Help with Shocks for a MS6

[haulme]

Hi all

Looking to order my shocks next week.

I have H&R springs ready. I am looking at the Tokico Shocks but I possibly now have the budget for Bilsteins/Koni's

However for the life of me I cannot seem to get a clear answer on the correct part number for the bilsteins.

On the sticky at the top it says

BE5-A256

I have since learnt this has changed to

24-102568

but I can't find that part number on the Bilstein catalogue!

Parts catalogue

I don't want to get the wrong one!

Please help.

Tokicos are easy as I have their part number.

Thanks all

[helmetface]

eshocks.com: Bilstein Shocks and Struts: Mazda 6

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/p...6-H1-Bilstein-

In short, both are correct.

[CaptainCrunch]

FWIW, Konis are undoubtedly better, but I'm pleased as punch with my Tokicos. They're a tiny bit stiffer then stock MS6. If there was another mod I wanted to pick up (and there's always another mod) that was close to the price difference between Konis and Tokis, I personally would have to think about it pretty hard.

I doubt you'll regret either choice.

[haulme]

Just an update, went for the Bilstein B8s in the end with H&R springs. Will get them fitted soon and will update you all

[Neverlift]

What made you go with a lowering spring vs. a performance spring?

[speedms6]

haulme are you installing yourself?

[SpICeZ]

Originally Posted by another 6cms6 What made you go with a lowering spring vs. a performance spring?

??? I dont understand that question.

[Neverlift]

Originally Posted by SpICeZ ??? I dont understand that question.

The H&R spring is not a performance spring. It would be the equivalent of a BOV in spring form.

[Coaststarlight]

Tokicos Suck with a capital S, Bilstien and Koni are a Solid choice

As far as Springs go, Eibachs are good, however I'm not sure really what the more preferred porformance springs are available for the Speed6 exactly

Basically, you want a Linear Springs vs Progressive, Linear springs compress evenly in one fluid motion as where Progressive springs are like 2 springs in one, designed more for comfort+performance

[Neverlift]

The Tokicos are twin tube rubbish. The stock KYB on the MS6 are at least monotube... why anyone would downgrade is beyond me.

My experience with the Eibach Prokit is not good. I have considerable seat time on them, and have done back to back comparison vs my car with stock springs. The stock springs are stiffer.

I wish RPM still made springs.

[mczimer]

Not sure how you can say that the H&R springs are not a performance spring? They greatly improved the handling and ride for myself and everyone I know running it... and that is with stock or aftermarket shocks.

[Neverlift]

H&R doesnt even call it a performance spring LOL

"H&R Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Sport Lowering Springs offer the handling characteristics and aggressive appearance that you've been looking for, without the harsh ride characteristics of less-advanced spring systems."

[haulme]

H&R springs have been tried and tested. I know one other person running the same setup and they have been fine, in fact quite a few people say H&R are a lot stiffer than the eibachs...

Anyhow here they are in all their glory, not going to be installing them myself, get my mechanic buddy to do it...

[dot584]

At least for the 6 the H&R springs do not have high enough spring rates in the rear and still soft in the front. They are very smooth with koni yellows.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

[mczimer]

I would still say they are stiffer than the OEM springs... Although lowering makes things distorted a bit...

[cbizily]

I feel bad for your mechanic friend putting those rear shocks on is a PITA! I have the H&Rs and love them but i was not allowed to get anything more aggressive. Ride had to remain soft, but i couldn't stand the wheel gap any longer.

[Coaststarlight]

I've done 6 rear susp. swaps 3 times this week alone, save your self some head ache and pick up a Swivel 14mm OR a 9/16th if you cant find a 14mm, Swivel adaptor may work to if its not too tall but Lows usually carries them, and an off set 14mm wrench as well, for the shock braket bolts that make the rear shocks such a pain

[haulme]

Originally Posted by Coaststarlight I've done 6 rear susp. swaps 3 times this week alone, save your self some head ache and pick up a Swivel 14mm OR a 9/16th if you cant find a 14mm, Swivel adaptor may work to if its not too tall but Lows usually carries them, and an off set 14mm wrench as well, for the shock braket bolts that make the rear shocks such a pain

Thanks for this, hes done me a solid and is installing all my suspension for £100. I don't think he knows about the rears :p

Ill ask him if he has the sockets also, he restores old ford zephyrs(quite unique in the UK)

I had a look at DIY'ing and was in for a shock with some of them saying its easier dropping the subframe out.

Fronts look pretty straight forward, I have the strut perches and they almost slot in.

Can't wait personally to have them fitted, had to live a 1.5 years with a car that looked like a n offroad car.

After this I'll be getting an access port(now they support UK MPS )

[Marcus]

I'd like to hear how you like them. I have the H&R springs and have a blown rear shock so I need to get an opinion as this is an option.

[mczimer]

Bilsteins are great. Konis have had leaking issues for some. My opinion: bilstein all the way

[Coaststarlight]

Originally Posted by mczimer Bilsteins are great. Konis have had leaking issues for some. My opinion: bilstein all the way

When run daily at full stiff they have been known to leak a bit, I've had Koni yellows DD and a few track days without issues

[haulme]

Well I both daily drive and track my car so I certainly will give a good view of both.

Getting them fitted next week so will report then

[dadderllama]

I have bilstein hd's from streetunit.com check them out they at the minimum have the correct part numbers.... I like them a lot. I don't track my ms6 but I think they would be very capable... As a dd they are a little stuff, but not rough at all... StreetUnitMark may help ya out with that

[haulme]

Dropped of the car to my buddy today I took some stock photos including measurements and will post later this week once all fitted.

At the front, stock bumper incredibly the ride height is a whole 9" of the ground!

[haulme]

Ok got it fitted

First impressions were the looks, the car sits so much better and looks more squat from the back.

It has a nice rake to it also. Pretty much exactly what I wanted.

Mechanics used alot of the OE for the bump stops as the ones supplied were too small. Despite the advice above he actually found it easier to lower the subframe a bit to take out the rear shocks. Front shocks were easy to install though.

Handling is good, I will reserve full judgement until I get the wheel alignment done. you can feel the road alot more but it doesnt seem uncomfortable however. Firm but stock it's like it should have come from the factory like this...

Car has been measured and on average its about 2" lower all round but it still clears speed bumps

Pics when the car is washed, looks like a dirty bitch at the moment.

[smandrews]

any updates on this? I am curious to see pics. I have the H&Rs installed now and need new shocks. Interested in seeing how this combo looks.

[haulme]

Hi mate

I'm on MPS owners, I'm keeping the car reveal until I've finished completely but what do you need to know, it still feels great and looks good, now its settled its probably gone done another .5" so its a 2.5" drop overall.

The Hoff has also gone for the same springs and shock combo and DJJUT is also running it(have a look at his car)

Cheers

[Mazdaspeed6project]

Where did you order the bilstein B8's from because all i keep finding is the hd's which arent made for pairing lowering springs with