J-Protege

Yes, this is taking a major cue from Josh, but I do want to make sure I'm doing this right, and if I should change anything.

Most importantly, I need to know if I'm forgetting anything. Extra little parts that I may need, like bump stops or what not. I don't want to get halfway into this to put it all back together wrong.

This is my first suspension build, so bear with me please!

So far:

I have the front and rear MSP/RacingBeat sway bars.
Pairing them up with either AWR endlinks, or Mazdaspeed ones (almost the same price at the dealer anyways).

I already have a set of MSP springs, these are right from the car, not the mildly different RacingBeat ones, but the actual Mazdaspeed ones.

Now I know I'll need a set of MSP struts to go with these, to counter the uneven height that the MSP springs cause.

Now, that's all I have planned so far, so any help would be more than welcome. I have some parts sitting around that eagerly want to be installed.

macdaddyslomo

I would go ahead and add the MSP strut bar also

silverpro5

You will need different bushings for where the sway bars mount under the car. The stock ones will work if you force them, but they are designed for a smaller bar.

Are you planning on getting a full MSP strut assembly? If not, you might want to replace the rubber bits at the top of the strut where it mounts to your car. Kansei ordered a bunch of that stuff once I believe.

JoshP5

Go with the MSP endlinks for the rear bar. Up front the sedan and MSP share the same endlinks. The AWR endlinks rust badly in northern climates.

You might also consider the AXR clunk fix kit, in which case you won't have to worry about bushings for the rear bar--they're included in the kit.

The MSP bump stops may be included in the MSP strut kit, as shown here.

I wonder if it's really necessary to replace those rubber spring "insulators" and "seats." I'm not planning to...maybe Kansei will share his experience here.

J-Protege

Ah, cool to see that strut assembly comes with the proper stops. Seems pretty pricey for a set of struts... is that normal, around $500?
I've seen generic cheapy struts for under $50 a piece, but I guess it makes sence for OEM.

Should I worry about shocks at all? Do I even need to, or are springs/struts fine. I kind of want to renew the whole setup, dont really want to be back down there soon to replace more parts. Just making sure to only do whats nessesary.

Anyone have a link for that clunk fix kit? I can't seem to find it. Their site just says 'product not found' when I click the link to buy the kit.

JoshP5

Yep, the MSP struts are very expensive. You might do better with a different set of springs and Tokico HPs--for example, the Tokico HP handling kit (struts AND springs) can be had for $440 on eBay. MSP bumpstops cost about $7 each.

Struts are analogous to shocks, the difference being that struts form an integral part of the suspension's structure in addition to providing damping. Some cars have shocks, some have struts.

Here's a link to the AXR group buy on the other forum.

J-Protege

So, if I already have the MSP springs, it would cost about the same to either get just the Tokico springs+struts, or the MSP struts.

So, what would I be better off with, since they are about the same price at this point (because of already bought parts).

Keep the MSP springs and get some MSP struts, or replace the whole setup with Tokico and cut my losses on the springs?

Keep in mind this is a daily driver, I want the car to be drivable on not-so-perfect roads, along with the performance of better parts. I can't sacrifice all my comfort for best perfomance.

JoshP5

The Tokico setup is pretty aggressive--the springs are about 35% stiffer than stock. njaremka runs that kit, you can probably PM him for his impressions of it. The MSP setup is about 20% stiffer front, 10% rear. Most people report it's a good compromise between ride and handling.

Racing Beat and Tein H-Tech are also fairly mild at about 20% stiffer.

J-Protege

Hmm, sounds like the MSP setup is going to be my choice. Ride drop/comfort/performance are what I'm looking for, as well, I already have the springs, so no worrying about too much shipping etc.

Thanks for the input guys!

MDLockard

Put HP Blue Topico's on my 02 Protege ES 5spd. Left the factory springs on. Noticeably improved cornering with less forgiving ride on San Diego's freeways and other less than smooth rodes. Does look like I lifted the car, not the look I was going for but am planning to keep factory ride height. Freeways are not the smoothes in San Diego, some rodes have bumps/ potholes and the traffic calming speed bumps don't help either.

Thought about KYB's but wanted to upgrade the suspension while I was replacing the struts.

_Kansei_

I would have gone for some racing beat springs to lower it just a bit.. they'd also give the car a better ride feel because you wouldn't have struts that are overvalved for your springs

I bet your 4x4 look is kinda just the stock look, and your old struts were that well worn.. how many miles on them?

MDLockard

Car had 88k with factory struts, and struts started to leak oil. What does that mean for ride/handling when the struts are overvalved for the springs?

JoshP5

Springs and struts should be properly matched. Stiffer springs require more damping and vice-versa.

_Kansei_

If your struts are overvalved you'll have a bouncy ride, if they are undervalved (very stiff springs on stock struts) they won't control the movement of the spring well.

edit: as josh said, they should be properly matched. Tokico HPs assume a spring that is about 10% stiffer than stock, so they're a bit much for stock springs. They're even a bit much for normal day-to-day driving on some lowering springs (msp springs (the msp tokicos aren't normal, mazda had them revalve them), my old crap goldline springs)

MDLockard

From the discussion it sound like Tokico springs will be a good match with the Tokico HP Blue's I have. Will put this down as my next mod (don't currently have the cash).

Have noticed a little more bounce on the freeways. Also have noticed much improved cornering and handling with the exception of the bounce.

Surprisingly both Tokico's web site and tech department (talked to Ray) say the HP blues are ok to go with OE springs. My local suspension shop also said the HP blues will work with OE springs.

From Tokico's web site:

- Q. Will other springs work with TOKICO shocks?
A. TOKICO shocks are designed to work with original springs or a wide range of performance lowering springs. However, TOKICO shocks tend to deliver their best performance and ride quality when used with original or TOKICO springs.