mx5cartalk.com

Ok Guys,

I currently have oem shocks, kings on the back and something saggy and low on the front. I have some options:

1. Mx5 Plus have several full sets of Bilsteins(second hand) with a few different spring combos - Auto EXE, racing beat, Eibach and some others(all second hand).

2. Get 2 new kings for the front, and get new KYB AGX adjustables all round.

3. Get 2 new kings for the front, and put second hand bilsteins all round.

I am swaying a certain way on this, but I would like to hear what you guys think. The Bilsteins have around 50K on them. And the setup will cost a similar amount, which ever one i go for, so price is not the issue here.

Things I think you should know. I like a firm ride, but my car is a road car, and roads in brisbane are horrid. Track work is maybe 3 times a year. So, who would go for what setup?

Boags

I've had the same sort of problem and decided to pass on the second hand Bilsteins and save my hard earned ( greatly subsidised by my Tax Return ) for a set of new shocks/springs.

My thinking was that the Bilsteins and the springs were an unknown really, so I would go with new shocks be that KYBs, Konis or whatever. Anything over standard is going to be an improvement.

Richard

Plus, adjustability always helps

Choice 2 makes sense to me . . .

I have 2nd hand Bilsteins on my NA6. My mate has the KYBs. After driving both cars this is my conclusion...

- the KYB have the advantage of adjustability
- the Bilsteins are a much firmer ride
- Handling wise both sort of the same
- bottom line - KYB = a touch more comfort...Bilstein = pure sports suspension and turn out to be pretty stiff

Well. I took Shazza down to Fulcrum Stafford today to get their free check and quote.

As I suspected, I need 4 new shocks.

I said in my original post that I was swaying toward one option in particular, that is no 2. At under $500 delivered from the US, it is an absolute steal for brand new shocks, and kings can be had for around $80 each if you look hard enough. All i need now is a carton of beer and some helpful forumites...

Boags

Boags - one thing I have learnt is that its wiser to spend once only.

Adjustability on shock bodies may be nice, but its more important to get them to match the springs. Pointless having all the adjustability but not able to control that body/spring. A common comment with the OEM style Bilsteins is that the ride is harsh, but teamed with the right springs everything changes. These days, I would only buy monotube shocks if I had the choice, but I probably value their ability to handle heat (long drives) more. Next anything that is re-buidable is a plus.

Now, compared to what you have, any replacement is going to be better. But if you think you won't be happy a few months down the track, then you should wait and buy what you really want.

I just picked up my new car two weeks ago, and have lots of options with suspension, unfortunately none easy as its not a very common model. After doing a bit of research, I have decided to stick with the stock setup for now, purely because I don't know what exactly I want changed (ie what characteristics) in order to change it.

BUMP.

Still looking for opinions guys.

Thanks. Boags

What Ted said. The springs and shocks need to be compatible/matched and not just ordered to price or you may be very disappointed in the result. You get what you pay for etc.

BTW, what did Fulcrum suggest?

JBT wrote:BTW, what did Fulcrum suggest?

to empty his wallet undoubtebly

MX5 Mania have a set of Billies and springs from an SE, with 4K's for $1200, these are advertised as fitting everything but I'd double check.

p.s. Boags seeings as Tich is O/S I think that by default you're in charge of organising an evening of steaks.

vSPyvSPy wrote:

JBT wrote:BTW, what did Fulcrum suggest?

to empty his wallet undoubtebly

MX5 Mania have a set of Billies and springs from an SE, with 4K's for $1200, these are advertised as fitting everything but I'd double check.

p.s. Boags seeings as Tich is O/S I think that by default you're in charge of organising an evening of steaks.

Why me??? I couldn't organise my way out of a paper bag.

And yes, fulcrum quoted me 4 KYB AGX fitted for $1584... *gasp* Even $1200 from mania is waaay out of the price range.

JBT - I don't see what you mean by compatible or matched. Surely it would be preference, as long as the shocks and springs are for an NA6 they will match. If it's characteristics you mean, then yes, i could well be dissapointed, but that is the chance with any setup (especially if it isn't adjustable). I'm not saying you're wrong, the bilstein setup is very tempting!! And with plenty to choose from for springs, I may go that way. The appeal of having *new* is hard to go past though. Limited lifetime warranty, and so on. I do want to make the right choice, that is why i started this thread, to make sure what I end up with is compatible.

Still confused...

Boags

Boags'MX5 wrote:JBT - I don't see what you mean by compatible or matched. Surely it would be preference, as long as the shocks and springs are for an NA6 they will match.

what JBT means is that springs & shocks work together.

Yes various combinations will physically bolt to the car....thats not what JBT is on about.

for instance. King & Koni Combintion is a proven combination & works well. Its simple.....but it works.
However if you were to get King Springs & also get the OEM shocks.....or any cheap shock from some suspension place......you'll find within a few weeks......your shocks ....will be shot. Believe me.......mine lasted no more than 4 weeks after i had installed the King springs.

so yes do ask questions....but no matter what.....a good set up will cost money. But it will be worth your wait

sounds like you need a simple set up which works.....King koni. Still somewhere around $1200 New.

So, the question i should ask is:

People with KYB AGX adjustables, what springs do you run, and how do you find it?

Conversly, people with Bilsteins, what springs do you run and how do you find it??

If anyone has either and has kings, i'd love to hear from you!!

Boags

I run my bilsteins with kings.
I find that the kings are a bit softer then other springs like Eibachs.
However I am very happy with the combo. Not much body roll, good handling with a bit of a comfort buffer from the king springs but pretty harsh highway driving.

Bilsteins with Kings in mine. Not bad though the standard springs were better, but I wanted it to sit slightly lower