US Bilsteins fit mx5?

chris129 · Postby **chris129** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:01 am

Hi

Looking at purchasing a set of bilstein's for the 1996 NA8. Is there any difference between these and what we would buy here on Australia? Fair bit cheaper if you buy from the US.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:05 pm

if you're referring to the PSS9, confirm they're suitable for the NA8, as in the US the PSS9 tends to be associated with use on the NB8.

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:56 pm

My US sourced KYB AGX's fit on my NA but they had a bracket for the ABS which I didn't need but it didn't cause any problems other than adding a little bit more weight.

chris129 · Postby **chris129** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:31 pm

Thanks guys, just ordered a set - will post up some pictures and relay my thoughts.

chris129 · Postby **chris129** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:08 pm

OK my Blisteins arrived today - here are some pictures. Now I'm wondering whether I should add Eibach springs? Views welcome!

Anyone have a installation guide? Or is it best to get it down by a pro - most I've ever done mechanically is change brake pads and rotors. What are the rough installation costs?

rossint · Postby **rossint** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:36 pm

I put some coilovers in mine about a month ago. It's pretty straight forward as long as you don't encounter any tough bolts. I used this guide, it's pretty comprehensive:
http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=12941
If all goes smoothly it should take you about 5-6hrs. first time.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 9:56 pm

chris129 wrote:OK my Blisteins arrived today - here are some pictures. Now I'm wondering whether I should add Eibach springs? Views welcome!

From what I've read of this forum's posts, Eibachs are usually preferred with the Clubman Bilsteins, but it's one of those things where personal preference seems to vary more than most, & a few have not preferred Eibachs. Might be useful to do a bit of a search if you haven't already, to get a better idea of where forumites have found them suitable & where they haven't. The other issue is how Eibachs will suit these particular Bilsteins.

chris129 · Postby **chris129** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 9:59 pm

Thanks for the link - that installation guide was exactly what I was after. I'll give it a crack myself (famous last words).

I noticed in many pics online that the Bilstein shocks come with a blue plastic cover for part of the shock but mine don't seem to have that (shock dust boot?). Is that an oversight by the seller or an extra?

Regarding the eibachs, I'm trying to look up the spring rate and compare it to the H&R. The eibach drop is 1" whereas the H&R is 1.5". So it's a toss up between these two.

Wivvix · Postby **Wivvix** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:05 am

What about Tein or FM springs?

Some people replace the shock dust boot, lots of people don't bother. FCM sells them from memory.

http://fatcatmotorsports.com/FCM_Bilstein_stops_NA.htm

Might want to look at getting quality bumpstops while you're at it too.

2000ClassicRed · Postby **2000ClassicRed** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 1:51 pm

Hi Chris, Which website did you order your US Bilsteins through?

havachat1 · Postby **havachat1** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:21 pm

hi, just wondering what the freight cost from the u.s was for the bilseins. cheers.

Benny · Postby **Benny** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 3:36 pm

H & R stands for Hard and Rough, but I would go with the Eibachs.
Tell the spring seller exactly what shocks you have, and he should be able to recommend a suitable spring rate for you.

Knowing how well Eibachs and Bilstiens go together, I'm sure they have a spring set which will be perfectly matched to your new shocks.