Wtb mazda3 front struts, cai, drivers side mat, etc.

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:14

I have a 2007 mazda3 hatchback and my front right strut is leaking and probably pretty shot at this point. Need to find a replacement set of front struts for the car/somebody to install them or a reputable place to have them installed.

I'm open to stock struts and aftermarket struts, located here technically in Lakewood but more so Golden.

I'm also looking for someone to tell me/show me how to get a better ground for my car, lights dim when I turn the wheel back and forth at night while sitting still.

Also looking to purchase a drivers seat factory mat with the MAZDA logo, aftermarket speakers for front and rear, a good quality plastic cargo liner for the rear, a good rack for snowboard/kayak,mountain bike, cold air intake, exhaust mods, smoked taillight lens kit, and anything else to make it faster. It's a 2007 2.3L. I need new front struts first though!

I'm new here, moved from NC. If you see an all black mazda3 hatchback with North Carolina plates, that'd be me.

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:14

Well, if you are going to do go fast mods, a good place to start is the suspension (as I was told). Depending on your price level, there are a couple options. Springs and struts, or adjustable coilovers.

I went with the Eibach Pro Kit springs and I am in the process of upgrading the dampeners to Koni Yellows. I have the rears in already and am really happy with them. Fronts to come when my struts go. I have heard that the more affordable coilovers tend to creak and squeek and aren't all that great at dampening. High-end coilovers cost about wht our cars new cost.

Welcome!

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:14

Thanks! Well my price range is the cheaper the better at the moment, but I still don't want crap. I understand that springs/struts help the handling but how do they translate into a faster car? I was quoted $600 to replace the front struts back in NC. that was foe stock struts, I'm sure I can do better. Im only looking to replace the struts right now since there is nothing wrong with the springs. I would like something that rides smooth on the highway but are aggressive in cornering and whatnot as I like to drive around in the mountains a lot for fun. Would like to keep price to a minimum. Im also looking for a shop that will do aftermarket installations and not cost an arm and a leg. I know I'm asking for a lot but I appreciate it!

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:14

Also wanted to add that im looking for a skid plate, mine is long gone!

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:14

warjunkies wrote:Thanks! Well my price range is the cheaper the better at the moment, but I still don't want crap. I understand that springs/struts help the handling but how do they translate into a faster car? I was quoted $600 to replace the front struts back in NC. that was foe stock struts, I'm sure I can do better. Im only looking to replace the struts right now since there is nothing wrong with the springs. I would like something that rides smooth on the highway but are aggressive in cornering and whatnot as I like to drive around in the mountains a lot for fun. Would like to keep price to a minimum. Im also looking for a shop that will do aftermarket installations and not cost an arm and a leg. I know I'm asking for a lot but I appreciate it!

Well as I was told may a times, the N/A Mazda 3 is not a really fast car and it is extremely expensive to make it a "fast" car, which would include new internals, a turbo, and exhaust package. However, the car does handle really well, so you can gain enjoyment out of it and get an even sportier feel by doing the suspension work.

Also, since these are not straightline cars (drag cars) increased handling makes them faster.

So for 400.00, you could do front Koni Yellows http://www.streetunit.com/Koni_Front_Strut_Mazda_3_p/8741-1487l.htm or http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/61A5576A0A0A3204659.aspx. These are adjustable, and will put you in a good place to later do lowering springs. I personally like the amount of drop on the Eibach pro kit. The other kits lower it a bit much for me (though I think there is a tein kit that is comparable).

When you lower it, you will want to get adjustable rear camber arms (needed to get the rear camber set correctlyhttp://www.streetunit.com/SPC_ ... /67420.htm , and the spring kit http://www.streetunit.com/Eibach_Pro_Kit_Mazda_3_p/5545.140.htm or http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/61A2549A0A0A2509591.aspx

I ordered my shocks, brakes pads and rotors from auto anything and they had great service. I got my adjustable camber arms from THMotorsports. A lot of people ar erunning the lowering kit without the adjustable camber arms, but I didn't want to. So saying that, you could do struts and loweing springs for 600.00 (approximately) if you can do the work yourself or with some help. It is a pretty big job, but I was able to manage it and I am a novie when it comes to cars.

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:14

Wow thanks for the info! I like the sound of koni yellows, however I might leave stock springs on. I like the ride height as I do a lot of things in the mountains, play in the snow, and deal with dirt roads so I need my clearance but would not be opposed to a small drop. What all went into you changing the front struts? Im worried about having to compress the springs.

I know the 3 isn't made to be quick, but I think a cai, exhaust upgrade, and a couple other things would make it more fun to drive!

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:14

anyone have anything for me?

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:14

I have done a cai and the throttle body ground. Both made the throttle a little more responsive. I haven't done headers or exhaust yet.

the other mod I have done to gain a little enjoyment is a short shifter with new bushings and hawk brake pads. So as you can see I'm a horrible source for gaining horse pwr.

geo2maz · Postby **geo2maz** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:14

i'm in the process of ordering some Koni FSD's to replace my struts,
so I may have some stock Speed-3 struts available soon...so far my rear-right one is shot, the fronts are still good, so not sure how much juice the others will have left, car has 50k on it...

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:14

Sorry for being a ghost! Life caught up with me for a bit. I am interested in the speed 3 front struts if they become available!

Haha no you don't seem to be the best fir that, what all was involved in grounding to the throttle body?

AuroraAxela · Postby **AuroraAxela** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:14

Make a wire, like 10-12 gauge, and put an eyelet on at least one end. Unbolt one bolt on your TB, and run it back in through the eyelet. Connect other end to battery NEG terminal (or a body ground point, but battery is cleaner, direct ground) and VOILA! Easiest mod you'll ever do.

RichB · Postby **RichB** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:14

Keep Blisten shocks in mind too. There are nothing but good reviews on them.

warjunkies · Postby **warjunkies** » Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:14

Awesome! I'm going to do that throttle body ground today, thanks for the input!

Wtb mazda3 front struts, cai, drivers side mat, etc.

Wtb mazda3 front struts, cai, drivers side mat, etc.

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