Coilovers

[Mactype]

Hi,

Currently in the process of looking for a Mx5 (NA of some description) and I'm just going through what package I'd like to put together. The car will ultimately be handed over to my son but as I'm between track cars at present I may contest next years supersprint series in it.

As a background, I'm coming from quite a few years sprinting a well setup PRB clubman in which I ran Koni 8211 coilovers revalved to suit the application teamed with eibach springs.

I'm currently finding it hard to come to terms with just what is a good coilover for the MX5 and why. It appears Teins are the flavour of the month, is this because they offer good performance for the money or have they been built to suit the MX5. If they have been valved to suit does anyone know what weight wheel and tyre size package they would they have been setup for?. Can they be revalved locally if needed?

I'm currently leaning towards a 15x8 6UL rim from 949racing with Kumho V70's in a 225/45x15 size.

Thanks guys

Darryl

[CT]

Teins have been the flavour of my month for over 4 years now - just took so long for the others to catch up! They are already valved for the MX5 from the factory but if you are using the Flex in an NA, you will want to soften the rear springs by 1kg or 80lbs - you can get them from Tein or Kings can make them locally. If you are going to supersprint and want to be competitive, you may want stickier rubber than the Kumhos, I used to use the Dunlop D01s but they were the class of the field - an you get what you pay for. Then add a whiteline front bar, some ROPs like a Brown Davis and you are good to go.

[Mactype]

that answers some questions thanks!

with the tyres, are we talking about the soft compounds on both Dunlops and Kumho's? Just I was chatting to the Kumho importer a couple of days ago and he suggested he only brings in mediums and I'd have to special order softs.

[manga_blue]

Interesting to hear a PRB guy change to an MX5 - fillings getting a bit loose, were they? In any case they're both great fun on the track.


What CT said about the Teins. Once people fit Teins they don't seem to change them. The 7/6 F/R spring rates that most Teins come now with are a bit stiff for the rear of the NA so you could consider either removing the rear anti-rollbar altogether or adding a heavier front rollbar or, as CT suggested, finding lighter rear springs. If you're serious about track the heavier front bar is a good option.

[Mactype]

Interesting to hear a PRB guy change to an MX5 - fillings getting a bit loose, were they?

now thats just plain nasty - I'm off the to hairdressers

[manga_blue]

To be honest I'd love a PRB - always loved that clubman look and the concept of that style of car but we do a lot of touring in my MX5. The PRB's just a bit too hard core for that sort of long distance relationship.