gcs118

Ran a few searches, but nothing useful came up (search needs to be fixed!). But anyway, if I can get a set of 4 of the adjustable Mazdaspeed gas shocks, will they work well with aftermarket springs, specifically H&Rs? I am new to suspension and do not know what to look for in getting that neutral handling aspect. I would go for the Mazdaspeed set-up, but I want to go a little lower. Thank you very much for replies.

PhotoPro5

I would assume they would work just fine. You'd need to check the spring rates of the springs and consult with Mazdaspeed, or the shop that sells you the struts, to see if they can handle the increased spring rates.

There's another thread (right below or above this one depending on when you see this) that has input from people much more knowledgable than myself. Check it out.

gcs118

Alright, I guess I'll call H&R up tomorrow to get the spring rates. But because the Mazdaspeed shocks are adjustable, couldn't they conform to a large range of springs?

gcs118

I just got off the phone with H&R. I was told the springs work progressively with my car and that they are 25-30% stiffer than stock. Does anyone know the stock spring rates? Any pros out there able to say if they will work well the the adjustables? I'd like to order soon if possible. Thanks guys.

dmitrik4

IIRC, stock ES/P5 spring rates are ~179 lb/in F, 119 lb/in R.

the mazdaspeed adjustable struts (not to be confused with the MSP stock struts) are discontinued and really tough to find. plus they are about $160 per corner.

gcs118

Turns out even when I found the shocks, the dealers were not willing to discount because the parts are discontinued. oh well. Where did you get the spring rate info? Any idea how stock ES struts compare to Mazdaspeed stock strut specs? Thanks for the helpful info.

dmitrik4

actually, it turns out that those are wrong, but close to the numbers for the stock MSP springs (145F/118R). i can't find any info on stock ES/P5 springs...got the MSP numbers off the mazda USA website. i have no info on strut specs for anything.

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...threadid=27748

eh.

proman

why wouldn't they just tell you what the spring rates are? rather than just say it's 25-30% stiffer than stock. I would rather have a direct answer.

dmitrik4

backing out from the "25-30%" info, stock Pro springs are:

~111-114lbs/in F
~91-94lbs/in R