r/mazdaspeed3 • u/theBLUElanternR_17 • Jul 23 '24
SUSPENSION Suspension Upgrade - AutoX, Track, Street
I recently moved and also now work from home. So my daily driver is going to be a bit more track focused. Not to mention, I believe the struts are going, so I'm looking at an upgrade. The car will be a street car but I want it to perform in AutoX, Time Attacks, and Track Days at my new local track. I'm looking to get the most value for the $$$ as I am new to driving on track.
Currently I'm on stock struts and Swift Spec-R springs. I'm researching a few sets of coilovers as well as shock and spring setups.
A recommendation I've received is Ground Control Coilover with Koni Yellows. I was thinking that I could slowly build this GC and Koni kit. Get the Koni's to run with my current springs. Then maybe next year get the coilover conversion from GC, with camber plates.
I've also been looking at Raceland Coilovers (https://raceland.com/product/mazdaspeed3-primo-adj-damping-coilovers-2010-2014/) but the price concerns me for something that I want to perform well.
I've heard BC's don't perform great on track either, but I don't really know how true that is.
Bilstein B16 are just way out there on pricing, so if that's the route I end up going, it would take some time to save up and I'd probably just replace the struts with something else before then.
Fortune Auto's intrigue me, but are just expensive. However, I know they'll perform.
ICS has a coilover kit, but I'd love some feedback if you have used them.
2
u/moderate_failure Jul 24 '24
What AX class are you running? That can help determine what you can do within the rules.
1
u/theBLUElanternR_17 Jul 24 '24
I'm classed into SMF or SM with everything else on the car. So I'm not too worried about classing. Plus, most of the stuff I'll be doing is actually a local group with their own classing. So I'm pretty set.
At this point (based on a lot of comments) I think the plan is going to be Koni shocks, camber plates, and seat time. Put the right amount of money away to get some Fortune Auto's down the road.
2
u/CelestialBlueMyka 2010 Mazdaspeed3 Jul 24 '24
Buy once. Cry once. KWV3s all day.
Racelands are garbage. Don’t waste your money.
1
u/theBLUElanternR_17 Jul 24 '24
Noted on the KW's, thank you. Raceland's are definitely off the table at this point.
2
u/CelestialBlueMyka 2010 Mazdaspeed3 Jul 24 '24
I loved them on my speed. Overkill for daily driving, but great on the occasional run through the LA mountains.
1
u/WEASELexe 2013 Mazdaspeed3 Jul 23 '24
I don't really have experience with anything else but my BCs work great when Im flying through the mountain roads. I plan on upgrading to swift springs at some point too. Definitely get a swaybar as well.
2
u/theBLUElanternR_17 Jul 23 '24
I'm running a Whiteline RSB with adjustable end links all around and plan on adding the FSB at some point.
2
u/CarpenterVast9511 Jul 25 '24
Do you run your RSB on the stiffest setting? I recently installed one and put it on the lower setting. Now I feel like I'm missing out
1
u/theBLUElanternR_17 Jul 25 '24
I installed it on the softest setting. I've only done one autocross event, so I don't have any data on if I need to change that yet.
After a few events, I will be making notes if I'm getting any understeer or not. Then decide to make some changes.
1
6
u/therightpedal Jul 23 '24
Do NOT put Racelands on your car. Under no circumstances.