Help required:

2 front shox require replacing to pass NCT (Ireland equivalent of the MOT)

I went to Advance Pit stop who quoted 90Euro each for their own dampers, unfortunately Advance were unable to fit their own brand ones onto the bottom hub??They tried 3 different models for 323 & 323F..

They said they had never seen this problem before & suggested I source the genuine mazda ones which they would try fit.
I have the car lowered by 40mm on Gmax springs which have been on the original dampers for the last 2 yrs...
Advance reckon the springs are not the issue, which i tent to agree as they fit back on the original dampers ok & have been on the car for 2 yrs.

Anyone had problems with installing non mazda dampers???
Really dont want to get the genuine mazda parts as they are 216.40Euro (146.66 Sterling ) each.

Any help would be much appreciated..

I have Koni dampers. These are inserts for the originals and work fine. KYB shocks are another brand (try a search on the forum).

Mark

I have Koni Sport shocks all round, bloody great, worth every penny, and you can adjust them too :D they're inserts like Marks

Thanks for the advise guys

Just replaced a back box & centre box, 4 tyres & a service. So there is only fluff in my wallet left, just ordered the KYB Gas shocks as they are a hell of a lot cheaper than the mazda or adjustables. I will let yas know how they go.

Thanks again

Finally got the front KYB GAS shocks delivered and fitted

I was concerned that they would be too hard, but they are perfect. Has definitely improved the handling grip & acceleration & braking. Would recommend them as a cheaper alternative & much better quality than the standard mazda shocks. Very impressed.

I have the car lowered by 40mm on Gmax springs for 2 yrs now. With the KYBs its a good setup for bumpy Irish roads, yet still offers great cornering. One thing I would say is that the car did sit slightly lower with the standard mazda dampers. Thats the only disavantage of the KYBs. So if you are considerin the KYBs make sure you get all 4 replaced.


Thanks for the advise guys, you saved me 262Euro

sounds like you have the same set up as me (i have kyb all round and Gmax) Glad to hear your Hapy!!!