NC - MCA Suspension

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Apr 25, 2016 5:22 pm

Thinking about a refurbishment of the NC's 110k suspension and also going a bit lower.

I like the idea of a product manufactured and supported in Australia and thus considering MCA adjustable suspension http://www.mcasuspension.com/.

I'm thinking the Blue Series as my track days are numbered and I'm sure they would out perform the standard kit anyway.

Have any other NC, or other model, owners gone MCA? Any thoughts?

pcmx5 · Postby **pcmx5** » Mon Apr 25, 2016 5:45 pm

Like you thinking about it but they convinced me that the added feature of the Reds were worth it.This would be a helpful post if I could remember their justification but I would certainly ask them the question!

Peter.

Dan · Postby **Dan** » Mon Apr 25, 2016 6:28 pm

I've got a set of Reds with track focussed valving since the car just drives to/from and on the track.

I love mine, very comfortable compared to the BC's that were on the car before and great performance.

I had an issue early on and MCA did a great job of supporting me by valving and overnighting to Sydney a replacement damper which impressed me.

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zero00 · Postby **zero00** » Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:30 pm

JBT

Josh Coote now has a workshop I think on Robinson Road at Geebung, perhaps cruise up and have a talk with him - a lot quicker than a cruise to Landsborough :wink:

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Apr 25, 2016 9:32 pm

Thanks guys. I'll contact MCA (thanks for the heads up Roger) in the next couple of days and go along to see what's doing.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Tue Apr 26, 2016 5:48 pm

Update:
Spoke with Josh by phone.
New place for the street stuff (blue, X and red) is Unit 2A, 229 Robinson Rd East, Geebung. Tel (07)3865 5091.
The suggestion for spirited road use is to go for the XR which would be a sort of de-tuned circuit set-up. Biggest advantage is a better ride than the blues due multiple valving on the upgraded shocks, which are pretty much red series shocks.
Also suggested that I go back to standard anti-roll bars (vs retaining the Whiteline adjustable) with this set-up. Luckily, I still have the originals.
Demand is fairly high for this gear on NC and RX-8 ATM, so I'd be looking at a two week lead time.
Looking at Just under $2500 supplied and fitted.
Hmmmm....

Dan · Postby **Dan** » Tue Apr 26, 2016 8:36 pm

Yeh the XR would probably be the go, basically Red series valving without the custom part of it which you probably don't need

One suggestion I would have is if they are suggesting 10kg/5kg spring rates or a similar 2:1 ratio I would up the spring rate in the rear (for reference Ohlins are 7kg/4kg 1.75:1).

They hadn't done any track testing themselves before they gave me mine so didn't have a great suggestion about spring rates so I went 1kg higher in the rear than they originally suggested (10kg/6kg instead of 10kg/5kg) based on my experience with other coilovers and Daniel Deckers advice but followed their recommendation to keep stock sway bars . I think those spring rates are close to right but I'm going to test 7kg springs anyway, I also increased damping more in the rear based on my track testing.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Wed Apr 27, 2016 10:19 pm

Spoke with them again today. Recommendation is still 10 kg front and 5 kg rear for spirited road use. Unfortunately, I have nothing to compare the set-up with, so am a bit confused as to what would be best now.

Anyone else out there who has fitted MCAs and your thoughts?

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:21 am

They are suggesting a setup to allow maximum rear traction. It is a base setup that should cover most applications for simple road use.

I would go stiffer in the rear if:- I tracked it and had a LSD fitted.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:20 pm

Hmmm... I'm leaving my options open now. There are other makes out there. :wink:

Dan · Postby **Dan** » Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:16 pm

project.r.racing wrote:They are suggesting a setup to allow maximum rear traction. It is a base setup that should cover most applications for simple road use.

I would go stiffer in the rear if:- I tracked it and had a LSD fitted.

Well it's sort of a matter of personal opinion what it needs, since the OP is coming from stock suspension 10/5 might feel perfect.

I think your logic is off regarding why they are using a lower spring rate in the rear, I'm pretty certain that rear traction is not the reason..

Yes, less spring in the rear gives more rear traction on exit like you are suggesting but it also makes the car understeer more at every point in the corner.

On a lightweight low powered car like an MX5 the focus of relative spring rate should primarily be to balance the car.

Don't let me scare you off JBT, they are great shocks and 10kg/5kg should still be fine. If you feel like it understeers you still have options - You can play with the damping, change the rear springs or a add an RX8 rear sway bar.

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