Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

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Ian Thomas

Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Postby Ian Thomas » Sun Dec 16, 2012 9:58 pm

I have just purchased my first MX-5 . The previous owner had lowered the car 2". It feels as it has just had 2' cut off the springs and the rear bottoms out and the tyres leave the road on slightly rough highway roads (read sections from Melbourne to Sydney) The car looks tough at it's current ride height, however can someone suggest what I should do to solve this problem please.

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lee
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Vehicle: NA6
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Re: Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Postby lee » Sun Dec 16, 2012 11:01 pm

New shocks & springs?

A lot of people here (myself included) are running Koni adjustable shocks with various springs. Koni & King are a popular combination. I opted for Mazdaspeed springs, but I reckon they're a bit on the soft side. They make for a damn comfortable ride, though.

EDIT: I should also note I got my Konis from shox.com for ~$650 shipped
'91 Roadster

Ian Thomas

Re: Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Postby Ian Thomas » Sun Dec 16, 2012 11:23 pm

Hey, thanks for the tip. I should have thought of Mark King, I know him from the NASCAR days. I will try and get in touch with him tomorrow. I am amazed with this site, I have been watching it for months. I have a great interest in classic and collectable cars and this NA will be the first in my collection, it is a great little sports car.

MX5 CAR TALK is better than most of the international classic and collectable sites.

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bensale
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Re: Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Postby bensale » Sun Dec 16, 2012 11:41 pm

The problem you'll be having is that when the shocks compress you're hitting the rear bump stops. It's a fairly common problem with lowered MX5s particularly the NA series and can cause some really nasty characteristics, especially when combined with worn out suspension. The Koni's are a good option for reasonable money as well as a number of coilovers which start at around $1000. Also look into the FatCat motor sport bumpstops which are shorter and made of progressive rate rubber.
www.othersideproductions.com
NA6-Phillip Island 1:57.7, Winton 1:42.9, Winton Short 1:12.4, Sandown 1:35.2, Wakefield 1.15.9, Nurburgring 9:17.0

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lee
Racing Driver
Posts: 597
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 8:28 am
Vehicle: NA6
Location: Me!bourne

Re: Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Postby lee » Sun Dec 16, 2012 11:51 pm

Ian Thomas wrote:MX5 CAR TALK is better than most of the international classic and collectable sites.

You've picked it on a good day :wink:

Ben's advice is very good. With good quality components, a couple of little mods can work wonders for our little roadsters.

Good to hear you're enjoying the car!
'91 Roadster

Ian Thomas

Re: Rear Springs on 1990 NA

Postby Ian Thomas » Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:13 am

Thanks Ben and Lee,

Tomorrow I will be chasing up options and will report back.


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