Not happy with my shocks/struts. JDM / GAB even
08-11-09, 12:58 PM
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Not happy with my shocks/struts. JDM / GAB even
So I bought these on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Adam and I put them on my car. It's way too stiff in my opinion - took it out for a 200+ mile ride at around 75-85 mph and I felt every minor imperfection in the road. In fact, the car beat the hell out of me to be honest. The car doesn't bottom out anymore like it did with the "shot" original suspension, but it's really annoying on a long drive.
I don't really want to lower the car either, and these have lowered it a great deal. It's fun to occasionally go around corners fast, but at the end of the day, I'm looking for a more comfortable ride.
What's the softest/cushiest suspension I can get for this car, short of paying a billion bucks for OEM? I know these cars don't ride like my Lex, but to have my wife calling me on the freeway telling me how much she sees me bouncing around over bumps is unacceptable!
(Yes I have searched, but most of the suspension posts are about handling/lowering).
Thanks!
Shawn
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Adam and I put them on my car. It's way too stiff in my opinion - took it out for a 200+ mile ride at around 75-85 mph and I felt every minor imperfection in the road. In fact, the car beat the hell out of me to be honest. The car doesn't bottom out anymore like it did with the "shot" original suspension, but it's really annoying on a long drive.
I don't really want to lower the car either, and these have lowered it a great deal. It's fun to occasionally go around corners fast, but at the end of the day, I'm looking for a more comfortable ride.
What's the softest/cushiest suspension I can get for this car, short of paying a billion bucks for OEM? I know these cars don't ride like my Lex, but to have my wife calling me on the freeway telling me how much she sees me bouncing around over bumps is unacceptable!
(Yes I have searched, but most of the suspension posts are about handling/lowering).
Thanks!
Shawn
08-11-09, 01:08 PM
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i assume you tried adjusting the shocks?
ive had a few nice riding FC's over the years (it doesn't have to be loud and uncomfortable).
the simplest one was stock spring/tokico illumina's car rode like stock...
ive had a few nice riding FC's over the years (it doesn't have to be loud and uncomfortable).
the simplest one was stock spring/tokico illumina's car rode like stock...
08-11-09, 02:41 PM
#6
KYB GR-2's are pretty close to stock shock rates - it's likely your springs which are the biggest contributor to a harsh ride. I'd be a little sceptical they're stock springs, but they may be the "R" suspension (I don't think that's what it was called, but something like), a factory track-oriented package available in Japan but not available here - otherwise your ride height shouldn't have changed significantly. Beyond the already suggested tip to adjust your shocks for full or near full-soft, your best bet might be to invest in some stock springs off a Turbo or GXL/Sport na model (if your original springs are the base suspension, or just unusable), or some mild lowering/performance springs like those offered by Eibach or Racing Beat;
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...140&perfCode=P
http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda2.htm
I lean away from the base car springs, simply because the springs might as well be matched to your struts, and the factory springs on even the Turbo and GXL/GTU/Sport suspension are not overly stiff - it's a matter of opinion, of course, but I see them as more of a GT-type suspension - decent control yet pretty compliant, oriented to street use. Both the Eibach and RB spring sets are mild lowering/increased rates over stock.
Also possible, if your original struts were shot, you may have worn bushings, contributing to impact harshness and noise.
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...140&perfCode=P
http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda2.htm
I lean away from the base car springs, simply because the springs might as well be matched to your struts, and the factory springs on even the Turbo and GXL/GTU/Sport suspension are not overly stiff - it's a matter of opinion, of course, but I see them as more of a GT-type suspension - decent control yet pretty compliant, oriented to street use. Both the Eibach and RB spring sets are mild lowering/increased rates over stock.
Also possible, if your original struts were shot, you may have worn bushings, contributing to impact harshness and noise.
08-11-09, 05:07 PM
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Well, I crawled under the car tonight, and set them both to "7" which seemed to be the softest setting according to the dial. It's softer for sure. Car seems to have a bouncy feel at highway speeds.
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08-11-09, 05:20 PM
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KYB GR-2's are pretty close to stock shock rates - it's likely your springs which are the biggest contributor to a harsh ride. I'd be a little sceptical they're stock springs, but they may be the "R" suspension (I don't think that's what it was called, but something like), a factory track-oriented package available in Japan but not available here - otherwise your ride height shouldn't have changed significantly. Beyond the already suggested tip to adjust your shocks for full or near full-soft, your best bet might be to invest in some stock springs off a Turbo or GXL/Sport na model (if your original springs are the base suspension, or just unusable), or some mild lowering/performance springs like those offered by Eibach or Racing Beat;
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...140&perfCode=P
http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda2.htm
I lean away from the base car springs, simply because the springs might as well be matched to your struts, and the factory springs on even the Turbo and GXL/GTU/Sport suspension are not overly stiff - it's a matter of opinion, of course, but I see them as more of a GT-type suspension - decent control yet pretty compliant, oriented to street use. Both the Eibach and RB spring sets are mild lowering/increased rates over stock.
Also possible, if your original struts were shot, you may have worn bushings, contributing to impact harshness and noise.
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...140&perfCode=P
http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda2.htm
I lean away from the base car springs, simply because the springs might as well be matched to your struts, and the factory springs on even the Turbo and GXL/GTU/Sport suspension are not overly stiff - it's a matter of opinion, of course, but I see them as more of a GT-type suspension - decent control yet pretty compliant, oriented to street use. Both the Eibach and RB spring sets are mild lowering/increased rates over stock.
Also possible, if your original struts were shot, you may have worn bushings, contributing to impact harshness and noise.
08-11-09, 05:46 PM
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Or would you pair up the Eibach Pro Kit with these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
KYB 4x GR2
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
KYB 4x GR2
08-11-09, 06:59 PM
#12
My $.02
My advice for springs your expressed needs-better handling, comfortable ride with minimal lowering- would be Eibach Prokits. They are progressive rate with a slightly softer initial rate than stock and a much stiffer rate after the initial compression.
I added a pair of new Tokico blues and TII Eibach Prokits to my 90 Vert. I have greatly reduced impact harshness and yet a firmer handling ride. I measured a 5/8" drop over the stock 'tired' springs and struts. Ebach says it should be 7/8" drop over oem, so my OEM springs were pretty tired at 138,000 miles.
I have about 15,000 miles on the setup now, pushing 153,000 miles on this car.
My wife HATED the car when it had the original tired springs and the OEM tired shocks. She almost refused to ride in it with me. She claimed it beat her to death. Now she loves it.
I like the resulting compromise alot, but it could use a little more damping at times when I push it. If I was doing Autocross seriously it would have a little too much 'float'.
I would like to have adjustable shock rates like your GAB's or Tokico Illuminas or KYB AGX's (are these the same as GAB-anyone? -Bueller?)
Some comparison Pics attached.
I added a pair of new Tokico blues and TII Eibach Prokits to my 90 Vert. I have greatly reduced impact harshness and yet a firmer handling ride. I measured a 5/8" drop over the stock 'tired' springs and struts. Ebach says it should be 7/8" drop over oem, so my OEM springs were pretty tired at 138,000 miles.
I have about 15,000 miles on the setup now, pushing 153,000 miles on this car.
My wife HATED the car when it had the original tired springs and the OEM tired shocks. She almost refused to ride in it with me. She claimed it beat her to death. Now she loves it.
I like the resulting compromise alot, but it could use a little more damping at times when I push it. If I was doing Autocross seriously it would have a little too much 'float'.
I would like to have adjustable shock rates like your GAB's or Tokico Illuminas or KYB AGX's (are these the same as GAB-anyone? -Bueller?)
Some comparison Pics attached.
08-11-09, 07:02 PM
#13
even racing beat springs, and set your current shocks to about 4-5, im sure at 7 its very floaty.
I have RB coupe springs in my vert, and AGXs, it gives a stiffer ride then stock thats for sure, I think if your just looking for something to cruise around with on the weekend stock springs will allow the car to handle about as much as you will want to push it.
I have RB coupe springs in my vert, and AGXs, it gives a stiffer ride then stock thats for sure, I think if your just looking for something to cruise around with on the weekend stock springs will allow the car to handle about as much as you will want to push it.
08-11-09, 07:37 PM
#14
At full soft with the current springs, I'm not surprised the car seems floaty - the struts are not damping enough of the energy of the springs. No need for different struts, but as I and others suggested, the Eibach prokit springs or something like will give a good blend of control without being hard-riding.
08-12-09, 08:00 AM
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So it sounds like the overall endorsement is for Eibach Pro Kits. That's fine; I'll pick up a set.
But, if you were going to just go with new struts/shocks all the way around would you pair these springs with the KYB 4x GR2 or the Tokico illuminas (I assume this is the same as the "blues")?
The KYB is about $100 cheaper, but I'm going to have this car for a while and want something that lasts as well.
Ready with a credit card pending this group's consensus!
But, if you were going to just go with new struts/shocks all the way around would you pair these springs with the KYB 4x GR2 or the Tokico illuminas (I assume this is the same as the "blues")?
The KYB is about $100 cheaper, but I'm going to have this car for a while and want something that lasts as well.
Ready with a credit card pending this group's consensus!
08-12-09, 08:45 AM
#16
So it sounds like the overall endorsement is for Eibach Pro Kits. That's fine; I'll pick up a set.
But, if you were going to just go with new struts/shocks all the way around would you pair these springs with the KYB 4x GR2 or the Tokico illuminas (I assume this is the same as the "blues")?
The KYB is about $100 cheaper, but I'm going to have this car for a while and want something that lasts as well.
Ready with a credit card pending this group's consensus!
But, if you were going to just go with new struts/shocks all the way around would you pair these springs with the KYB 4x GR2 or the Tokico illuminas (I assume this is the same as the "blues")?
The KYB is about $100 cheaper, but I'm going to have this car for a while and want something that lasts as well.
Ready with a credit card pending this group's consensus!
08-12-09, 09:03 AM
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My cost would be:
SUSP SPRING F 86-92 STOCK LT FRT CPE HRD 34-0210-FB44 $106.31
SUSP SPRING F 86-92 STOCK RT FRT CPE HRD 34-0110-FB44 $98.50
SUSP SPRING R 86-92 STOCK COUPE (EACH) 28-0110-FC01 $110.82
SUSP SPRING R 86-92 STOCK COUPE (EACH) 28-0110-FC01 $110.82
STRUT OEM AAS 86-92 FRONT LEFT 34-900A-FB52 $226.23
STRUT OEM AAS 86-92 FRONT RIGHT 34-700A-FB52 $226.23
SHOCK OEM AAS 86-88 REAR 28-700C-FB52 $182.21
SHOCK OEM AAS 86-88 REAR 28-700C-FB52 $182.21
=$1243.33 plus the cost of have a shop with a spring compressor assemble them.
You don't think I can get close to the OEM feel with the $237 Eibach Pro Kit + maybe another $300 in decent shocks/struts?
08-12-09, 09:27 AM
#19
I meant to get replacements like Moog or something from a auto parts store, not mazda.
you will probably be ok with what you have in mind, maybe go with the very basic KYBs.
Just FYI, I have ordered alot of stock replacement stuff, such as a ac condensor and alternators, from this place, and they are great:
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...921+4294965620
you will probably be ok with what you have in mind, maybe go with the very basic KYBs.
Just FYI, I have ordered alot of stock replacement stuff, such as a ac condensor and alternators, from this place, and they are great:
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...921+4294965620
08-12-09, 09:34 AM
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I meant to get replacements like Moog or something from a auto parts store, not mazda.
you will probably be ok with what you have in mind, maybe go with the very basic KYBs.
Just FYI, I have ordered alot of stock replacement stuff, such as a ac condensor and alternators, from this place, and they are great:
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...921+4294965620
you will probably be ok with what you have in mind, maybe go with the very basic KYBs.
Just FYI, I have ordered alot of stock replacement stuff, such as a ac condensor and alternators, from this place, and they are great:
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...921+4294965620
08-12-09, 09:40 AM
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I meant to get replacements like Moog or something from a auto parts store, not mazda.
you will probably be ok with what you have in mind, maybe go with the very basic KYBs.
Just FYI, I have ordered alot of stock replacement stuff, such as a ac condensor and alternators, from this place, and they are great:
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...921+4294965620
you will probably be ok with what you have in mind, maybe go with the very basic KYBs.
Just FYI, I have ordered alot of stock replacement stuff, such as a ac condensor and alternators, from this place, and they are great:
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...921+4294965620
I'm not sure where to find these Moogs you speak of. Just to clarify - I'll need to buy 2 shocks for the front, 2 struts for the rear, and 4 springs. What about strut mounts? Sorry for stupid questions, but I don't want to buy things I won't need.
08-12-09, 10:23 AM
#25
I think you may be mistaken on that; people usually talk in terms of changing the mounts at the same time as shocks/struts, but in terms of it being a different set of parts that are purchased separately. Hope this helps!
-Collin
PS, I never changed my mounts, if I recall correctly. This is probably part of why my car is such a rough ride, as you know.
-Collin
PS, I never changed my mounts, if I recall correctly. This is probably part of why my car is such a rough ride, as you know.