Mazda dealers can supply and fit a lowing kit from the Mazda accesory catalogue.
1a. Debatable…
The Mazda kit just entails changing the springs for shorter ones, other companies can supply adjustable dampers also.
That’s the million dollar question, opinions will vary about what’s best. Comes down to your budget and what you what to achieve ultimately.
I’d expect to pay about £400 for a Mazda dealer to supply and fit the Mazda kit. I don’t know the cost of other kits but expect to pay about 2-3 hours labour to have a kit fitted, you’ll need a wheel alignment carrying out after fitting also.
In addition to Robbie’s comprehensive answer I believe if a Mazda dealer does the work the guarantee is not invalidated, a third party spring change would as far as I can remember not include the replacement parts in the Mazda vehicle warrantee.
You will probably save around £100 with a third party installation which would be total price, springs, fitting and alignment.
Be prepared to ground out on some obstacles, speed bumps etc, I ripped two aluminium X braces on my 30mm lowered MK3, but it did look fantastic. Your car already benefits from the revised suspension modifications, it does not have quite the 4x4 look of the NC1.
I had been thinking about some American made “Progress” springs for my NC3, they offer around an 12mm initial drop which can increase to 25mm after settling, unfortunately there are reports of leaking Bilstein shock absorbers when used in conjunction with these springs, I find that hard to comprehend as surely other springs such as Eibach and Mazdaspeed would be at least as likely to suffer with their slightly larger drop.
The downside for the smaller drop is US shipping and import charges, although a trip to San Diego to see Brian Goodwins facilities would be nice, Brian has been key in developing performance parts for the MK3 in the United States relevant to his autocross and race background.
The only other way to have a reduced drop would be fully adjustable suspension and that is considerably more expensive.
Not sure if my 2013 Sport has the same shocks as yours,but I was told by my main dealer that the official Mazda spring change reduced the ride height enough to look better,retained a good level of ride comfort and did not affect the warranty.They quoted around £350 which included them doing a geo wheel alignment.Unless I hear that this adversely affects the ride I will carry this out.
A J.
My new to me NC2 (pictured) has Mazda supplied and fitted Eibach lowering springs (they are blue rather than aftermarket yellow - exactly the same part though…), it also has 18" wheels.
Previously I had an un-lowered NC1 and before that an NB, on this one the ride is not crashy though you do need to be aware of bigger than usual humps and the handling is excellent.
