PSS9 opinions?

[93_Clubman]

This might be of interest from FCM - it's a shock app guide for the NA:
http://www.fatcatmotorsports.com/FCM_app_guide.htm

[stb]

Interesting link, although there doesn't seem to be any relativity except for nothing is as good as an FCM revalve.
From that I deduce that the Illuminas are the best non-bilstein option.
So many choices...

[93_Clubman]

Flyin Miata's views: http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/suspension_packages.php

[greenMachine]

Unless I have missed something, neither of these links say anything about the PSS9.

Lets keep it relevant folks - we all know there are a zillion alternatives, but the question was about PSS9s.

[RobH]

I got my PSS9's from Shox.com in the states as well. They cost me about $1750 landed at my door and only took 5 days to reach me. It took me longer to getting around to installing them than it took to receive them!

The difference between the PSS9's and the set up I had that came with the car was light years. The car had standard shocks with lowered peddars springs and used to bounce over bumps and holes but now it absorbs them with ease. The car handles corners with confidence and is very compliant. At first I didn't think there was much difference between the 9 settings however this changed when driving on some of Melbourne's rougher roads (Burwood hwy along the tram tracks between Warrigal Rd and Camberwell Rd). When you have them set at 9 you feel every bump and road crease but when on the softer setting like 2 or 3 the car is a lot smoother and relaxed.

Some people may want the car to sit lower than possible with PSS9's however the lowest ride height achievable is really as low as you want to go with out upsetting the cars handling in a negative way. You can check out pics in my garage thread to see my ride height. http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=39685
The pictures with the enkei wheels (last 4-5 pictures) shows the ride height with PSS9's set fairly low. I found if you go too low on the front the tyres will scrub in the guards and the rear can only go so low because of the drive shaft interfering with the height adjustment collar.

[93_Clubman]

Unless I have missed something, neither of these links say anything about the PSS9.

Lets keep it relevant folks - we all know there are a zillion alternatives, but the question was about PSS9s.

Exactly Ed - that's the relevance.

I note earlier in the thread, Bilstein's application guide indicates PSS9 are for the NB, now may be they can be made to fit, but two of the big Miata specialists in the US don't mention them in relation to the NA.

[greenMachine]

Unless I have missed something, neither of these links say anything about the PSS9.

Lets keep it relevant folks - we all know there are a zillion alternatives, but the question was about PSS9s.

Exactly Ed - that's the relevance.

I note earlier in the thread, Bilstein's application guide indicates PSS9 are for the NB, now may be they can be made to fit, but two of the big Miata specialists in the US don't mention them in relation to the NA.

Good point! They don't mention a lot of others either.

I must say I wondered about the NA thing, but I assume the OP has checked this out.

I seem to recall a discussion regarding Teins (?) that said the NB shocks could be made to fit an NA with a top hat fitting or something similar. Perhaps this is it? http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=5635&parentid=0&stocknumber=13-57100 Probably wouldn't need the keeper spring in an NA with that setup ...

Regarding the PSS9, they were certainly developed for the NB, but I doubt the weight difference of an NA would make much difference to the performance of the shocks. Again, be good to hear from someone who has been there ...

[Benny]

I've had my PSS9's on my SP for over 7 years, and I still think they are great.
No other shock/spring combination seems to give you the excellent wheel control that the Bilstiens give you.

You can set them soft for a very smooth ride (better than stock), yet they still hang on to the road like glue.
Set them harder, and the steering is instant and lively, but they don't skip all over the road like many others do.

I've had a number of people drive my car, and they are all very impressed with the Bilstiens.
Comfortable, but handles extremely well, and they last a long, long time.
Daniel Deckers has dríven my car a number of times, and often for more than an hour at a time, and he reckons mine is the best MX-5 he's ever dríven. He's dríven LOTS of MX-5's too.

To me, I give it every thumbs up!

I've had lots of hot cars in my time, and I've tried all sorts of shocks and springs, but I've always found Bilstiens to be the best overall shock you can buy.
The best thing about them is that they are very "liveable" in every day conditions, then tweek the adjustments, and you have a track hog chomping at the bit.