Lower my 3 1-2 inches
 

Hey so im looking to lower my mazda sedan about 1 to 2 inches. I want to do coil overs but not sure with what brand i should go with. been looking at the bc coil overs but not sure if thats a good choice for me. Im looking the keep a nice softish ride still but have better handling of course.

when searching for a proper suspension set up it is best to make your choice based on your style of driving, rather than how many inches of drop you want. dropping the suspension just for the sake of reducing wheel gap by 1-2 inches serves no practical purpose. you might as well cut your existing springs and keep the grand in your pocket for the hospital visit after you realize your ride quality, steering control, and suspension geometry has been compromised and you find your car wrapped around a tree.

so you ONLY want to lower your car for aesthetic purposes? well fine to each his own but you can do that by getting some lowering springs that are compatible with the stock shock absorbers and will lower your ride a little over an inch to 2 inches. there is a mazdaspeed sport spring kit that will lower your car by approximately 1.3" and retains most of the stock ride quality. Espelir springs get good reviews for a more aggressive height drop while still retaining the stock ride quality. they provide minor increase in spring rate so your suspension will have a little better handling but it won't be taking corners like a kart.

i have not gone into picking a good shock/spring combination. still cheaper than a coilover and also provides better handling and lower ride height...

but you still want coilovers? mazdaspeed also makes a coilover kit. fully adjustable although you wont get the 2" drop you wanted, it will give you much better handling and you will be able to set it for a comfortable ride home from the autocross. the BC Racing coilovers are also getting pretty good reviews and apparently the owner of the company is also involved with providing the best customer service possible. most coilover systems while include many benefits are a bit overkill for a street car. the only reason you would want one is for the "props" at the local showoff and quite frankly i dont see the point to pay a premium for a little attention.

I'm looking into the MazdaSpeed sport spring kit you mention for slightly better handling and less body roll.
Ride quality doesn't matter to me, handling is the priority.

Coil Over Suspension - MAZDA3 (2004 - 2008)
Part Number: RAMS-8M-L05

Rear Camber Link - MAZDA3 (2004 - 2008)
Part Number: GRMS-8M-L07

Sport Spring Kit - MAZDA3 (2004 - 2008)
Part Number: GRMS-8M-L05

read more about these lowering parts at, http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...eedAccessories

you can read more about other spring rates and height drops at protegefaq.net. go to Performance Mods -> Suspension -> "I'd like to lower my car, are there any springs available for the Protegé?" scroll down to Mazda3. the list is not comprehensive and may be subject to correction from time to time but it is a start