Protege suspension same as Escort GT?

[Lex]

I have always wondered, is the protege/323 suspension same as the 91-96 escort GT?

I want to buy some lowering springs and decent struts so I am wondering if the info on here is also applicable to my car

[MazdaRacer]

Yes, they both use the BG chassis and all suspension components are interchageable.

[Marc93lx]

Yes

[Marc93lx]

Yes, they both use the BG chassis and all suspension components are interchageable.

Beat me to it!

[MazdaRacer]

echooo echooooo echooooooooo

lol

[Lex]

Thanks guys

When I bought my GT a few years back I was a little down on the fact it was a Ford ... but since I've learned it's a Mazda "on the inside" I've been very happy with my choice.

[sixhex]

in fact, it seems the general opinion is, the best strut\spring combo for a good mix of comfortable driveability and performance comes from an Escort (zx2, the S/R model came with tokico struts and eibach springs)

i mean, it is debatable, but it seems most people will agree it's a great combo for street use.

[Lex]

yeah, the 1" drop Eibachs are not too harsh and tokico's make the ride just firm enough. I'm debating whether to go with the Eibach springs or to go with something a little harder and lower myself.

Also, for those of you who have extensively modified your suspension, what is the next best upgrade in line after you install struts/spring? Is is poly bushings, front/rear upper strut bars, lower tie bars?

[Marc93lx]

Get the front and rear strut bars, then the front and rear lower tie bars. They compliment each other very well.

[MazdaRacer]

TIRES
sway bars
lower tie bars
bushings

[D323]

^^^ very true.... When I went from the old pos 175/70 R13's on my steelies to the Potenzas 185/60 R14's, (nothing too drastic of a change radius wise) I noticed I could take corners fastaR.

[Identity_X]

I've upgraded a lot of suspension components and the biggest difference I noticed (besides tires and struts/springs) was the rear sway bar and the front tie bar. Highly recommended!

[atomicEGT]

Thanks guys

When I bought my GT a few years back I was a little down on the fact it was a Ford ... but since I've learned it's a Mazda "on the inside" I've been very happy with my choice.

hey now, there's nothing wrong with fords...



as long as the important bits are made by mazda

[lscrx]

hey now, there's nothing wrong with fords...



as long as the important bits are made by mazda

And buy replacement parts at the Mazda dealer... a $4 lower-balljoint bolt at Mazda costs $10.25 at the Ford stealership

I went to Mazda and told them it was for my '92 Protege LX and then walked across the street and said it was for my '92 "Escort GT"... cost over twice as much!

[Lex]

Tell me about it, when my NA downpipe rusted through, Ford wanted to charge me 600USD for a downpipe for my GT!!!

I then walked to the nearest motor shop and got one custom made for less than 200