Hey all -

Did the search and really could not find the direct answer. Maybe I did not use the right words....

Met a guy at a car show with a nice MP3. He has coil overs and willing to sell his MP3 springs. I really don't want to do the complete strut conversion. I just want a little stiffer spring.

Soooo, can I just put the MP3 springs on my MP5? I understand it will not lower my 5 much (good) but provide a higher spring rate - Correct?

 

I know that you can do the swap to MP3 springs, but when running stiifer springs with your stock struts, it may cause premature wear to your stock struts. Basically, the struts aren't valved to handle the higher spring rates.

Someone else might know better.

 

The MP3 springs will work, but the're designed to work with the MP3 struts and sway bars as well. The drop isn't as much as a set from either H&R or Eibach, but will bring you a little closer to the ground. If the price is right, go for it.

 

The guy wants a 100 bucks. I will try and get them lower, but the price seems far enough.

 

as stated above....yes, they will fit...and yes they will work....however, your stock struts WILL wear out prematurely....TYPICALLY with normal driving and milage a set of stock struts will last about a year before being totally shot and REQUIRE replacement...the fronts typically go first.....so if you get them....and put them on your stock struts....just start saving your money because you are going to HAVE to replace the stock struts down the road just a little while.....

you may want to go ahead and get the springs....its a good deal....and then save up the cash for the struts....and then do the swap all at the same time.

 

Thanks for the great info!

Sense he went coil overs, is it worth buying his struts? I think he said they are only 8 months old.

A bit confused. Do the MP stuts have cartrages or do you have to replace the whole strut to change "shocks".

 

The factory MP3 struts are standard blue Tokicos. They are not rebuildable. Unfortunately, Mazda is the only place you can get them and you'll have to pay more because of this. I retail the Tokico HP shocks for about $65 each. I had to buy my MP3 struts from Mazda for $125 each. If the guy is willing to sell you his struts, go for it. It should last longer than using the MP3 springs on your factory ones.

 

Dunno Nuke - 32,000 not-so-gentle miles and well over a year into my P5, and my struts seem to be doing just fine. The car still handles like it was brand new, and feels nice and tight.

~HH

 

all I can say is you are one of the fortunate ones then...and got an exceptional set of struts on your car....its not the norm though....but as with anything.....ANYTHING is possible.