Mk 3/3.5 chassis changes
Discussion
I was recently reading a copy of Evo magazine from April last year (issue 155), which had an article on the BBR Cosworth designed Supercharger fitted to an 05 Mk3. It stated that the Mk3.5 introduced in early 2009 had a 'chassis decisivly better' than the mk3 'much more like the best MX5 that have gone before'.
I was aware that the bottom end of the Mk3.5 engine was a bit stronger (allowing an extra 500 rpm before the redline), but I thought the chassis was much the same as the Mk3.
Can anyone enlighten me please?
I was aware that the bottom end of the Mk3.5 engine was a bit stronger (allowing an extra 500 rpm before the redline), but I thought the chassis was much the same as the Mk3.
Can anyone enlighten me please?
http://www.automobilesreview.com/auto-news/mazda-m...
For the facelift, Mazda engineers revised the front suspension by altering the ball joints’ vertical pivot position, which lowered the height of the front roll centre by 26 mm. This decreases fluctuations in vertical load on the outer wheel when cornering. As a consequence, roll movement caused by steering input is now more linear. Moreover, the R&D team fine-tuned the suspension settings to ensure that the MX-5 facelift reacts even more precisely to driver commands, and realised a higher quality ride by making yaw and roll feel more natural. Together these modifications translate into an enhanced ‘Jinba Ittai’ feeling of control, especially when cornering.
For the facelift, Mazda engineers revised the front suspension by altering the ball joints’ vertical pivot position, which lowered the height of the front roll centre by 26 mm. This decreases fluctuations in vertical load on the outer wheel when cornering. As a consequence, roll movement caused by steering input is now more linear. Moreover, the R&D team fine-tuned the suspension settings to ensure that the MX-5 facelift reacts even more precisely to driver commands, and realised a higher quality ride by making yaw and roll feel more natural. Together these modifications translate into an enhanced ‘Jinba Ittai’ feeling of control, especially when cornering.
I was led to believe that the main change/difference to the chassis in the UK was springs to change ride height.
Apparently the original mk3 had to have a higher ride height in uk to get better pedestrian safety scores, so different springs were added at the 11th hour without re-calibrating the geo.
This has also led to various other common suspension issues like twisted ARB bushes.
I think the above is also why dealers stocked aftermarket eibach lowering springs and were offering them as part of the sale of the cars in some instances.
Apparently the original mk3 had to have a higher ride height in uk to get better pedestrian safety scores, so different springs were added at the 11th hour without re-calibrating the geo.
This has also led to various other common suspension issues like twisted ARB bushes.
I think the above is also why dealers stocked aftermarket eibach lowering springs and were offering them as part of the sale of the cars in some instances.
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