Full GT Spec Underbracing Installed & Review

[ElBartoRex]

I recently had the opportunity to work with Ken at GT Spec on ‘officially’ testing some of their existing Mazda3 bracing for fitment on the MS3. Here is some pictures and information on what I found.





Parts tested:
GTS-SUS-1135 4-point ladder brace
GTS-SUS-1190 4-point mid brace
GTS-SUS-1158 Mid-Chassis brace
GTS-SUS-1126 Rear lower tie brace
GTS-SUS-1127 Link reinforcement panel
GTS-SUS-1128 Rear V-brace
GTS-SUS-1125 Front lower tie brace


Fitment and installation:
Fitment was perfect an all of the parts I tested with the exception of the front lower tie brace, which was actually designed to work with an automatic transmission on the fist model year Mazda3. Because of this, it does not clear the trans enough on the MS3; however GT Spec is possibly in the works to build a MS3 specific version.
Other than that, the GT Spec bracing bolted right up to the stock mounting points with no issues. Some of the braces use existing hardware and bolts while other utilize threaded inserts and heavy duty bolts/washers. Installation is pretty straight forward and can be done with standard hand tools. Installing the rear lower tie brace was a bit tricky because the bolt on the passenger side is very close to the gas tank allowing for limited clearance. Also it is important to note that the link reinforcement panel does require you to remove the rear camber bolts. I just made extra sure to mark the stock bolt orientation with some white-out so I could be sure they were reinstalled properly.
Installing the GT Spec underbracing does require you to remove some of the stock chassis bracing. Since I had all of these parts off of the car at once, I decided to do some weight measurements of the stock vs. the GT Spec parts. Here are the results:

GT Spec 4-point mid brace: 1.5 lbs
Stock mid brace: 4.5 lbs
GT Spec ladder brace: 4.1 lbs
GT Spec Mid-Chassis brace: 3.5 lbs
Stock mid-chassis brace: 10 lbs
GT Spec Link reinforcement brace: 4 lbs
Stock link reinforcement brace: 10 lbs.
GT Spec Rear V-brace (combined): 1.7 lbs
GT Spec Rear lower tie brace: 1.2 lbs

Even after adding 3 additional braces to the car, it still works out to 8.5lb weight savings (for all you auto-x gurus).

Driving Impressions:
The GT Spec chassis bracing makes a considerable difference on this car, even when just used as a freeway daily driver. Turn-in feels much crisper and the handling of the car feels tighter overall. I can definitely feel that my stock springs are now the weak link in my handling. I plan on getting the car out on the AutoX course to really experience the competitive advantages of this setup as opposed to when I was running stock. I thought that with the added bracing cabin vibration would be a major issue; however vibration increase is minimal if noticeable at all. This may also due to the fact that I have been driving with a poly rear motor mount for the last 6 months as well.
Overall, I think that the GT Spec chassis bracing is a great handling upgrade for the MS3 on both the street and the track. I drive almost 80 miles a day on this setup and I don’t find it uncomfortable for daily driving, though definitely not as soft as stock. Complimented with a stiffer springs/dampers and some thicker swaybars, this would be a killer upgrade in handling for the MS3.

Let me know if you have any questions or want to see any more photos, I have a whole bunch that I have taken during the testing process.

[Lex]

so which brace is the best to start with?

[kingpin748]

Thanks!

[Fobio]

when can we expect pricing for these things?

[ElBartoRex]

Originally Posted by Lex so which brace is the best to start with?

I never had any of these on by themselves, but I would imagine that the front ladder bar would make the biggest difference by itself.

[ElBartoRex]

Originally Posted by Fobio when can we expect pricing for these things?

these parts are already in production and available from GT Spec or any GT Spec distributor

the part numbers listed are up to date for the correct parts that fit the MS3

[redrocketz]

I have installed these parts on a few MS3's now and more regular 3's and even a Mazda5 yeah I said it a 5 and have only had an issue with the center brace on a couple cars. they make a huge difference on the car for sure.

[Lex]

I wonder if they have any adverse effects on the crumple zones of the car

[Boosted333]

Thanks for the info!

[Lymerock]

very nice of ya to grab the weights
im an autocrosser, but those braces would put me so far out of class

[ElBartoRex]

Originally Posted by Lymerock very nice of ya to grab the weights im an autocrosser, but those braces would put me so far out of class

you bet-- I pride myself on my anal-retentiveness

[fqspd3]

Subbing for availability

[gsrtype1]

badass!

[Eazy]

Originally Posted by fqspd3 Subbing for availability

Available now:

Originally Posted by ElBartoRex these parts are already in production and available from GT Spec or any GT Spec distributor the part numbers listed are up to date for the correct parts that fit the MS3

GTS-SUS-1135 4-point ladder brace GT Spec Suspension

GTS-SUS-1190 4-point mid brace GT Spec Suspension

GTS-SUS-1158 Mid-Chassis brace GT Spec Suspension

GTS-SUS-1126 Rear lower tie brace GT Spec Suspension

GTS-SUS-1127 Link reinforcement panel GT Spec Suspension

GTS-SUS-1128 Rear V-brace GT Spec Suspension

GTS-SUS-1125 Front lower tie brace GT Spec Suspension

[oskinosmee]

nice

[bioevolve]

Price please for all of them shipped!?!?!?!

[Eazy]

Originally Posted by bioevolve Price please for all of them shipped!?!?!?!

Why dont' you ask street unit... they're the ones who sell them

[redrocketz]

we sell them all also. had them listed for a long time now.

[bioevolve]

I only see 2 of them listed under MS3 on SU's and PG's site.

[fqspd3]

^^^x2 & those are for the reg 3 I wanna make sure it's for the speed3

Originally Posted by redrocketz we sell them all also. had them listed for a long time now.

Link?

[Eazy]

Originally Posted by bioevolve I only see 2 of them listed under MS3 on SU's and PG's site.

I put a link to every piece above..... go to the site and search for the part numbers..... It's not that hard!

At Streeunit:

Originally Posted by Speeed3 GTS-SUS-1135 4-point ladder brace GT Spec Suspension GTS-SUS-1190 4-point mid brace GT Spec Suspension GTS-SUS-1158 Mid-Chassis brace GT Spec Suspension GTS-SUS-1126 Rear lower tie brace GT Spec Suspension GTS-SUS-1127 Link reinforcement panel GT Spec Suspension GTS-SUS-1128 Rear V-brace GT Spec Suspension GTS-SUS-1125 Front lower tie brace GT Spec Suspension

At ProtegeGarage:

GTS-SUS-1135 4-point ladder brace Mazda3Online :: ProtegeGarage :: MazdaRX8Online - Your Source for Mazda Performance

GTS-SUS-1158 Mid-Chassis brace Mazda3Online :: ProtegeGarage :: MazdaRX8Online - Your Source for Mazda Performance

GTS-SUS-1126 Rear lower tie brace Mazda3Online :: ProtegeGarage :: MazdaRX8Online - Your Source for Mazda Performance

GTS-SUS-1125 Front lower tie brace Mazda3Online :: ProtegeGarage :: MazdaRX8Online - Your Source for Mazda Performance

Originally Posted by fqspd3 ^^^x2 & those are for the reg 3 I wanna make sure it's for the speed3

SEE BELOW

Originally Posted by ElBartoRex these parts are already in production and available from GT Spec or any GT Spec distributor the part numbers listed are up to date for the correct parts that fit the MS3

Originally Posted by ElBartoRex Fitment and installation: Fitment was perfect an all of the parts I tested with the exception of the front lower tie brace, which was actually designed to work with an automatic transmission on the fist model year Mazda3. Because of this, it does not clear the trans enough on the MS3; however GT Spec is possibly in the works to build a MS3 specific version. Other than that, the GT Spec bracing bolted right up to the stock mounting points with no issues. Some of the braces use existing hardware and bolts while other utilize threaded inserts and heavy duty bolts/washers.

Ever heard of reading before posting?

[udontknowjack]

do u really need all 7 pieces? or is there a must have combo piece package... all 7 pieces are like $880+

[bioevolve]

Then the working parts need to be listed under MS3, then I will buy. So that I won't get told, "sorry it doesn't fit the MS3, only for the the M3, no refund if you don't buy what's listed on our site for your car". I've been thru that crap before when someone said it works, then come to find out it doesn't. It gives me assurance to say, "well it's listed for the MS3 on your site". Then a refund has to be honored. You know what I mean?

[udontknowjack]

Originally Posted by bioevolve Then the working parts need to be listed under MS3, then I will buy. So that I won't get told, "sorry it doesn't fit the MS3, only for the the M3, no refund if you don't buy what's listed on our site for your car". I've been thru that crap before when someone said it works, then come to find out it doesn't. It gives me assurance to say, "well it's listed for the MS3 on your site". Then a refund has to be honored. You know what I mean?

wat??

[SLS MS3]

Originally Posted by bioevolve Then the working parts need to be listed under MS3, then I will buy. So that I won't get told, "sorry it doesn't fit the MS3, only for the the M3, no refund if you don't buy what's listed on our site for your car". I've been thru that crap before when someone said it works, then come to find out it doesn't. It gives me assurance to say, "well it's listed for the MS3 on your site". Then a refund has to be honored. You know what I mean?

There parts were designed for the MZ3, there are no MS3 specific versions. Most of them happen to fit the MS3 as well, which is the whole point of this thread. As far as the situation you said you were worried about, I recommend buying parts from better vendors.

[bioevolve]

Why aren't they listed under MS3 category on the vendor sites if they fit ?!?!?!

Why can't they keep it one color?

Why did it take so long to figure this out?

[redrocketz]

Originally Posted by bioevolve Why aren't they listed under MS3 category on the vendor sites if they fit ?!?!?! Why can't they keep it one color? Why did it take so long to figure this out?

well they were never official for the car.

Gt-spec now only has blue.

It didn't take long at all. I fit these parts to a speed3 last year. The speed is no different chassis wise.

[phillyb]

no more orange?
the ones i order are going to be blue?

[ElBartoRex]

Originally Posted by bioevolve Why aren't they listed under MS3 category on the vendor sites if they fit ?!?!?! Why can't they keep it one color? Why did it take so long to figure this out?

they were never listed to fit the MS3 because they were never officially tested by GT Spec until now. The MS3 and the MZ3 have identical chassis' (as far as I know) and the parts had a 99% chance of fitting but nobody could officially say that they did because they were never physically put on the car.

Now that they are confirmed to fit, GT Spec and their vendors will be updating the part descriptions to include the MS3. Ken at GT Spec and I have been working on this for a while, sending parts back and forth and trying to mock up plans for possibly developing some MS3 specific bracing that isn't available on the MZ3 (like the front lower tie brace) which is why this testing was delayed a little bit. As some other people have mentioned, there have been people that have already put these parts on the MS3, however I understand your position- as a vendor I have a hard time selling parts for a car that are only 'rumored' to fit. Be patient and all the parts should be confirmed in writing to fit the MS3.

[fqspd3]

Originally Posted by Speeed3 Ever heard of reading before posting?

I did read it jerk… I just want the comfort of all the pieces saying “also available for MS3” or “can also be used with”… Ever heard of a security blanket?

OR I guess that’s just me being super cautious again…

[Radar_This]

nice +1

[bioevolve]

Ok, so the current Front lower tie brace doesn't fit, what about the Trunk Reinforcement brace? Is that for the MS3 or sedan cause it says trunk?

[ElBartoRex]

Originally Posted by bioevolve Ok, so the current Front lower tie brace doesn't fit, what about the Trunk Reinforcement brace? Is that for the MS3 or sedan cause it says trunk?

there is a rear brace that I did not test because GT Spec was actually out of stock at the time.

I think the trunk brace is only for the sedan.

[peeaanuut]

grip garage also has a full listing of the parts and are listed as MS3 compatible.

[numbnuts22715]

The total price is almost 900 dollars. Do you think it's worth it?

[ztuner]

Originally Posted by numbnuts22715 The total price is almost 900 dollars. Do you think it's worth it?

8.5 lbs for 900 bux ? what do you think ?

Harry

[numbnuts22715]

Originally Posted by ztuner 8.5 lbs for 900 bux ? what do you think ? Harry

I think I'm going to go with a bigg NO on that one. Could just replace the braces that we have on our car, and not add any others, save some more weightm, but its probably still not worth it unless it changes how the car drives dramatically.

quick math nad a quick look, you save about 15 by just replacing stock ones with gt spec, and not adding any extras that the car doesnt come with stock.

Still, its like 500 bucks or soemthing :-/

[udontknowjack]

all this bracing is not gonna help a daily driven ms3....it will help a track/autox ms3.....

[redrocketz]

I've driven full gt-spec cars and there is a drastic change in the handling of the car.

[peeaanuut]

Originally Posted by udontknowjack all this bracing is not gonna help a daily driven ms3....it will help a track/autox ms3.....

it depends on where you drive. If its your daily driver but is frequent to canyon runs you will notice the difference. That is my thought behind getting them. Maybe a day or 2 of track time a year, but alot of mountain/canyon driving will make them quite worth it. Starting small of course. One piece at a time.