Recently passed 55k miles on my R3, so I figure it's time to start learning about damper replacement options so I'm ready when the time comes. I bought an R3 on purpose, so I want to do this right.

I almost don't even want to consider anything other than OE. I'd prefer less body roll and/or a smoother ride, but I can't find anything else about the suspension that I'd want to trade off for those things. Mazda did a REALLY good job with the R3 suspension, and I feel like there's more I could do to screw it up than to make it better. I also don't want to lower the car.

Was looking at the Bilstein B6, mainly for the lifetime warranty. If it had identical valving to OE, I'd be all over it. What I don't like is that it's supposed to be stiffer than stock.

Ohlins DFV looks attractive, but it's expensive, and I'd rather not have to worry about messing with the car's handling balance with aftermarket spring choice. Also, isn't its max ride height still slightly lower than stock?

Thoughts? Other options?

 

I believe Steve Dallas had pulled the part numbers for OE replacements for the R3, and they were surprisingly reasonable...

That said, I rode in another R3 with the Ohlins in there... it's pretty sweet - not sure how to describe it other than more planted and direct... but I have long ways to go before my suspension is really my limiting factor, haha.

 

How would you compare the ride with the Ohlins to the stock ride?

 

Autocross to Win (DGs Autocross Secrets) - Buying Shocks

 

Read that a while back. Love it, but not sure what you're suggesting...

 

Stick with Bilstein.

 

Ah, okay.

Any feedback on stock vs. B6?

 

I have a set of stock R3 Bilsteins that I am using for a custom coilover setup and we shall see if they are different than the normal HD (B6) that my buddy uses in the coilover setup which everyone who has them raves about. But I suspect the stock R3 shocks are just HD's (B6's).

 

Just got off the phone with Bilstein. Apparently the specs on the R3 OE dampers are proprietary, so they couldn't provide any comparison with the B6. Bummer.

 

My vote would be stick with stock replacements, OR pop the big $$ for custom or Ohlins setup.

The stock R3 suspension is so darn good. imho the only negative is that it's a bit harsh. An Ohlins (or comparable) setup should be able to deliver refined ride and excellent performance. I've owned 1 car and ridden in several that had the combination nailed. Dreamy.

But that's spending 400% to get the last 10% of perfection.

BTW, thanks for spelling 'damper' properly!

 

Good points. I've been leaning similarly.

If the Bilstein B6 had the same valving but a lifetime warranty, I'd be sorely tempted. But there's no way to know, and I don't feel like rolling the dice.

Another option I've thought of was asking FCM to make custom dampers for the stock spring rates. But given that this'll be a one-and-done deal (i.e. no rebuilding/re-tuning), I don't think I can expect him to do a better job than Mazda...

 

re: Ohlins DFV vs stock ride...

I've never ridden as a passenger in my own car (stock), so it's a little odd of a comparison - but the suspension is definitely more capable with the Ohlins. Don't know if it's $2400+ better, but it's definitely better. From what I can tell from Steve Dallas' comments, it rides pretty tame on the street too...

Would be interesting to get a comparison from someone who went from stock R3 to Ohlins for a comparison for street, auto-x and track, haha.

 

Yeah, that's what I want to see.

Actually, what I really want is to feel it. Small chance of that though, I think. Not a lot of R3s around in the first place, let alone with any exact combination of mods.

 

if you were in CA, there is an R3 on the Ohlins, but... I'm not sure what's out on the east coast, haha.