Which Koni's for my NA8?

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

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hks_kansei
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby hks_kansei » Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:55 pm

As per Andrew's post above.

I did my springs at home in about 3 hours all up.

First time I'd taken apart the MX5 suspension ever, working only off a workshop manual, and only with hand tools.
The longest time was in compressing the springs to take them off, and dealing with stuck bolts.


A workshop should have the advantage of air tools (stuck bolts no more!)
And I would assume a suspension shop would have a proper freestanding spring compressor (which would take about half the time vs using normal compressors)
1999 Mazda MX5 - 1989 Honda CT110 (for sale) - 1994 Mazda 626 wagon (GF's)

manga_blue
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby manga_blue » Tue Apr 23, 2013 6:47 pm

Unbook it. They're gouging. You have no obligation to them when they try for prices like that.

You can get a full set of KYB GR2 Excel-G from the States for $360 landed or for $450 from MX5Mania. MX5Mania also do a package deal of KYB shocks plus springs plus installation for $930 and you don't want the springs so it should be cheaper than that. http://www.mx5mania.com.au/suspension.php

Pedders shocks and KYB are equivalent quality.
’95 NA8

93_Clubman
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby 93_Clubman » Fri Apr 26, 2013 12:10 pm

Couple of recent threads on opinions of Pedders:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=42695
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=55503

geoffblick
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby geoffblick » Sat Apr 27, 2013 5:39 pm

I will ask more questions but the book says 4 hrs for replacement of shox & springs & he said he would allow that in the quote.. Assuming $1oo per hour for labour & $100 for the boot & bump stop kit that leaves $800 for the shox. I will ask him which Pedders shox he is using. I have always found this guy reliable & trust his integrity.

geoffblick
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby geoffblick » Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:26 am

O.K. This is where I am at. Spoke to James Tinsley at Opposite Lock. KYB's are $475 the set of 4. Plus 2 packs bumpstops @ $42 each = $559. He doesn't have them in stock(although they are listed as being in stock) but will call me to let me know when they are available. Thanks for all the advice (especially George!).

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plohl
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby plohl » Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:21 am

Get some prices from Gsl rallysport. They are generally pretty competitive.

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geoffblick
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby geoffblick » Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:37 pm

Back to square 1!!! I tried to order the KYB shox @ $475. KYB have put their prices up dramatically. RRP for 4 shox is now $775.00 The best price around is $600.00. It has been suggested to me that at 251,000 km. I should also look at changing the springs which is another $500.00. The next question is should I look at coil overs & go to Clubman class? In that I am really only racing against myself it doesn't make a lot of difference which class I am in. Remember that the reason I started on this epic journey was when I was told that at Phillip Island my front was close to the road in corners & braking & the rear looked to be close to fully extended. I have cancelled my Thursday appointment but would like to have the job done by May 20th when I will be at Sandown. At the moment I am looking at $600 for shox $500 for springs & $400 for labour = $1500.00. HELP

sailaholic
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby sailaholic » Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:06 pm

Tried calling gsl rally sport yet?

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decitex64
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby decitex64 » Mon Apr 29, 2013 3:15 pm

Have a look at suspension options avaible from forum sponsor MX5 Mania
http://www.mx5mania.com.au/suspension.php
They have delivered to me overnight for items in stock
I'm sure there are workshops in Melbourne who would match installation prices

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Steampunk
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby Steampunk » Wed May 01, 2013 2:33 am

OK back further from square 1;
- Are you competing for class honours in your racing category?
- If not, then why do you want to keep things as standard as possible?
- Who was it that commented on your car? Doesn't sound like you got second opinions.
- Have a look at footage and photos of Spec Miata race cars and see how much body roll, dive, etc. they have and you're probably making a mountain out of a molehill just based on one person's observation.
- what is the "...I should also look at changing the springs which is another $500.00.." based on? a full set of King Springs are around $250, Eibach around $300, delivered.

Take a few days breather, do better research on brands, prices of parts and labour, and especially your goal, and make a shortlist of three options. Not three "What Ifs", three things from which you will DEFINITELY choose one.
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geoffblick
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Re: Which Koni's for my NA8?

Postby geoffblick » Wed May 01, 2013 10:35 am

Absolutely my last word on this subject. Got the KYB shox from Mania @$450 plus postage. Am only replacing the shox & will leave the 251,000 k springs as is. The split boots will be trimmed & the bump stops retained.
Even allowing 4 hours labour my cost will be less than $850. At my level of ability I am only competing against myself so what is the point in going for coil overs & R.spec tyres?
See you at Sandown on Sunday week....


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