I finally got around to installing my MSP struts last night. All I can say is WTF????? The car now has a 3 finger gap all the way around. I loved the way the car looked with the Eibach springs, but wanted better damping (you'll ride the bumpstops quite a bit on the OE stock struts.) So, MSP struts go in.

The spring perch seats must sit higher, that's all I can think of. I didn't take any measurements while we had both OE/MSP struts side by side, but they sure looked exactly the same. No problems with the install (actually only took about 1.5 hours.) Everything went together just like it should have. That was nice. But it sure looks like stock again.

It actually rides really nice (although I must admit I've got my stock 16" wheels on at the moment.) I'll take my digi camera to work with me today and snap some fresh pics. You be the judge.....

Jim

 

A bit better news.

After giving her a nice wash, and a relaxing drive to work, it's not as bad as I originally thought. Don't get me wrong, it still sits higher than it did with the OE P5 struts, but looks to be the rear springs only will need changed.

My thoughts are buying a set of Eibach's for the sedan (listed as a 1.8" drop for the rear.) Swap the rear springs only. Fronts for both kits appear to be the same. This might level things out the way I'd like. As it stands now, it looks like a 60's rear wheel drive muscle car (huge rake!) That to me looks like ****. Period.

I forgot my USB cabe, so I won't get the pics posted till tonight.

Jim

 

I have the same problem:

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...threadid=29200

 

I know. I was going to post in your thread stating to not get the Eibach's, but the sedan p.n. lists at 1.8" R so you sould be alright.

Those of us with P5's & MSP struts will probably need to use sedan springs from Eibach. What a crock of ****!

 

Pics are up (went home for lunch.. )

http://public.fotki.com/mackdaddy/msp_struts/

 

Well at least I know now it's not just my car that has height problems with the MSP struts. Like you said maybe the perch height is different or something.

I'll probably get the Eibach springs sooner or later, but right now it's not a priority.

 

Agreed. Probably a slight varience in perch height. Although not a major priority for me as well, after seeing the car with Eibach's on at what it should look like, it's a bit disapointing.

Oh well, it rides & handles great!!

 

Just got off the phone with Scott, from Eibach engineering. Explained the situation, couple of things to note:

Both sedan & P5 front springs are the same.

The rear springs for the sedan may / may not give me the results I'm looking for (i.e. drop the rear down ~ 1 inch from where we're at now.) I'd assume it will, but won't know till I do it. He stated the spring rates are definately different between the sedan/P5 for the rears. This doesn't suprise me.

He agreed that it's probably a perch height difference causing the issue. That, or the MSP (Tokico's) are really stiff, and have something to do with. I don't see that being the case, the car rides too nice.

Oh well. I'll measure the strut housing lengths soon. That'll give us a better understanding of what the heck is going on here!

Jim

 

Great info, thanks letting us know.

 

Not a problem. Hope this helps others in the future before they make a purchase.

 

Which one has stiffer rear springs?

 

Didn't get that far with Scott (actual spring rates.) I really should have, as everyone wants to know what they are. Scott just stated that the rear springs have "different rates." I wasn't really interested in actual numbers (I don't race, or auto-x.) My main concern is getting the rear end of the car back down to this:



As opposed to this:

 

After a day to really evaluate the situation, it's not as bad as stock ride heght. The rear is the culprit (still have not measured the difference in strut body length.) I think it's causing the front to look a bit higher too (makes sense to me.) Even with the raked look, it rides fantastic. The struts make a night & day difference over the stock units. Nice and smooth, not harsh at all (I was really worried they'd be too harsh for me.) Car feels more stable at highway speed as well. Worth the money / time invested!

I put dibs in on a used set of Eibach sedan springs, but probably won't receive / install them for a while. I'll do just the rears, as the fronts obviously are the same. Hopefully they'll bring the *** end down just a bit (while not comprimising the ride quality I'm now enjoying.)

More info as it becomes available.

Jim

PS - Note to anyone who installs the MSP/MP3 struts (regardless of P5 / sedan install.) Make sure you lubricate the included bumpstops. If you don't they squeak like a sumbeach! The instrustions tell you to do so, but I failed to read them untill we got to the rears. I've yet to lube the fronts, and they're making some really funky squeaking noises. You can still get to them after the install is complete, thank goodness.

 

Hey, where did you get the struts from and how much did they cost?

 

My local dealer, $450.00