tlwyse

Couple of questions:

1. 2009 Grand Touring......would Bilsteins have been standard equipment on this car?
2. The car bottoms out easily.....85,000 miles....is this indicative of shocks or springs?
3. Don't want to go to coilovers....what's a good aftermarket replacement for my OEM shocks for normal street appllications?
4. Spring replacement....Racing Beat OK? Not opposed to a slight lowering of the car...but nothing more than about 1.5-2"

0-TO-100_Real_Quick

My 2007 was doing the same thing when I got it. Turns out most of that is due to the bump stops deteriorating. Of course I wanted to throw parts at it at the time, so I got new springs and shocks too. Issue went away. If you've got the ambition, I'd just start with the bump stops and see if that solves your issue. That said, you're going to have to drop the coilover assembly anyways to get to them, so if you're ready to drop some cash, get your new suspension set up beforehand. You will need some spring compressors.

I went with Koni for the shocks, and Progressive springs. I haven't heard of anyone not liking Racing Beat springs, so that's got appeal.

bluetii

iTrader: (3)

RacingBeat springs in my opinion are more for track use a lil too stiff. I have a set of them on one of my S1 with mazdatrix struts aka tokico. I also have another S1 with KYB struts and stock springs. Which is quite nice for the street. One of my Shinka has stock springs and bilsteins and its still streetable but not as soft as the kybs.

speedieone

Bilsteins were standard on the R3. Not sure about the GT. Bottoming out is almost always the shock unless the spring is broken. Have you done the old bounce test? Also a blown shock will have signs of oil leakage. 85K miles is not much for OEM springs. Coil overs were designed for racing not street use and will give you a harsh ride. If you want a lowered stance go with shorter springs instead with matching shocks. If a lowered stance is not what you want I would stick with OEM shocks and springs. Mazda spent a lot of engineering time and money to get a good overall ride from the factory.