I've got a 2009 Mazda3i hatchback, Grand Touring. It's a helluvanice car, and I really enjoy driving it, and as far as the street goes, it's got great handling. However... I ran my first autocross yesterday. The body roll on this thing is ridiculous, grip is suspect, and all around, I'd say it's really too soft for AX or track days.

So, the question is this: What suspension upgrades would give me the most "bang for the buck"?

 

This is what I've been looking at so far. Anyone have experience, good or bad, with Racing Beat?

Springs: http://www.racingbeat.com/Mazda-3/Springs/71080.html
F Sway: http://www.racingbeat.com/Mazda-3/Suspension/74100.html
R Sway: http://www.racingbeat.com/Mazda-3/Suspension/74102.html

They're selling them as a set for $510, then it'd be another $50 for new front sway end links. The springs lower about a half inch with a 20% increase in spring rate; front sway bar goes from 21mm stock to 28.5; rear goes from 20 to 27. So a major increase in roll stiffness, and a moderate increase in spring stiffness.

And any recommendations on new struts? If I can convince my wife that a) this is a good place to spend $$$ and b) it won't shake her teeth out when she rides with me, that might be a possibility. The RB website has adjustable Koni Sports, the full set would be $626. I wouldn't mind finding something a little less expensive.

A set of autox-specific wheels/tires would be cool too, but that's also going to run into (fairly reasonable) spousal money concerns... I figure keeping the tires that I've already got firmly planted on the pavement is a good start, and I can upgrade them when it's time for new tires.

 

OK... I'm CERTAIN there's people out there who have done suspension work on their cars! Help me out here, people!!!

I found a guy on a Dallas-area forum selling a set of wheels... 17x7.5, with Falken Azenis already mounted. Too good a deal to pass up, so I grabbed them.

Next step... lowering and stiffening the suspension. I've got my sway bars picked out, but I'm debating between three different springs:

Racing Beat, about a 0.6F/0.5R drop: http://www.racingbeat.com/Mazda-3/Springs/71080.html
Eibach ProKit, 1.2F/1.4R drop: http://performance-suspension.eibach...o_kit__step_1_
Vogtland, ~1.6 drop: http://www.vogtland-na.com/sportsprings.asp

My questions are these (and before you say "coilovers", they're out of the question... too expensive!):

1) Has anyone had any experience with these brands?
2) Am I going to have trouble with wheel contact running 255/17R40s with any of these?

 

I have a 07 mazda 3 sedan with 215/45/17 wheels what would you guys recommend the best lowering spring for my car

 

Start with the rear sway bar and work your way from there.

It's a very easy modification with substantial improvement to body lean.

 

I put on Racing Beat's whole kit... front and rear swaybar and springs all around. Minor drop in suspension height, but a helluva lot more stiff. Autocrossed again in it yesterday, and the car was definitely not the limiting factor. :-)

So, now. Camber. I would like to get more negative camber in the front. I'd like to take out most of the negative camber in the rear. Any thoughts?

 

I did stock struts with Mazdaspeed 3 springs, First and Second gens are interchangable. (i have 1st gens on my 2nd gen iSport)

Few MM thicker(almost double the thickness) much shorter springs, but onyl drops the rear about 3/4" and front 1/4". Perfect for the daily driver, or somone that wants a OE look, cheap cost, and still firmer then stock but not "redicilus" Its my daily driver and i just wanted something that was reasonable.

Eibach sportlines were my second choice, but for $50 and a few hrs of my time, i couldnt pass up the price.

 

I have K&B shocks, Tein lowered springs, rear camber kits, Advanti 18x8 wheels, Hankook V12 215/45ZR18 and I got a hell of grip. where I live most of the roads ain't straight so I took steps, I makes me happy not letting the gas pedal since the car goes were I want it to go. racing beat is a great brand for Mazda cars, that brings to my next upgrade, urethane bushings and stabilizer bars.

If you want less roll over upgrade few bushings to urethane like those in the stabilizer bars from factory, it helps a lot and Racing Beat have the thicker bars which helps too.

 

i would like to expand on this question.... im also looking for a good suspension system but at the same time want to lower my car about 3" are there any actual dependable coilover brands out there? or the next best thing?

 

3"too much, mine lowered close to 2" and is very close to the front fenders, if I go for coil over ill go for Tein, it's kind of expensive for some but you get what you paid for http://www.tein.com/price/mazda.html

another great ones are NEX SS Racing Coilover Part #: SS1-MD05, Tanabe is a good brand too but I don't think they make it for mazda 3...

 

I have the Racing Beat suspension springs that Charlie mentions, and they keep the car handling very flat and firm in corners.
Even though, there is little difference in ride height (about half inch).
I recommend them also, unless you just want that "slammed" look.