spiked_tea

I've been reading up on performance springs and am interested in this mod. Just have a few concerns though.

- will there be much difference in handling experience? would I need to upgrade other parts to accomodate the springs? Also, I am worried about cargo. Once a car is lowered, will it be able to hold full occupancy and odds/ends like tools and groceries?? I do alot of camping and mountain biking so I run into gravel roads.... Do you guys think I should just back off of this idea?

I am looking to drop it approx. 1" and nothing more. I'm new in this world of mods and have only heard of eibach springs.

Thanks.

One more thing, when I look into the engine compartment there is a red bar that goes across. Is that a sway bar or a strut bar? Is there one for the back too?

rustychops41

That is a strut tower brace, stock on the P5 and MazdaSpeed/MP3 sedans, and available for other Proteges since it fits. You don't have a rear one, they do make them however, and they do benefit the P5, the sedan doesn't really need one with the rear deck there. If you only want to go 1" lower, look into MazdaSpeed/MP3 springs, either used, here in the "for sale" section, or new through Racing Beat. They drop you about 3/4" front & 7/8" rear. Cargo carrying should not be affected unless you are running wide tires that might rub. While the struts should be upgraded too, it's not absolutely neccesary. It's just easier to do it all at once since you got it all apart.

Roddimus Prime

I love my MP3 springs on my p5....looks good and rides like stock until you hammer it in the turns.

I can get you the entire MSP suspension for a P5 swap for about $975+shipping. This includes the rear subframe, 4 struts, 4 springs, front and rear sways. The MSP is the best handling FWD car ever made. Not bad huh.

spiked_tea

Thanks for tips and thanks for the offer Prime. I got some saving up to do on anything over 300$. How much work will that be for a swap like that? Sounds like a very big job. Will I need to change the stock struts if I go with the mp3 springs?

Roddimus Prime

nope, springs just drop right in!

spiked_tea

I'm looking at changing the springs at the end of july. Do you have the mp3 springs for the pro5 for sale Prime?

I've read on the other threads that the mp3 springs will hurt the stock struts.... Is this true?

pr5guy

check out ebay, u can catch some hot deals on either eibachs or teins
i got the teins and i love them. if u go below 2inch ur gonna need to make camber adjustments and waht not

Roddimus Prime

Tein's are hands down the best suspension pieces you can buy. If budget permits get those...

No, mp3 (racing beat) springs won't damage stock struts....thats just people trying to make an issue where there isn't one.

spiked_tea

thanks everyone for the help. I'm leaning over to the RB springs just because it has a smaller drop compared to the Eibachs. i've looked at racingbeat webpage for the mp3 springs. Are there any other places to buy online? I tried mazdastuff but I'm not sure if i'm looking at the right place because I can't seem to find them there.

Roddimus Prime

Tein I think is 1.8" 1.3" on a P5.

spiked_tea

Does anyone know where is a good place to buy or is interested in selling around July? I've checked ebay and racingbeats webpage.

Roddimus Prime

try protegegarage.com Tell 'em I sent ya.

spiked_tea

thanks prime, i will check it out.

pr5guy

teins are 1.8 in front and 1.5 in rear... RP i got mine on ebay for like $150 brand new...

spiked_tea

pr5guy, how does the teins feel on bumpy roads. Do you usually find yourself dreading those speed bumps?