Been running on on stock suspension from the start and now 130,000 its about time to do a change, upgrade.

First reason is become slowlly ever since 70,000 the handling has been on a slow decline, second reason, Yesterday I noticed that something felt difffernt, not at high speeds of 115 kmph + the car is vibrating alot, I noticed my girlfriends legs shaking and then i looked at the wheel and nocticed that it was steady either, and a few days ago I did do a rocking operation to get my car out of 2 feet of snow, so it would suprise me if the two were related, plus my steering wheels just a little funny. So I am unsure if its directly related but either way the spent shocks have to go. Also the way the car turns and then comes back to center doesnt seems right to me, usually it would be smooth but now when its a little bumpy it comes in a on off jerky motion back to center.

ANywaysquestion of the day is,

what struts/shocks to buy and costs? the cheap the better, but not at the sacrafices of quality.

Any thoughts?

 

Well, I'm not an expert but... after getting stuck and noticing your steering wheel moving around like that you probably need an alignment. Also, could be a broken tie rod up front. I haven't had this problem on my third gen protege yet, but our '96 Tracer seems to break a tie rod once a year or so...and then the steering feel really goes to heck!

I can't provide any testimonials, but unless you want an adjustable setup and are good at that kind of thing, you can't get anybetter than the Mazdaspeed set up I would think. I'm looking to upgrade to Mazdaspeed's or Racing Beat's (they prototyped MP3 suspension and helped with MSP) springs and Tokico shocks. MSP springs about $250, RB about $195, RB Tokico HP $99 each front, $94 each rear...check websites for racing beat, mazdastuff.com, tire rack, etc.

 

KYB GR2's if you just want a replacement...Tokico HP's can be had on Ebay for $320

 

my personal opinion (take it as you will) as that when you replace a stock part you should replace it with a better part. Better in my opinion is the tokico blue (HP's) and the Racing Beat springs from the MSP. They really handle amazingly and don't cost all that much.

I rode in DaveB's car and his p5 has the Tokico Illumina's (5-way) and the eibach pro kit. His car continuously bests porsches, srt4s, vette's on the road course. His car makes about 105whp also....he makes it all up in the turns if that tells you anything.

I also hear that the Goldline springs are real nice. I hear that from a guy who races 3 different Grassroots cars. Also, SPD Racing has a sale on them right now for $140 shipped I believe.

 

There is a listing on eBay for a Tokico HP package which includes all struts/shocks and springs. It is listed as buy it now for $399 and around $20 for shipping. If my tax refund were here I would already have a set ordered. That is the best price I have seen anywhere, Corksport has a listing for the same set but no price as yet (when I asked, they told me it was TBA. I already knew that!). That may not quite be a MSP setup, but should be good enough for me. Of course if it is too good, then my girlfriend will want a set for her '99!!

 

Do you have any experience with TEIN's springs for the 99+ Protege? They cost about the same as MazdaSpeed springs. TEIN has a reputation for quality but I was curious about how they would compare.

thanks

 

Before my Beloved 02 DX went to be with The Lord last month, I had the Tokico HP's with the Racing Beat springs, your basic MP3/MSP set-up really. IMVHO (very humble), this was a GREAT compromise for ride/handling. It lowered the rear a tick more than the front, ridding the car of that Stink Bug look, handling was improved greatly, and driveability was terrific. No crawling over the speedbumps at the mall, no having to go into driveways "just right" so "it won't scrape", etc etc. The ride was firmer, but very reasonable, and face it, our cars ride firm already. In fact when I picked up my new ride, a used 02 PR5 that's bone stock, I was surprised how firm it rode, compared to my dearly departed DX. I was kinda expecting a mushy feeling without the aftermarket goodies, but it's not that different. I vote for HP's and RB springs!