(VIC)MX5 Na Suspension replacement + Q's

[fkn]

Hey guys

When i go over bumps, the car violently drops. Does this mean i need to replace the bump stops? IF not, what do i do?

Also - would it be recommended to change the shocks on it (and springs if using sport). And if so, what would you recommend for a sport suspension?

Im not an extreme enthusiast, but i do love driving this car... its just relaxing and nimble.

Any and all input is appreciated!

Mike

[aka_juffa]

G'day Mike,

Tell us a bit more about your 5. Is it an NA6 (1.6L) or an NA8 (1.8L) Current Modifications (if any)?

Assuming the suspension is original, then it could be general wear and tear. The dampers will wear and therefore are no longer able to do their job of controlling the springs. It could also be the suspension bushes, or a combination of both.

After market ploy bushes from the likes of super-pro will set you back around $500-$600 + fitting.

Dampers and springs: Replacing the damper, but keeping the original springs starts at around $600 + fitting in the lower end range. In the middle range a set of Koni Sport dampers with adjustable rebound and ride height are around $900 + fitting. A number of forum members have been using these with the original springs with good results.

A set of Koni dampers and King springs will set you back around $1100 + fitting. A number of forum members, including myself, have had these. They do make the ride somewhat harsher.

A number of members have more recently been fitting BC dampers/springs and the results seem to be good.

I'd suggest going for a ride in some of the Vic forum, or Vic club members cars and find one that fits your needs and duplicate what they have done.

Myself, I currently have a set of Yellow Racing dampers/springs, and a set of super-pro bushes fitted. I would offer you a ride/drive but the car is off the road until I can afford new tires and full insurance.

And there ends my 2.2c worth....GST inclusive.

J.

[93_Clubman]

Believe OP has an NA6.

[fkn]

G'day Mike,

Tell us a bit more about your 5. Is it an NA6 (1.6L) or an NA8 (1.8L) Current Modifications (if any)?

Assuming the suspension is original, then it could be general wear and tear. The dampers will wear and therefore are no longer able to do their job of controlling the springs. It could also be the suspension bushes, or a combination of both.

After market ploy bushes from the likes of super-pro will set you back around $500-$600 + fitting.

Dampers and springs: Replacing the damper, but keeping the original springs starts at around $600 + fitting in the lower end range. In the middle range a set of Koni Sport dampers with adjustable rebound and ride height are around $900 + fitting. A number of forum members have been using these with the original springs with good results.

A set of Koni dampers and King springs will set you back around $1100 + fitting. A number of forum members, including myself, have had these. They do make the ride somewhat harsher.

A number of members have more recently been fitting BC dampers/springs and the results seem to be good.

I'd suggest going for a ride in some of the Vic forum, or Vic club members cars and find one that fits your needs and duplicate what they have done.

Myself, I currently have a set of Yellow Racing dampers/springs, and a set of super-pro bushes fitted. I would offer you a ride/drive but the car is off the road until I can afford new tires and full insurance.

And there ends my 2.2c worth....GST inclusive.

J.

NA 1.6 MX5 i haz

What do you mean as harsher?

At the moment my mx5 is stock everything, but am looking to put an full exhaust system onto it to make it sound a bit better and a little bit of a power increase.

Ideally, i just want to make the car a nice ride - nothing extreme

Mike

[Steampunk]

When i go over bumps, the car violently drops. Does this mean i need to replace the bump stops? IF not, what do i do?
Im not an extreme enthusiast, but i do love driving this car... its just relaxing and nimble.

Your dampers (shocks) are rooted and it's not controlling the springs. Push down on the back or front of the car or stand on the door sill and bounce on it (dont jump on it) if it easily goes up and down then it confirms it.

Bump stops stop the damper from smashing into the strut top.

You'll get a dozen replies with recommendations for aftermarket suspension, so research around the forum and the web and decide which is right for you.

My brief 2c; For the money, it's hard to beat KYB or Koni Sport (yellow) dampers coupled with Eibach or King Springs.

[KevGoat]

You'll get a dozen replies with recommendations for aftermarket suspension.....

Only a dozen . ?? ... good luck with that

+1 on the King Springs, lowered or standard height. I have them fitted (standard height) on my NA with Monroe shocks and gives a very nice ride. I tried Eibach springs originally and didn't like the ride so changed to the Kings. But I'm very much in the minority on disliking the Eibachs so don't let me put you off them.

BTW, for a low cost suspension setup - non adjustable though - Monroe shocks with King springs works well. Very comfortable ride with good enough handling for public roads. I also have FCM Bumpstops fitted which makes a big difference as well. All depends on the individual, how hard/soft you like the suspension and what you are after in handling terms. If the option is convenient for you, the advice to try to get a few rides in other NA's so that you can get a feel for their different setups is the best advice.

Whatever you choose, be aware, the bug bites with these cars. Despite my happiness with my current suspension setup, I couldn't resist some near new BC BR Coilovers that were up for grabs near me Just waiting for the weather in Adelaide to cool down so can fit them ........

Good luck with your search

[fkn]

Hey guys

After much searching, im tossing up between Tein streets, Fortune Auto, Yellow speed (all coilovers) or, koni sport struts (maybe w/ springs).
Looking to spend anywhere between $1000-$1500.

I dont do any track racing and primarily looking for street performance around corners and whatnot.

No other mods, but eventually will get the sway bars and bits later on and will do a full exhaust (xforce extractors and blahblahblah from mx5centre/mx5factory) mod when i get the suspension changed.

I'm really stuck on this one because i have no idea which would be the most appropriate, nor the reputation of each of the brands.

Again - any help from the vets here would be greatly appreciated.

PS - i wont be doing any work (mechanically retarded)

[sailaholic]

A coil over only has advantage of you want to corner weight a car or have done control on exactly what ride height you run.

If it's for a na or nb. The yellow speed valving Sucks. I wouldn't fit them if they were free. I got a bit car sick from the last set I tested.

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[lee]

I got my Koni adjustable shocks from Shox.com when they were on sale. ~$650 for all four, with free shipping.

EDIT; I'd probably recommend getting the Eibach spring kit as well, but I don't know how much they charge for shipping. Shox charge $210 for them pre shipping. Also worth getting is a set of FatCat Motorsports bump stops, which are about $140 or so.

Also, as the Konis are top adjustable the top thread is bigger, so you'll need to drill out the top hats from 10mm to 12mm.

[fkn]

Ahh fair enough -

Ill get the Koni struts and let you know the results when i get them installed!

[KevGoat]

PS - i wont be doing any work (mechanically retarded)

I don't know if this is your DD and therefore tied for time, but before I got my NA I was the same as far as any mechanical work went. But there is so much great info available online on "how to" on these cars, I gave it all a go and so far have done all my own work!

I am lucky, mine is a second vehicle so can sit while I fix it, but so far I am amazed how simple most work is!!

Nothing like the satisfaction of doing it yourself.....

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[Wivvix]

Hey guys

When i go over bumps, the car violently drops. Does this mean i need to replace the bump stops? IF not, what do i do?

Also - would it be recommended to change the shocks on it (and springs if using sport). And if so, what would you recommend for a sport suspension?

Im not an extreme enthusiast, but i do love driving this car... its just relaxing and nimble.

Any and all input is appreciated!

Mike

Depends on how u want the car to drive. If you like how stock suspension rolls around corners, re-use the stock springs with koni sports.
That said, when I pulled the stock suspension on mine the rear springs were like a slinky. I wouldn't have re-used them in a fit. I put in FM stage 1, which is brilliant but probably not worth it unless you are or know someone (family) travelling to the US to bring them back (so u don't pay $350 in shipping).

Otherwise and what I would personally do if in your position, would be to put in BC Racing BR's. The spring rate isn't much higher than what I'm currently running and the adjustment you get for height and damper makes it a no-brainer.

[MattR]

If you are going to go the BC coil over route and your car doesn't see much track time I would recommend the BC V street series coill overs. The damping is a lot softer than the race series and feels a lot better on the road. And they are cheaper again than the racinng series, which for a non track car would be overkill.

I got mine done in the new year and they have transformed the car which had 210k old standard suspension. They are very comfortable, allow the car to roll a little, and the only criticism is that the spring rate in my opinion is a little too high. I believe the MX5 should be on relatively soft springs so the car will work with the suspension and you have a little roll through corners to get the tyres working, especially for a street car. On the last couple of runs up and Nebo I have done the car felt much better and a couple of large mid corner bumps no do not unsettle the car at all. I also have the damper adjustment set relatively soft at 8 and 6 front to rear and will play a little more at the next track day, buut can't see me going much firmer.

[fkn]

So i bought myself some Koni struts and Koni springs and had the work done at MX5 factory in Ringwood VIC

I am very happy with these, it just makes the previous suspension look like a teens run down toy. I currently have them on Medium settings and feel pretty good about it.

The service from MX5 factory was awesome!

But my wallet feels sad =(

[KevGoat]

Quality ... enjoy ... :-)

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