Hello All,
My recently purchased 03 STR was on the lift yesterday with a Jaguar expert conducting a safety inspection, suspension, brakes, damage etc. He annoted the car as "sound" and a test drive described it as "one bad attitude car".
He noted the pan or bottom shield was missing. Any leads where I can find or if I need to replace this? He offers to reflash the transmission to smooth out the shifts, fresh brakes all around and..
He says the car has been lowered!!! He advises the springs have been replaced and the adaptive suspension will not be very effective because of the change.
Is it worth the expense to return the orginal springs? maybe I should just complete the maintinance and look for a STR with less "attitude"or a 4.2 non sc S type.
Phil in Tenn
03 STR
05 Mazdaspeed Miata
72 Lotus Elan +2

 

I would keep it, the lowered springs will cause your struts to wear out alittle faster. If you want to go back stock there are several people on here that has the stock str springs for sale. I saw a set in the classifieds for $100 I believe. It will take you about 2 hrs to change them out no biggie. Also once yo swap out the springs those lowered ones will get you 200-400 dollars, so you will make money.

Congrats on the STR, I have a 4.2 no supercharged and it's a beast I can't imagine what a STR would be like driving.

 

What type of springs are they? H & R or Arden?

 

I've got a stock set if you want them. Just meet me half way.

 

The lowered springs are likley Mina Gallery since they are a bit lower than a friends H & R. They will be availaable in a week or two. Any idea waht they are worth? I will provide a picture and a description once they are off the car.
Next is the transmission kit, with luck this will sort out the minor 1 1/2 shift between 1 and second and the lurch down into 1st. A helpful Forum guy provided a good source , will the shop need to replace all the Torx bolts and how many should I order?
After 4 different pairs of rear rotors from three sources I finnaly had to go to Jag..hope the rears for Jag Bits are a match. Pads from NAPA were spot on..we are getting close to completion..next will be addressing the oil around the spark plugs I found when changing for fresh NKG's. Valve cover and grommets are a dealer only part?
Phil
Phil in Tenn

 

Probably not worth anything. You can just send them too me to get them out of your hair. LOL. Totally kidding. All kidding aside I think the Minas were more then the H&R but I have no idea what they would be worth used. Another question you might get asked is would you happen to know how long they were on the car?? Do you happen to know how much lower they are then your friends H&R's??

 

I would say a half an inch lower

 

...half inch lower than the H & R's? Aren't the Minas lowering spring same as the Ardens? Ardens are 1.25" lower on all 4 sides which I have on mine.

 

I didnt take measurements, but it looked like it sat ~.5 lower than mine that has h&r. He was sitting on the tires.

 

I run H&R Sport lowering springs. Though they give the car that much desired lowered stance, the stock CAT struts bottom out on road conditions where there is a larger than "normal" dip or bump in the road. I'm switching to non CAT struts. Anyone want my almost new front CAt struts...let me know?

 

What are you going to do to fool the computer so you don't get a CEL?

 

According to BRUTAL, unplugging the CAT module (in trunk) won't set off a CEL.

 

Which brand struts are you going to go with as a substitute then?

 

Sent ya a Pm'.