jowettw

not in it for looks, i want my car to handle better! i've already got the mp3 bar (waiting for some parts to install it though).

this is my first car and was wondering if the advertised 1.3 inch drop (is that after the car has settled though?) for the H&R's are good for everyday driving - i.e. don't hafta drive at an angle into my driveway/ over bumps to not scrape the front lip?

or should i go for the racing beat springs? i like the "conservative" 0.8 inch drop and the few reviews i've been reading on this board and others are good as well!

the H&R's are easier to get cuz a local shop has them - i live in canada so if i order online: crappy exchange rate + taxes + duties + shipping = ouch ... so i'm basically stuck in a dilemma here!

thanks for any insight!

Sal's "J"

Personally I too wanted performance, but then I also wanted the look so I went w/ the Eibach Pro Kit. It advertised about 1.5in drop and it probably did. Before the springs, the rear end was way too high, but now, the front and rear are about even. As far as the clearance, I don't have any trouble, but of course I still try to take it easy on any big bumps or inclines. The ride is definitely a lot stiffer, the small bumps are a lot more noticable, but try taking the corners and you will see what the springs are really about. It's still your choice, but I chose to go lower and better w/ Eibach and I have no regrets. One other thing, if you can't afford better struts to replace the stock(like I don't) start saving up for them, it will help in the long run.

Protege5online

Jowett, I dont remeber if you've got the Pro5 or Sedan but Eibach doesnt offer the kit for the Pro5 yet. I know its the same as the sedan when it comes to how it bolts on & fits & stuff but they dont suggest putting the Sedan springs on the Pro5. I've talked to about 3 different people at Eibach & they all say this. Now, H&R & Ground Control both dont have any problems with selling the kits for the Sedan as the same kit for the Pro5 but Eibach says otherwise. I dont see the 70 pounds extra the Pro5 has as making a huge difference but I would guess it makes a little. And I too prefer Eibach so Im waiting for them to put out the Pro5 kit hopefully January or so.

jowettw

i decided to go with the H&R's and went down to a local shop to get them installed! was a surprise that they had them in stock and could fit me in for the same day!!!

"awesome" is all i can say ! stilll a conservative drop and it increases the car's handling A LOT!

only regret is that i didn't do it sooner!

thanks for the info from whoever replied!

now all i need is a universal exhaust system and that damned boost sensor bracket for the MP3 bar to be installed (it's on back order; ETA: DECEMBER 14th!!) and i'm done for this year at least!

protetype

I have the H&R's on my 00', and I love them. IMO, the ride seems just like stock. The only time you can really feel it, is when you're on the highway doing over 80mph, and the ride gets a little bouncier, but not uncomfortable. My springs have started to settle since I put them on about 3000 miles ago, and if I could get someone with a 3rd gen to measure their ride height at stock and tell me from where they measured it, i'd measure mine now that the springs have settled and let you know how much the springs drop the car after settling. I know it's lower than when they first went on. It's a bueatiful day out today, so I might go spend a dollar or two at the car wash and get some new pics before it blizzards tonight in Colorado.

protetype

I'm lookin to get the e-spec's from corksport... but i'm still waiting to get a review on them from someone on the board and until i have enough money. Tax time baby! Rims, the bosal... and if I manage to save enough, struts! BTW, new pictures of my car on my page. It looks a tad lower than when I first got the springs on. I like it.

jowettw

do i hafta get a wheel alignment for my car now that i have the H&R's installed?

also there seems to be a clicking noise every now and then from the rear springs (mostly the driver's side - but sometimes the passenger side as well) ... i'm guessing that's not normal?!

thanks!

protetype

yanno, i noticed that mine does that clicking thing too. only when i pull out of my driveway through. i had my springs put on at a performance shop, and haven't noticed any pulling to either side, or uneven tread wear yet. i guess i'll find out though whether i need it or not when i go to get my new tires this weekend.

njaremka

hey, if those pictures you have on the front of your site are with the springs installed, it doesn't look much lower than mine with stockers!

oh, love those tail lights!

mlight13

Hey, I have B&G springs on my '01 ES and I also get the clicking sound from my rear springs over potholes and bigger bumps. I just learned to turn my radio up a little louder to drown it out.

gujustud

Not sure if you got my PM (private msg)... anyhoo, I've been thinking about getting the same kit.

I got a cost so far of $358cdn, is that a good cost?? What did you pay?

Does it make a big difference?

Sal's "J"

I bought mine from Mazda Motorsports, paid $235 w/ shipping. I don't know how much that would be in cdn(sorry). As far as the ride, it lowered the car about 1.5", I just know that the front and rear are the same height now(don't look like a friggin' 4x4 now). The ride is definitely stiffer and the corners..oh baby, try out the corners I still have the OEM struts, saving up for some Tokico's or maybe Mazdaspeed to dampened the ride a little more. Otherwise I definitely would recommend them to anyone.

Protege5online

gujustud, I think I can get the Eibach kits for 225.00USD which I guess is a little over 350.00CAD. Thats before shipping & stuff though. So it sounds like you found a good price. Retail on that kit is about 300.00USD (about 470.00CAD)

gujustud

Well $225/$230 US works out just a little over $350....

and I'm sure I can work on the price.. I'm probably not going to get them till the spring time tho....

I'll also be using my original struts as well.. dunno if I'll upgrade those.. depends on cost.. etc etc...