mx5cartalk.com

Hello.
I am currently looking into various suspension components such as sway bars and coilovers to increase the handling of my 5 through the adelaide hills.
Since i am always under full comprehensive insurance (justcar) i do not want to perform any modifications that will void the insurance.
I know that i can definitely get away with sway bars, bracing and several other smaller things, but the biggest issue i can find is with adjustable coilovers.....
I have searched rather extensively on many forums, and the best i can find is people saying they MAY be alright under certain conditions, but mostly a big NO.
The suspension i have been interested in is by HSD. Would I be able to get any information from anyone if they know if it would be possible to have these fitted without being illegal/voiding my insurance?
Would i just be much better off looking into a set of springs and some new dampers? (any suggestions there for a daily driver would be much appreciated) And obviously i would be wanting to have the car sit an inch or so lower.

Thanks, Corey.

Welcome!

As you've already said, the internet mostly says "maybe" and I can't really see you getting much more of a response from here. Best bet is to call your local roads and services body and get the word straight from the horses mouth.

The only people who can give you a definitive answer re your concerns with the insurance aspect is, your insurer.

As for the legality in SA of adjustable coil overs, someone here might actually know for certain, but your best bet is to phone the SA transport department. If they are legal to use in SA, there will be minimum ground clearance requirements, which if not adhered to (you go too low), will make your ride height illegal, and subsequently will be very likely to void your insurance anyway.

Adjustable coil-overs are a no go in SA. They'd need to be locked in place non adjusting to pass over at Regency if it does get defected.

I'd just go springs/shock absorbers myself & avoid the hassle. It may well pass but the defecting cop doesn't necessarily know how to tell the difference.

The official in the print info is here, http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/personal_transport/light_vehicles/cars_light_vehicles.asp

"Requirements for Raising or Lowering Vehicle Ride Height". You might as well get some of the others too.


Lower right side.

Thanks a lot for the replies, im glad i finally got a definite answer.
Now i will just look into springs and shocks. Hopefully i wont have any dramas finding something i will like.
Thanks again, Corey.

Glad to help

Unfortunately for my Familia GTR there isn't any brand making front struts for my model (front GTX don't interchange with GTR) & there's only coil overs for front... Only option otherwise is rebuild struts with Koni inserts.

so coilovers are legal as long as you cannot lower it it lower than that would allow less than 100mm ground clearance. same as all other states in oz.

If you're worried about legality, I strongly recommend going for NB Bilsteins with lowered springs and NB bumpstops (or flyin miata or FCM etc). Adelaide hills aren't the smoothest roads, and there are many times I've thanked the compliance and travel provided by the Bilsteins. You can hit a mid-corner bump or ripples and the suspension just soaks it up.

If you want to then go further there are options to get the bilsteins revalved for stock appearance (they were factory option) and extreme performance.

coreys wrote:Since i am always under full comprehensive insurance (justcar) i do not want to perform any modifications that will void the insurance.
I know that i can definitely get away with sway bars, bracing and several other smaller things, but the biggest issue i can find is with adjustable coilovers.....

I'm insured with Shannons and they have the Teins Flex noted on the insurance policy.
I'd get a price to insure your car from them if Justcar wont accept the coilovers.

As for preventing the car being lowered further than the minimum requirement, that’s easily fixed.

You just need another collar nut tack welded in positioned so that you can’t drop the bottom collar below the minimum height point.

Well, justcar state that they cover any modifications, providing they are street legal, so as long as the coilovers are street legal then they are fine. I may just put this on hold for now though, as i am waiting on some brakes and tyres to come in, then i will do some more research.
Thanks again, Corey.

I have BC coilovers in my car. Justcar don't seem to mind them, as they are listed on my policy.