Davard

Yeah, all you really need are the adjustment collar, top hat, spring and bumpstops. The only thing with Ground Control is they are pretty (anodized). And I don't know if they supply the spring hat or the bump stop.

I agree that the fronts should be stiffer...something like 300-325/250 would be a good place to start, although with your stiff struts you might get away with softer springs.

And I agree with Chris. If you were going for coil-overs and adjustable struts, the Mazdaspeeds/GC aren't the way to go. Throw in camber plates and you are at the level of a JIC FLT-A2 (which includes camber plates).

Almost makes me want to get a new Protege. Maybe next year (the idea of a 160 hp NA Protege appeals to me. I just hope they keep the weight down. And is control arm front too much to ask for?)

NegatiZE

I have the AWR rear swaybar and run in STS. I guess you can call me a newbie, but I've noticed the rear is extremely tail happy w/ the 21.5mm bar. I was in second place at the April autocross at Bronson Field, Pensacola behind a Mazda MP3.

Results:
http://www.gulfcoastregionscca.org/results.php?id=20

Jas00x

cool- That's good to here that there is someone else in the area racing STS. You should try to make it to one of the CFR Gainesville events in the future.

Where do you have your swaybar adjusted to? I have mine about 1 1/8" forward from the end of the bar. I also have some custom valved shocks, so that probably makes a big difference as well. I've got a set of Falkens (used) on the way, so I should have a review of how the car drives with the new tires in a couple of weeks.


Later,

NegatiZE

I may make it to one of your local autoxes someday, but thats gonna be one heck of a drive from Panama City. I just came back from the Dixie Region autocross in Bainbridge, GA and quite frankly I was dissappointed. The track was complete ****. Sand, pebbles, and large chunks of rock everywhere. The people were very nice and friendly, but quite frankly it wasn't worth the 2 hour drive.

I have the endlinks about halfway, I guess you could say. Here's a pic:

mazdaspeedwest

Good job man!

Wish my STS class only had 4 drivers....

NegatiZE

lol, usually the turnout is a little higher, maybe 5-6 cars on average.

Jas00x

Yeah, I've heard about that site--- some friends talked seriously about buying the Kumho rally tires just for that site! Gainesville on the other hand is a nicely finished asphalt track.

Also there is a SE Divisional coming up in Atlanta. A bunch of us Floridians are going to that. If you would like to go and split a hotel and stuff, send me an email (jtmineha@yahoo.com)

Your swaybar setting looks about the same as mine. Have you experimented with adjusting it at all? If you move it back (or forward) 1/4" or 1/2" it should make a noticable difference. Back is softer---less tail happy.

Later,

NegatiZE

LOL, the track does suck doesn't it? Gainesville's track looks like its nice. Maybe I can make it down there sometime.

I'd like to adjust my swaybar but those allens in the 'block' look like they've rusted real bad. I haven't actually tried adjusting them but I will try sooner or later.

Jas00x

Another thing about the allen screws... go ahead a buy a good socket-type allen wrench (3/16"). Its much easier than one of those L-shaped allenwrenches and works much faster. Just becareful not to torque them too much and strip them.

I agree with Jesse on the Liquid Wrench thing.

NegatiZE

Good ideas guys, thanks. I'm going to try and get some Mazda friends together and see if we can all take a trip to autox down in Gainesville one month.

What's the local autox region website?

mazdaspeedwest

must be nice, we average about 35-40!