I am going to install a set of MS3 Gen 2 springs on my car. The spring rates are (Gen 1/Gen 2) 188/153 for the front and 171/170 for the rear. This vs. the stock MK3 Focus rates of 114 front and 143 rear.
Thus the MS3 springs fall about in the middle of the Eibach Pro-Kit's progressive rates.
The MS3 springs are shorter than those on the Focus as well, but because of the front weight differences (the MS3 engine is heavy due to the top mount IC, turbo, etc.) the front may not drop and might raise (very possible).
I know that people who have put MS3 springs on Gen 1 Mazda 3s have seen about a +3mm-+10mm rise in the front but about a half inch drop in the rear. On the Gen 2 Mazda 3 they are seeing no drop in the front and a half inch drop in the rear which levels the car.
The issue for me is that Gen 2 Mazda 3s weigh between 3000+ lbs for a manual and 3100+lbs for an automatic. The Gen 2 MS3 is around 3200+ lbs.
The MK3 Focus weighs a little over 2900 lbs, with the DCT only weighing 28 lbs more than the manual.
Thus I am going to cut 1/8-1/4 of a coil off the front of the MS3 springs before I install them (band saw=minimal heat). This is okay since they are linear rate springs and every coil is an active coil. There will be very little change in rate.
I am taking a chance with maybe getting too low in the front, but it makes since with what experinces Mazda 3 owners have had with these springs. We will see...
Can I ask what the point of this is? There seems to be a decent offering of springs and coilovers for the mk3... Of course if it because you just want to then go for it! I am just curious!
And either way I am interested to see how it goes!
No, seriously, I used to own an MS3 and from experience I know that the cars have ideal spring rates for high performance daily driving. Mine was a Gen 1, but I drove a Gen 2 that I wanted to get before I got the Focus (the Mazda dealer was trying to screw me on my trade...) and I can say that the Gen 2 springs give up nothing to the Gen 1s and the dampers seem to be able to handle them better.
The Mk3 Focus is a modified version of the platform the Mazda3 and the Volvo C30 both ride on.
Still very similar, though.
I'd love to see if the struts from the MS3 fit on the Mk3 Focus. I know they'll fit the knuckle, but I don't know about length and location of the spring bucket.
I may have to cut a half to full coil on the front springs. Which is okay except for the fact that I have to take it all back apart if I do.
So here is the deal...
Please pardon the dirty car. Lots of rain the past couple of days...
The front before I started...
The rear before with a quarter coil cut...
A comparison of the MS3 spring (right) and stock. As you can see, the MS3 spring is shorter, thicker and has more coils...
A comparison of the MS3 rear spring (right) and stock. As you can see, the MS3 spring is shorter, slightly thicker and has less coils...
Now the measurements with no settling mileage (only about 7 miles)...
Front...
Rear...
I will drive it two days to work to see if the front levels out any more, but I may have to cut a coil. We will see.
But... The handling is superb and the ride is not harsh and is quite nice. Firmer, but really good. The dampers also handle the springs really well. I am amazed at the difference!
Very nose heavy. Something like 60/40 split, purposefully though if I recall correctly to keep the front on the ground when you launch, it's still got some torque steer but it's controllable because of the weight + computer control.
Miss my MS3, but love the Focus just as much for different reasons!
If you look really close at an MS3, you will see that the front is slightly higher. Especially the Gen 1 cars. At least they always looked that way, but I never measured mine.
How much of an issue would be getting the alignment right after this install? I'd like something to stiffen up the suspension and make it feel tighter in the turns but I'm not trying to pay a fortune getting my alignment right. I had to get fancy cc plates the last time I did suspension on a car.
I didn't know if this was going to be one of those deals like on my sable where I take it in for an alignment and they tell me it's going to take $400 to align it because they have to align the rear too. I didn't know if that was a FWD thing, I'm used to working on RWD cars.
Wow, i just take my cars to my local firestone. $150 for lifetime alignment, no matter how many times i take it in for alignment they just put it on the machine, do their work and i leave without paying a cent. It works wonders when i am working on my mustang and changing wheels before race days. Only problem i have is the mustang gets high centered on their lift so they have to add ramps to get my car up on the machine, which i know they hate doing when i am not paying them anything.
Wow, i just take my cars to my local firestone. $150 for lifetime alignment, no matter how many times i take it in for alignment they just put it on the machine, do there work and i leave without paying a sent. It works wonders when i am working on my mustang and changing wheels before race days. Only problem i have is the mustang gets high centered on their lift so they have to add ramps to get my car up on the machine, which i know they hate doing when i am not paying them anything.
I have to use ramps to get my mustang onto the racks too. Lol. I swapped out for a qa1 k-member with spacers for my 5.4 to have clearance, which it's still tight and still a hole in my hood, but the alignment is a wreck. I'm going to have to tow it to the shop because my wheels look like this |\
Okay, I couldn't wait. Cut one full coil from the bottom and it is perfect. No ride change, alignment within specs, tracks straight and true, handling perfect.
Okay, I couldn't wait. Cut one full coil from the bottom and it is perfect. No ride change, alignment within specs, tracks straight and true, handling perfect.
Update: The front and rear fender gap is evening out. I'll take pics this weekend. Handling is superb, and I am still amazed by the excellent ride quality.
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