Hey guys, Quick question.....I bought a mazda 3 about 5 months ago and I love the thing!
However I think it would look alot better lowered, not to mention lower center of gravity for better handling.
I have heard of horror stories when it comes to lowering a car (I'v never lowered one) But I do want better handling without messing up my car. The type of ride (hard or bounce) I don't care about, just want better handling with out messing up the car. Anyways, back to the point.....I have no idea what to get (again i have never done this before) I know i need springs, shocks But is that it?
In other words what parts do i need and why? and whats the price I'm looking at? my limit is in the 700-800 dollar range. Any Help out there?

 

So far all I have done is the lowering springs. Eibach Pro-kit (~$200) (Ride is a little stiffer than stock, but I drive 22,000 mi/year and I dont find it uncomfortable.) 1.2" drop - Perfect for a daily driver

Eventually the shocks will give out due to increased wear and I'll need top replace them, a few manuf. out there make aftermarket shocks (Koni for one I believe) You could also go to coil-over shocks, but the ride is fairly stiff and it lowers the car more.

My rear camber is at the limit of in-spec due to the drop, but there are camber correction links available from Mazdaspeed. I have them but haven't installed them yet (Too damn cold in the garage to work on the car) They'll bring the camber right back to nominal (around -1.0° per side). All settings

If you drop it, get an alignment immediately as the toe will be out of adjustment and that will eat tires fast.

I'll eventually add increased rate sway-bars but I don't really have the need right now (eventually I'm going to Auto-x this car.)

[IMG]local://upfiles/2513/25F783CA6D9B45CCAF851CD7EEFDD9BD.jpg[/IMG]

 

I was looking at the mazda speed stuff, but it seems a little over priced.>>>>>

Link

Link 2

Whats everyones thought on this Idea? Kinda $$$$$$ and not sure if mazdaspeed would be better then anything eles? Thats a little more then what i wanted but if its worth it then ...hell why not? it is tax time after all!!!! Is mazda spped good compared to the other after market companies?

 

I'd go Mazdaspeed on the Camber Links (I don't think anyone else offers them yet), but with a mild drop like the prokit, it's really a personal decision as to whether or not you need them. If you don't mind tire wear to be a little faster than normal, then just put the springs in and go.

 

I think first i ned to invest in a typeing class first, I work Tech support and I'm at work now, but the hell If I can type! To many things to do at once!

 

I am looking to drop 1.2 to 1.5 inchs (I think thats legal, but who cares?)

 

Eibach prokit drops around 1" front, 1.2" rear (on my 2.0l)
Eibach sportlines are around 1.5-1.75" - You will definitely have excessive camber with this set-up (It's too low for a practical street ride IMO)

 

Any Pics?

 

I got TIEN S. TECH springs on my mazda3. I like the ride. Mine is a 2" drop front and 1.5" rear.

 

Here's before/after from the rear. I posted a side view in the 1st reply

[IMG]local://upfiles/2513/FA891D52FF3B4BC7B532E0C3FA2D8D8E.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/2513/CE281D3E0E574C01BE8F24CC164FDAE3.jpg[/IMG]