Coil overs vs Springs and Struts?

https://mazdaspeeds.org/index.php?threads/bilstein-b16-pss9-ms3-07-install.11808/
Here somewhere I have before and after 4 corner height measurements.

 

You state around 3/4 inch drop at max height that jives with what I saw but unfortunately I didn't measure car height prior to install

 

So you been living with these for a 2 years now? Whats the verdict compared to OEM? City driving? Potholes?

Roads are so lousy in DC with so many potholes and speedbumps. I cant deal with 400 spring rates anymore. Highway...its awesome. Rest of the time...I hate it.

 

Well.... I'm a old man 66 with a typical back that lived a hard life.
So since I still have a stone stock 08 speed 3 let's just say, it's much harder. Night and day harder.
Here's a example:
So in my first speed 6 with slammed springs it was which divit, pot hole, driveway, speed bump would cause bottom out on bump stops. Sucks.
Harsh, no travel, but Ooo so low.
Now on to a explanation I hope I can convey:
As I mentioned in my posts, I set up coils to allow highest ride height (So minimum drop)
The ride is acceptable in that matches the damping rates to can set on damping adjustments. I would like a little more progressive spring rate, not possible if you remember how little stroke is left before bump stop limits.
It would with my back and age -- not be the only daily driver. My second speed 6 on B8's and CorkSport lowering coils is much better, slightly more firm rates and some more suspension compliance.
Would I change? Money is not the question.
No. I like it just as it is, slightly lower, go-cart like in roll and pitch. Stock sway bars too. Bigger sway bar rates, not for me with how it sits. Actually rotates at limit better than stock, just a little bit smaller of a range before....bad things happen than stock. Overall happy. Would I have liked B8 and CorkSport lowering springs? No.
If was a daily driver likely would have been disappointed with firmness on a day to day commute.

 

Good info. I love the go cart handling of the V3s...have for 10 years.

But its not just me who has to put up with the ride, its the lady too.

Its annoying when I get into DC or into NYC and I'm slamming into potholes. 3 people in the car and its way worse.

Its always a compromise unless you have magnetorheological dampers...that's when you can have it all. I see an SS 1Le in my future..

 

I agree, I should mention... I am the only driver...Backseat passenger not a fun ride in mine. Mine has CF hood, rear hatch and fiberglass rear body shell, no bumper support. So ride height will be different too all things being equal.

 

Anyone point me to a pic of a gen 1 Speed3 with the Bilstein B12 Prokit? I wanna see how much gap there is.