J-Protege

Nice, thanks. Do you know if they are all linear/progressive or some kind of combo?

JoshP5

Yeah, when one value is given it's understood to be linear in the operating range of motion*. If a range of numbers is given it's progressive; the first number is the rate at the start of compression, the second number is the rate when the coils are almost touching*. Hence the Tokico springs are linear up front, progressive rear.

*Unless the manufacturer has some cockeyed way of doing things.

J-Protege

Ah gotcha. That makes much more sence. I has always thought it was a range of some sort, just didn't know what it was reffering to.

Man, planning this suspension just proves how little I knew about suspension to being with.

JoshP5

Just wanted to say the Tokico rates I gave may be wrong. I am beginning to question my source of that info. FYI.

J-Protege

Yeh, looking at the images, they look to be all linear... but like I said, I can't find info on them anywhere.

J-Protege

So, as I look into this a bit more, seems like the MSP springs are actually pretty good springs to use. However, I am pretty much set on HP struts, so the 'uneven' effect is something I want to avoid (of course).

So, should I find some kind of combo that works here (different fronts), or just go with a whole new set of springs with the HPs?

Pricing I'm looking at:
$515 for the Tokico set (springs+struts)
$380 for just the HP struts

Therefore, if I buy just the struts, and front spring separate, the springs have to cost under $135 shipped to make it cost effective.

Any ideas/suggestions here?

JoshP5

Tokico won't divulge their strut damping rates--I wouldn't think they'd give up their "secret recipe" spring rates either. I'd certainly want to know what I'm getting into with a set of springs--guess they'd rather give up sales than release their proprietary information.

Try eBay for Tokico struts and the strut/spring kit. I got my struts for $320 shipped w/out issue. Then you can afford Racing Beat springs and never have to worry about this again.

J-Protege

Haha, yeh those prices are from eBay. What I posted are prices shipped to Canada, I doubt I'm gonna find much cheaper than that.

JoshP5

Oh, right. Forgot you're in Canadia. =P International shipping FTL.

J-Protege

Shipping + customs + currency conversion = FTL+1

Ok, need to ask you guys for more info!

When I'm planning to do my rear/front sways, I know I will need new endlinks, thats taken care of. Now, before I start into this, will I need anything else? New bushings, etc, or does the stock stuff work?

JoshP5

The swaybar bushings and brackets are different.

J-Protege

Bleh... Best source for these parts? Or just get them from Mazda?

I should be placing an order with onlinemazdaparts for MSP bumpstops, hopefully I can get them there.

_Kansei_

Yeah www.onlinemazdaparts.com can get you the bushings and bushing brackets too.

.. that is, if you're doing the racing beat bars.

D-rock240

I recently put a new suspension on my car:

Tokico HPs
Espelir Springs
Racing Beat Swaybar kit
Upper Strut Mounts
MSP bump stops

I really like the combo, the Espelirs work great and the car feels planted to the road. Also, the Espelirs give the car an even front and rear wheelgap. I'd recommend the Espelirs if you can find a set.

Previous pic with stock suspension and MSP springs:


And a recent pic:


Good luck with your suspension, looking forward to seeing the results. I got a great deal on my parts through ProtegeGarage.com and would recommend them.

JoshP5

D, I heard you had a screw loose. Sorry to have missed you Sunday.

PS Yummy pic!