Best struts (newbie)
 

Hello all! I'm new to the Protege fam being that I just bought a 2000 ES, 1.6L. I'm deffinetly not new to the modding scene though :) I'm looking to quickly start modding my Pro and would like to start w/ the suspension. I'm still deciding between the Eibach Prokit or the Tein S-Tech springs. But what I'm really looking for is a point in the right direction on what struts are suitable for all around driving while giving me a stiffer feel.

I have found the E-Spec OEM struts on www.corksport.com and was wondering if they're mentionable at all?

I had KYB's on my previous car and didn't like them due to the fact that the shaft wasn't shortened so they blew rather fast when lowered w/ the springs I had.


Well sorry for the long ass post but any help would be appreciated. I'd like to keep the price at or below $400!

Thanks!



Justin

i have the dealer option Tockico blues and find the damping rates are perfect, I also got the dealer option Eibach sport springs, they're ok, the rear rates need to be stiffer..I'll add S-tech's soon as they are just a bit stiffer rate.

From experience - do the springs/struts together (saves hassle or install $$) and get a package (saves money/better matching...) and - hate the little nuts on the sway bar end links. You will. Oh you will!

My $.02 worth.

thanks
 

Thanks, I do plan on doing the springs/struts together. I've decided to do the S-techs but i'm still deciding on the struts. Where can i pick up the Tokico's? and how much? Thanks guys!


Also, I'm putting 17x7.5" Rota Attacks on it...will i have any rubbing issues?


Thanks

as long as your offset is correct on the wheels, you'll be wine
as for the tockico's.....I dunno actually, the dealer had my car all built before I even walked on the dealership....check Mazdaparts

My wife has a 99 Protege with 103K that is in need of new struts. The car is completely stock and I'm gonna keep it that way. Unfotunately, I can't find OEM replacements (such as Monroe, etc.) other than expensive KYB GR2's at the major retail chains and online stores. Does anyone have any good info on OEM replacements at a reasonable cost?

Tom

do the tokico blues...they are awesome.

I have kyb gr-2 struts from www.horsepowerfreaks.com and MS springs. Love the ride. Bye the way, hey everyone.

chech adventon.com, thats where i bought my TEIN-S spring. awesome pricing and fast shipping (next day), they don't rape you with shipping costs either, had them shipping to columbus ohio for 24 bucks.

for the struts, they have the HP series and the adjustable illumina's as well.

as per Da-p Funk "..hate the little nuts on the sway bar end links. You will. Oh you will!" < very true.

here is the listing from adventon.

TOKICO HP SERIES SHOCK ABSORBERS 99-03 MAZDA PROTEGE (FRONT)
Part #: HB2223+HB2224
Before Instant Rebate: $170.78 Left & Right
Click Add to Cart for DEALS!

Item Message:

Quantity:




TOKICO HP SERIES SHOCK ABSORBERS 99-03 MAZDA PROTEGE (REAR)
Part #: HB2225+HB2226
Before Instant Rebate: $160.26 Left & Right
Click Add to Cart for DEALS!

Item Message:

Quantity:




TOKICO ILLUMINA SHOCK ABSORBERS for 99-03 MAZDA PROTEGE (FRONT)
Part #: BB2223+BB2224
Before Instant Rebate: $262.71 Left & Right
Click Add to Cart for DEALS!

Item Message:

Quantity:




TOKICO ILLUMINA SHOCK ABSORBERS for 99-03 MAZDA PROTEGE (REAR)
Part #: BB2225+BB2226
Before Instant Rebate: $262.71 Left & Right
Click Add to Cart for DEALS!

Item Message:

Quantity:

Hi Prokid-

The with the Pro-Kit is that they don't make the matched dampers. Great springs, but the dampers are the issue-You are correct on that. KYB GR2 are not engineered to be lowered, so I wouldn't tell you those, as they would just blow like the others you had. Bilstein makes some great sport dampers-Check those out.

Best,

Wes

Hi Tom-

The GR2 would be what I would tell you to do-We have them at $48/corner plus shipping. That to me is pretty reasonable.

One of the best setups.........H&R sports w/ Tokico Blues

all seem to point to the blues...or illuminas. So i'll look into tokico a little more and find out which is best for my driving needs. I'll prolly take the cheaper but still affective way out and get the blues w/ the eibach springs. I haven't taken delivery on the car yet and have rims and sway bars on order. I think the eibachs are next then I'll spring for the blues or illuminas. Thanks again and keep the reply's/opinions comming!


Justin

If you want a good suspension set up I would suggest Illuminas, HP's, or soemthing to that nature. GR-2's aren't really 'performance struts' nor are the European spec ones. They also aren't going to hold up as well to lowering.

KYB AGX struts would also be nice, but I don't think they're made for the Protege.

If I decide to keep my Mazdaspeed Protege I'll probably be replacing the Racing Beat/Tokico stuff with Tein Coilovers. They're not much more than struts/springs for what you get. Either Tein Coilovers or Tokico springs/struts.