NC Suspension... AGAIN

duggan_nugget · Postby **duggan_nugget** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:31 pm

I know this has been done to death, but I've read all related posts all the way back to early 08 on this forum, and a few on a few others (miata.net etc) and I still don't really have an answer.
First a bit of history..
The NC sits too high for my taste (the renown '4x4' look) and I was looking to lower it a bit (30mmish) with an added bonus of being better through the twisties.
I've looked into a few of the cheap options - new springs and stock shocks (not sure if mine are the bilstien or tokico ones), new shocks and stock springs, new springs and shocks.
I came to the conclusion after hours and hours of reading that Progress springs and Koni sports shocks would be a good plan (with whiteline adjustables of course)
Now the question
Is it true that you need to cut the bump stops/buy new ones when you lower NC's?

Also, if anyone is knowledgable enough, how much is shipping and duties usually from the states (looking at goodwin racing)?
Thanks!

reflex · Postby **reflex** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 4:02 pm

IMHO I would say "yes its true" you need to cut/buy new bump stops when lowering the NC. I've got my springs in a box waiting to go in, and I have specific instructions (albeit in Japanese) to cut the bump stops.

duggan_nugget · Postby **duggan_nugget** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 4:07 pm

Does it specify how much to cut them by? How much lower are those springs from stock?
Thanks

reflex · Postby **reflex** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 4:17 pm

unsure exactly on the drop but the theory is 35mm front 30mm rear.
Have a look at the pic for the page. Your guess is as good as mine for which is front and which is back?

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:51 pm

I ran around a 40mm drop on the front and rear with Kings & stock shocks and didn't cut the bump stops. (Now running Teins)

The fronts NEVER bottomed out, the rears did with two people plus luggage onboard but only over very rough roads.

Remember the NC has a different suspension layout and far greater wheel travel compared to the NAs & NBs, where a 25mm drop requires you to cut or replace the bumpstops.

If you're only dropping it 25 - 30mm I would think you'll be fine but if you want to put some in while the rears are out, get some FatCat bumpstops from the US.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:01 pm

duggan_nugget wrote:......, how much is shipping and duties usually from the states (looking at goodwin racing)?
Thanks!

My set of 4 Tein SS were US$315 to ship to SE Victoria.
Customs duty is also payable if the cost of goods is over $1000..

duggan_nugget · Postby **duggan_nugget** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:21 am

Were those Tiens $315 shipped or it was the price plus $315 to get them here?

PAU61L · Postby **PAU61L** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:49 am

Hello, I had mazda speed springs which were supposed to drop 20 mm but only dropped 10 mm they were quite stiff and harsh on the road.
Then got some eibach springs which were supposed to lower 30 mm but dropped it by 50 mm, they are a great spring comfortable and great handling.
Another forum member hasd the mazdaspeed and they did the same for him.
Another forum member used the eibachs and they did the same drop for him, which was too low to get out of his driveway.
All these were on the standard shocks, they were too low on our car, however another member has them on his car and they dropped 35mm and they look and handle good. Where are you located.
Talk to you later, Paul.