suspension is the weakest link for MPS6

[BCMPS]

I think suspension has become the weakest link for MPS6 in the track. If you are going to the track, upgraded suspension is a must for this car if you want to pull out the full potential out of it. My dilemma now is should I still invest new part or new car?

[Doug_MPS6]

I think the fundamental issue is that the MPS6 was never designed as a track car. It is a "light luxury GT", a genuine 4 door high speed in comfort touring car. Rather than thinking of the suspension as being a somehow deficient aspect, consider it as being entirely suited (within price limits) to the job it was designed to do. If you want to take an MPS6 around a track the first thing you'd do is strip it out to reduce weight, rather than stress (initially) about suspension issues. I think it's a it of a shame to flog an MPS around a track actually, unless it is specifically rebuilt for the task, in which case it is largely written off as a road car, which would be another pity anyway. That's just my opinion and I know others will feel differently.

[BCMPS]

I think you spot on Doug.. I fully agree with that..
The weight does kill its cornering ability, it's sad to see mx5 manage to outpace every corner compare to mps6. But of cause, straight line is another story.

But I think may be bolt on a TEIN coilover with electronic dampening adjustment will be a good compromise for both good cornering speed while maintain luxury GT enjoyment. What do you guys think?

[mazda6mps]

i would say do the little things to see what happen, things like:

space saver, tools, car mats, rear space saver cover - take these all out;
front strut tower bar - gives you a bit more understeer;
upper rear body strut bar - i have one of these, installed at the same time as front strut tower;
battery - change to something dry cell/light weight;
front bushes - superpro bushes, camber, caster and uppper and lower control arm upgrade to urethane - i have these done in my car;
Semi slick tyres - not sure about the MA-Z1's they would b good for road use, but may not be good for track;
Brake rotor, brake line and fluid upgrade - slotted rotors perhaps, change to braided, and a good quality fluid.

Noticed in your sig you have kings on bilsteins - b8 i am assuming? These are probably a bit too soft to track, maybe move to Koni where you can adjust the damper settings, or coilovers with the manual damper adjustments?

Tiens with the EDFC would be really expensive, but if you have the cash, then go for it.

I don't believe you can match corner speed with an MX-5, the thing is designed for turns

[BCMPS]

Not sure if the Bilstein shocks I got is B8 as I got it from US. Yes, it does feel too soft on the track. Any idea how much would TEIN with EDFC set me back? My research shows me 2000+. Any one here had tried TEIN in their MPS?

[gslrallysport]

Not sure if the Bilstein shocks I got is B8 as I got it from US. Yes, it does feel too soft on the track. Any idea how much would TEIN with EDFC set me back? My research shows me 2000+. Any one here had tried TEIN in their MPS?

If you do have the B8's then the Tein will be a BIG step backwards in terms of performance...

If you've got B8's (which you may want to check as they're a bloody good track shock) then to upgrade from that you'd need to be spending $3k+ on DMS, Ohlins etc. Not $2k in cheap coilovers, as yes, you'll be able to adjust the ride height (FWIW) but it terms of the damper performance it'll be a step backwards.

[kmh001]

It's true that the 6MPS has a design flaw in that the front camber is non-adjustable, but that's the only criticism I have of the suspension, and its fixable. The double wishbones up front are superior to struts and I've never been beaten through a corner by any car that was not heavily modified. In fact I find the capability of the 6MPS chassis to be at a level where the only place you could use its full potential is at the track. This is the primary reason I have held onto the car despite its age.

Mate I think there's a lot more driving enjoyment in your car waiting to be discovered.

[BCMPS]

If you do have the B8's then the Tein will be a BIG step backwards in terms of performance...

If you've got B8's (which you may want to check as they're a bloody good track shock) then to upgrade from that you'd need to be spending $3k+ on DMS, Ohlins etc. Not $2k in cheap coilovers, as yes, you'll be able to adjust the ride height (FWIW) but it terms of the damper performance it'll be a step backwards.

Is this one B8?
Bilstein HD Series Shocks for Mazda 6 and Mazdaspeed 6 (complete set) - Revolution Performance Motorsports!

I doubt the Tein will be a step backwards compare to this shocks... as it's only less than $500. And it does feel too soft on the track.

---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------

Mate I think there's a lot more driving enjoyment in your car waiting to be discovered.

You are right, once I bring it on the track, there are a lot more excitement to be discovered...
Especially when you push it hard enough in the cornering, the more gas you give the more over-steer it behaves.. not too much to lost control but feeling a bit of go-kart like drifting feel...

[mazda6mps]

RPM store part numbers are the B8's.

You tracking with the DCS on or off??

[BCMPS]

RPM store part numbers are the B8's.

You tracking with the DCS on or off??

DSC on... but that should not affect the body roll problem.