How low do you go?

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun May 19, 2013 12:05 pm

MattR wrote:...what about all the lotus seven copies...

100mm minimum also applies.

Timmeh · Postby **Timmeh** » Sun May 19, 2013 12:12 pm

I sit at about 100-110. I clear speed bumps no problwm but there are the few that are basically a gutter.
I have to go around the block and attack my drive way otherwise I will rip off my lip.

jackmack · Postby **jackmack** » Mon May 20, 2013 9:13 am

Thanks for all the info. So now what type of springs and shocks. Has anyone tried the Pedders? This is not a race car, but a street car that will go on the track from time to time.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Mon May 20, 2013 10:59 am

A recent thread with comment & links about the Pedders near end of page 1 & on page 2:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=57703

jackmack · Postby **jackmack** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 8:44 am

Based on all the info from this forum the coilovers are now fitted and the car sits 105mm off the tarmac. It cleared the first speed bump yesterday but I expect other speed bumps will have to be taken at an angle. The car looks great at this height too. See how we go in the next few weeks.

psi-mx5 · Postby **psi-mx5** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 1:05 pm

good choice op. i feel that ~100mm will still keep everything in geometry so it wouldnt behave weirdly or bump steer.

just for some info guys, im my experience with low mx5 nb's, So for ive had mine at 45mm lowest point (rear diff brace to floor)... car was ok to drive as a daily, was bumpy on cheapo coilovers but most passengers didnt complain. The biggest problem was not the ride height as the short wheel base will help you over most speedhumps, and up my 45 degree driveway. The problem is the geometry of the front suspension causing severe bumpsteer, and preload on your sway bars causing oversteer / understeer (only noticable in the wet). Make sure that when you go "low", you try and keep the tierod ends parallel with the LCA (lower control arm). If its not competely parallel it would still be fine. Now that im a bit older the sweet spot i found is about 70-80mm off the ground (rear diff brace to floor). Geometry in the front suspension was slightly off so i threw on some adjustable swaybar endlinks i made and got a professional wheel alignment (not some kid using the laser system - they made it worse), went to a reputable suspension workshop and they did wonders.