KKM

Many people in Europe and USA know the HC Series Mazda 929 produced between 9.86 and 5.91.

In Japan it was also offered with a 13B turbo (automatic only), however, only as a 4 door hardtop. In Japan both the hardtop and sedan versions were named Luce which name had been used for the "large" Mazda since the 1500 was introduced in 1966.

Although general export of the hardtop in LHD version was planned (it is fully described in my German-language shop manual) it never found its way to the US or general European market.

This said, the hardtop (albeit without 13B) was exported to the Middle East and some neighbouring countries. For example, I have seen one in Turkey.

Therefore, if one was planning to get a HC 13B to Europe and actually drive it on public road, the fact that LHD versions were build and sold close to Europe means that this would actually be possible because: (i) You will be able to find/order headlight units for LHD cars (I assume that these lights will be E-marked) and (ii) you will be able to order hardtop specific spares without having to get them from Japan, e.g. the windscreen.

And now my question: Does anyone know exactly which Middle East and neighbouring countries the hardtop was sold in (Apart from Turkey, I have seen it on pictures from Iraq) - was it sold in Greece? Does anyone know if one or more cars have been imported to other European countries.

BR, Bo

9ine Deuce

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/482284

check out mine

KKM

In Europe several brands of lowering springs were offered for the Mazda HC 3.0, mostly 30 mm. It should be no problem to locate and buy a set of springs in Europe for your car.

BR, Bo

9ine Deuce

well help me out with this then, what company's make springs for my 929 ??? websites ??? can you please help me locate some ???

9ine Deuce

You seem to know your fair share about the 929 (Luce), have you checked out the General Automotive section of this forum ??? Ive started a 14 page thread on the 929, its been going on for the last year and you havent posted in there, jus thought you could help with some of the issues

Is the chassis code for my car HC ???

If I cant a hold of lowering springs form over seas would you know if I could use the struts from the USDM 1990-91 Mazda 929S, that was the sport version of the 929 offered later on, its set up was slightly lower than mine. I also have the AAS and have heard that I can use the non adjustible struts to save money, either way I want the front of my car to be lower, it rides too high

KKM

9ine Deuce,

Yes, your 929 is the "HC", preceded by the "HB" and replaced by the "HD".

The HB also came with AAS and non-AAS suspension, however, to swap shocks you need to replace the top mounts as well. I assume it's the same for the HC.

The 24 valve 929S was never exported to Europe so I have no information as to its suspension set-up.

In Europe lowering springs for the HC 3.0 was offered from H&R - I assume they should be the first to help you.

BR, Bo

9ine Deuce

I phoned the dealer about swapping the shocks and they said that you dont need anything else, it will jus swap right in. I never inquired about the 929S struts but will very soon.

I tried to do a search for the springs on the H&R site and they had no listings for my car. Is there a seperate European site cause I cant find it, do you know what the site is called ???

DMRH

G'day from DMRH

Just thought you guys may wanna check out the family Luce I use here in Sydney, Oz.

Its naturally the 13Bt version & the top line Royal Classic to boot.

Runs a slightly modified engine, such as series-5 (89-91) rotors, series-5 turbo, mild exhaust. 16" BBS rims.

The AAS is fine in this car after a mechanic in Brisbane reconditioned the shocks,(Thank the lord for at least one HC Luce/929 expert in Oz) Being the Royal Classic version its very soft over the bumps. Gets a little unsure when the speeds are over 100kph. press the "sport" setting & its regains the road feel.....

Spins out a lot of people here in Sydney as I think there would be about 5 rotary versions in Oz, they are literally that rare.

KKM

9ine Deuce,

I have also noticed that the lowering springs for the 929 HC 3.0 is not offered on the US market.

However, I have seen this car lowered and there was "H&R" printed on the springs. It is some years ago and the only thing I remember is that the springs were bought from a normal parts shop.

I suggest that you contact H&R by phone and ask for information about their business partners in Europe, e.g. Germany which was the largest market for the 929 HC.

BR, Bo

9ine Deuce

DMRH - Nice 929, your so lucky you have the 13Bt, thats exactly what I want in my car, hopefully one day. How fast is it with all those mods ??? Whats the top speed youve done, Ive done 195kms/hr and had plenty more to go. Rims look similar to mine and your cars is also in mint shape. I belive I also have the "Royal Classic" version, I have all possible options except for the auto transmission and I also have the AAS suspension. Its true about how you say the car becomes to floaty in soft mode when over 100kms/hr I find for city driving soft is best and for highway sport is best. I never use auto mode. Your car looks exactly like the JDM version with the short front end and different lights and grill. I t does look like your car is lower a bit, is it ??? is the any lowering springs down there in Aus. ???

KKM I will try to get the number of H&R Europe...

KKM

DMRH,

You write that you had your AAS shocks reconditioned by a mechanic in Brisbane. I also have the AAS option in my HB coupé, however, relative to the value of the car the AAS shocks are VERY expensive.

Therefore, I wondered if it would be possible to recondition such shocks. Searching on the web the "closest" I could find was "The Shockabsorber Reconditioners" located in... Queensland, Australia!!

It appears that this is not a "normal" service in Europe, however, perhaps I didn't ask the right people. Therefore, given your experience with the mechanic in Brisbane, was it your impression that this is a kind of job "any" shop should be able to do, or is it really a specialist job requiring special equipment?

BR, Bo

9ine Deuce

I was qouted around $250 Can for each AAS shock, my brother has a 323GT turbo (4 door) and he paid $430 for a pair of the front AAS shocks

DMRH

Thanks, I really have a soft spot for the car.

The reason it looks exactly like the JDM Luce is because it is a JDM Luce. (Note my original post telling it was a "LUCE" )

The 929 was the export version & I wouldn't be interested in one as the JDM Luce had many more features that the export 929 didn't. Especially the 13B turbo engine as standard.

KKM......... The place that reconditioned the AAS shocks for me was NLM (Neil Loxey motors) from the QLD/ Gold coast suburb of Labradoor.

9ine Deuce

waht else do you have that I dont (besides the 13b) in ur 929 ??

DMRH

I'm not even going to respond to that crap.

Good bye

9ine Deuce

wow, u really took offence to that, I dont get it, you said that the JDM Luce has way more features than the export USDM 929 and I ask you what differences you think there are because the only thing I can think of is the 13B, and maybe the steering wheel on the other side. If you wanna be a bitch about it then dont respond, this is a message board...

KKM

Well, in some ways the HC Luce 13B came with less equipment than the US export version, e.g. it is missing 4 door window frames.

BR, Bo

9ine Deuce

ya I wish I dint have the window frames

9ine Deuce

how many kms do you guys get to a tank ???