Koni FSD's fitted today - quick review
Got the Mazdaspeed/MPS/Mazda 5 specific FSD's part number 2100-4045.
Fitted today, took maybe 5 1/2 hours, including lunch and not really rushing.
First front strut was a bugger, as is the usual way.
Tried doing it the way as described on the US Mazdaspeed forum.
Don't do it that way, couldnt get the lower control arm to drop low enough.
Do it the way the workshop manual says, yes its a little more work (drop ball joint and tie rod end) but its a lot easier. As usual the manual is right.
Driving impressions -
To be honest, don't really know what to say, i'm speachless.
This is the car Mazda should have built.
I'm sure you could make it handle better or ride better, i couldn't think of a better compramise.
Was blown away by the improvement.
Wasnt even up to 50km/h or 400m down the road before i couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
It rides so much smoother, it's still firm, but has lost just about all its harshness.
Can't feel the small irrigations in the roads, and doesn't crash over the bigger bumps.
Rides as well if not better that my old SP23.
It's no Rolls Royce, you can still tell its a short FWD car, but its pretty good
Handling - Hard to really tell because its been pooring with rain. But you can feel it turns in much better and even in the rain it takes a few of my test corners as well as it does in the dry.
Handed the keys to Dad. Told him, "bet your smiling before Mary road" (side street about 500m from home)
Was right, couldn't wipe the smirk off his face.
His opinions echoed mine.
"rides like bens Lancer, handles like my 6"
All in all, i'm over the moon, could not be happier.
If you wan't better handling, better ride, and like me, don't want to lower your car, BUY THESE SHOCKS.
As i said, it's how Mazda should have released it in the first place.
Can't wait for it to dry up and go for a decent drive.
Last but not least
A HUGE thanks to Dad (rd415) for fitting them. :2thumb:
