KrayzieFox

Well now that we're on the topic of springs vs. coils I have a question myself. Would I be better off to sell my Skunk2 coils and just go with a set of springs like the Tein S-tech or is it not gonna make much difference. I'm using them on my stock shocks by the way. I'm not real concerned with ride comfort as I'm used to it by now, but I wanna know what's better for the suspension. I read on one of the other threads that coilovers will "blow out" your shocks and that springs are much easier on the suspension. Is that true or should I just disregard it and keep on rollin like I have been for the last 10,000 miles

mitchman

What rate spring are you running right now? If you've got really heavy springs 300+ lbs, the shocks won't actually wear out (blow out) any faster, but if you have really heavy springs, the shocks arn't doing much anyway.

Now, if you've lowered the car AND removed (or cut) your bumpstops, you can blow out the shocks. But you didn't say anything about that.

Personally I like coilovers for the ultimate suspension setup. But most people don't go to the trouble of corner weighting them, which in my opinion, is one of the biggest reasons to run coilovers. But you need a racing buddy with 4 digital scales to do this correctly.

Sorry I can't be more specific to the brands you mentioned.

KrayzieFox

Thanks for the input man. I think I'll be in good shape, as I thought to begin with. However, a second question is coming your way. I've noticed some creaking coming out of the struts when I turn slowly, and I used lithium grease to spray it down into the strut, which fixes the problem for a little bit, but then it eventually comes back little by little. Is there something I can do to permanently end this nuisance, or do I just have to keep lubing them up as I go?

amrit

Hey Tom and Mitch, since you are the guys who knows a lot about springs and struts, what would you suggest I go with? I wanna change the springs and struts.

tom grossmann

I don't think the brand is so improtant as is the rate. I use Tokico and Eibach stuff in the race car.I have to sets of Eibach springs and run the softer of the two as I tend to ride the curbs in chicanes plus the softer rate means I don't have to change springs for Autocross.
If Mazda makes a street set-up with progressive springs and non adjustable shocks/dampers then I would go with that as it should be a good all around set-up. Shop around and compare the spring rate vs stock you don't want some ridculous full race springs for street driving. If I knew the exact brand on my Protege I would say that , came with the but I think it is Mazda , as the handling is good and the ride is still decent. Now if you just want to lower the car get a lowering spring with the same rate as stock , provided someone makes one.

Tom

amrit

Ok I don't mean to sound too annoying but I just wanted to revive this topic.

Here's what I'm goin' with:

TEIN Sports Springs
TOKICO 'HP' Struts

I need your opinion guys.

Da P-Funk!

Go wit' it! That is very similar what i am running and am very pleased!

Just springs was the bigest change, the struts firmed it up 'justa bit' - but i needed new struts and wanted ones matched to the Eibachs.

Handling is much improved (over a great car to begin with! ) and the ride is plenty acceptable! Not jouncy or too stiff - just more, uh, confident is the word...

amrit

thanks

now that's 1 opinion

anyone else?

Anarchistchiken

Do it. I have s-techs and Tokico Illuminas and I love it. The ride is harsher than stock, but not worse then my friends GTI 337. And it sticks like glue, even with my cheapy tires.

amrit

when you say harsher, do you mean bumpier?
cause i'd like to get a nice smooth ride