Looking for MS Coilovers, had a question or 2...

[BreakTheStatic]

I'm looking to buy the MS Coilovers. Did some research and they seem like a nice unit. I had a few questions though:
1) Is the install very difficult (I'm decent with a wrench.. installed several of my own turbo kits on prior cars, to give you an idea of capabilities)? Also, any special tools needed to install these (besides a spring compressor)?
2) I know jack about spring rates, etc... Do these come from the manufacturer with any type of settings dialed in or do I need to set everything up on my own?
2) Any recommendations on where to buy them?

[defylogik]

Originally Posted by BreakTheStatic I'm looking to buy the MS Coilovers. Did some research and they seem like a nice unit. I had a few questions though: 1) Is the install very difficult (I'm decent with a wrench.. installed several of my own turbo kits on prior cars, to give you an idea of capabilities)? Also, any special tools needed to install these (besides a spring compressor)? 2) I know jack about spring rates, etc... Do these come from the manufacturer with any type of settings dialed in or do I need to set everything up on my own? 2) Any recommendations on where to buy them?

I assume your talking the speed3 coilovers, so i can answer you questions...

1. the install is about a 6/10 depending on your experience level. I have done about 15 suspension jobs on many different cars, and this one is fairly easy. You will need a "strut" spring compressor (emphasis on the STRUT part, you want one with locks. if they give you the other style without locks tell them no thanks, give me the right one)... rent one from autozone or advance. You will need a drill bit/good powered drill also, the install guide tells you what one. This is to drill out the rear upper mounts for the larger shock shaft.

2. the speed 3 coilovers (made by KW) come with manufacturer recommended settings, which are a great starting point. Follow them.

3 (2). buy them from mazdaspeedmotorsports.com. You have to register and show proof of past racing history, but they have the best price - ala $1250 + shipping for the shocks and $165 for the camber links.


The camber links are a whole nother animal to install, but nothing that is too complicated. I would recommend a cordless impact gun for all your suspension components, it will make driving off the bolts much easier. The camber links have been covered in great length on these boards.

if this is your first suspension install on a strut style car, expect to spend about 6-8 hours working your way through it. Mine took me a little over 4 with hand tools, including the rear camber links. I could probably do it now in about 2.5-3 hours with hand tools.

have fun!

[Lex]

Do you need the camber links on the MS3 coilover setup?

[BreakTheStatic]

Originally Posted by Lex Do you need the camber links on the MS3 coilover setup?

I think it's dependent on how much you drop the car. I don't plan on being too aggressive with the drop so I *probably* won't need them.

[palerider]

I dropped my car well over an inch and i never noticed any tire wear issues and believe it or not.... i never even did a full alignment because the car never pulled a hair after i installed them!!!!

i have the awr adjustable links and never bothered putting them on the car... it looks good, drives great, and gives me no trouble with virutually a maximum drop on my ms coils.

just one impression. i figure guys will pipe up and disagree... im still surprised how easy the whole process was for me.

[builthatch]

Originally Posted by Lex Do you need the camber links on the MS3 coilover setup?

from another thread regarding a soon to be the soon-to-be released eibach pro-kit

Originally Posted by builthatch the rear is where the surprises are. the rear OE camber is about the same as the front, from the factory, about -1*. When you drop it only .7", you are now at -2.1 degrees!

so, to answer your question...if you lower the car enough, you will run into camber issues with the rear, so i'd def suggest the links.

[defylogik]

Originally Posted by builthatch from another thread regarding a soon to be the soon-to-be released eibach pro-kit so, to answer your question...if you lower the car enough, you will run into camber issues with the rear, so i'd def suggest the links.

The links are a PITA, some say to drop the subframe, on the other forum someone said to unbolt the evap (or whatever) sensor that is in the way of the bolt then zip tie it back up.

I found that i could bend the bracket up and out of the way at a very good angle and got enough clearance to get my tools in there and the bolt out. Mind you i had that sensor and bracket pressed pretty good up against the body of the car to do it. There was no way in HELL i was going to take off that bracket or drop the subframe without a lift. I wouldnt bend the bracket out of the way more than a few times though, the metal is flimsy and would definitly stress break after being pushed to the limits a few times.

So, in short, it can be done. Its a PITA, but it can be done...