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Just got front fender frog arms install after installing chassis frame rails and rolls bar. In a nutshell, I am a bit underwhelmed by benefits. It does feel like the front end is stiffer as the car now feels more like a sedan than a convertible in terms of rigidity. However, I also feel that the playfulness or chuckability is slightly diminished almost as if the car is understeering now. I tried adjusting my Tokico's illumina to give more grip to the front by increasing rebound stiffness to the back. Is this the right thing to do? What else can I do the make the handling bias oversteer and to sharpen the steering and turn in ?

Wow..the Miata seems to be quite sensitive cars in that any changes you make can be felt quite significantly.

Alignment?

Davex3 wrote:

hamx5ter wrote:Alignment?

Yup alignment, toe out the front a little maybe 1mm per side.

What sways are you running? If they are adjustable either losen off the front or stiffen the rear or both.

+1 for backing off the front swaybar if you can and an alignment it'll be a new car

red devil wrote:

Davex3 wrote:

hamx5ter wrote:Alignment?

Yup alignment, toe out the front a little maybe 1mm per side.

What sways are you running? If they are adjustable either losen off the front or stiffen the rear or both.

+1 for backing off the front swaybar if you can and an alignment it'll be a new car

Thanks. I will give alignment a try. Looks like it could be the solution. I am always astounded at what the MX5 can do at such a modest price especially second hand. The best thing abt the MX is the runnng and modding cost...cheaper that a Toyota Corolla.

+1 on alignment.

I would go zero toe on the front so that you don't chew through tyres (or maybe a tiny bit of toe in) and about .7mm toe each side on the rear. Should make it more responsive. Either that or take it to someone who knows what they are doing (not necessarily your local Bob Jane...) and talk to them about it... I can recommend someone very good in SE Melbourne if you'd like.

Maybe your next mod should be adjustable sway bars, they're very good for altering the balance of the bar. Even an upgraded bar on the soft setting will make the car much, much more oversteer biased.

bensale wrote:+1 on alignment.

I would go zero toe on the front so that you don't chew through tyres (or maybe a tiny bit of toe in) and about .7mm toe each side on the rear. Should make it more responsive. Either that or take it to someone who knows what they are doing (not necessarily your local Bob Jane...) and talk to them about it... I can recommend someone very good in SE Melbourne if you'd like.

Maybe your next mod should be adjustable sway bars, they're very good for altering the balance of the bar. Even an upgraded bar on the soft setting will make the car much, much more oversteer biased.

Yes. Please recommend competent wheel alignment source.

The guy I use is Phil Hughes, he's located in Braeside, has a very good alignment machine and has done an awesome job on my car and a number of other MX-5's I have sent his way =) That and his prices are actually very good compared to say Bridgestone, especially considering the service and results you get. Tell him Ben with the white MX-5 sent you, though if you say you have an MX-5 he'll probably figure I recommended him. Phone 0405 837 443

If you like cars his factory is like a lolly shop, he specialises in exotics so you should enjoy yourself!

The harder your front end is, the more understeer you'll get.