheaper than coilovers, but I'd really like the adjustability. Oh well, it doesn't really matter since I don't have any money anyways, hehehehe

Did you have the same "problem" of the coil perch being really close to the tire? If 16s with 40 series tires are only a little bit bigger, I'd assume you'd be just as close... I figure I had about an inch to spare or so.

Dan
'90 323

 

It's not really a problem, as it does not flex up top, and if it does, not enough to do harm. so if it don't touch, then it's all good. I'm sure you'll have no problem at all with either springs or coilovers. Besides, you can buy 2 sets of ZX2 Tokico struts for about the same as 1 set of Tokico premium...

 

With everyone telling you to get the ZX2 struts, I figure that someone should give you the link, so here it is. ZX2 struts

You'll want to go to Darryl's site. He has a nice detailed desription of what need to be done to fit the ZX2 struts (only a slight modification needed).

Even with 195/60-14s, you'd still have to get much taller if you have an inch of space. Some of the Ford EGT guys are running 195/60-15 tires with no problems, and they use the same struts. You'll likely hit the fenders before you hit the struts.

 

Thanks for all your help, guys. The price for the struts was a lot more reasonable that I would have thought! $160 for the set of 4? NICE!

Now, I just need to find the set of rims that I like : ) When/if I ever get my BPT, I don't think I"ll be that worried about finding super-lightweight rims because of all the wheelspin that will be there anyways. Braden can break traction in 3rd gear!