NC upgrade on a budget

Blesif · Postby **Blesif** » Tue May 20, 2014 4:50 pm

Looking for suggestions for upgrading a standard NC suspension so the car is lower by 30mm or so, rides nicely and corners crisp and flat. Want to do this on a budget so all up around $1500... but could go a bit more. This is a daily driver so compliance is important. Has anyone been down this track successfully and willing to offer advice? Not interested in spending big bucks. Many thanks in advance. Neil

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Tue May 20, 2014 4:58 pm

For $1500 you'll get yourself some decent coilovers that will do the trick nicely. Look at BC Racing BRs, or perhaps speak to the guys at MCA (don't think they do the NC yet, but have a word). I'm sure there are other options too.

david_syd_au · Postby **david_syd_au** » Tue May 20, 2014 7:20 pm

Blesif wrote:Looking for suggestions for upgrading a standard NC suspension so the car is lower by 30mm or so, rides nicely and corners crisp and flat. Want to do this on a budget so all up around $1500... but could go a bit more. This is a daily driver so compliance is important. Has anyone been down this track successfully and willing to offer advice? Not interested in spending big bucks. Many thanks in advance. Neil

When did you get an NC?

I have had Yellow Speed coilovers from MX-5 Mania in mine for about 2 years, and I am happy with the ride and handling benefits, so long as I am prepared to adjust them as required. Fitting them dropped the car by about 40mm at the front and 30mm at the back, but as ride height is adjustable, that can be changed.
Around town, I leave them fairly firm, but on the odd occasion that myself and SWMBO take a trip, I back them off slightly for a more comfortable ride.

You must come for a ride in my NC some time!

Novice1 · Postby **Novice1** » Tue May 20, 2014 8:10 pm

Eibach pro spring kit lowered my NC 30 mm all round. Rx8 sway bars fitted corners very well.

Novice1

narita · Postby **narita** » Tue May 20, 2014 9:18 pm

May i put my vote in for BC, myself and fellow friends have had success with these on street and track.

Regie · Postby **Regie** » Tue May 20, 2014 9:46 pm

Coil over wise, do it once and do it right

I had yellow speeds in my NC originally, went for a ride in a car with Ohlins about a week later and instantly regretted not spending the extra cash but now have recently upgraded to Ohlins. The difference is night and day!

Now for you $1500 budget, since you already have the lowering springs id suggest some Tokico HTS adjustable shocks with the lowered springs. Also a set of Whiteline Sway bars...should have that in your car for under $1200

Then you can save a few more pennies and invest in some headers

Blesif · Postby **Blesif** » Tue May 20, 2014 11:11 pm

Excellent response - thanks everybody. I now have some very good advice to work from. David, would very much like to try your NC because I haven't got one as yet...but working on it - hence the query. Neil

david_syd_au · Postby **david_syd_au** » Tue May 20, 2014 11:45 pm

I am sure "Regie" is right about the superiority of Ohlins, but while he pops the bubbly, those of us on a beer budget just get on with enjoying the frothy brew :-)

Neil, you are welcome to drop by anytime for a whirl in the NC. It is possible, but unlikely, that I will bring it to Wakefield on 1st June.

Wazzabii808 · Postby **Wazzabii808** » Wed May 21, 2014 7:51 am

The current tein street flex costs around 1800 landed, im eyeing this one too, but cant pull the trigger yet.

david_syd_au, when you have your yellowspeed on soft, how is the ride compared to stock suspension? My NC is also a DD, so would like it quite comfy. Thanks, Rob

david_syd_au · Postby **david_syd_au** » Wed May 21, 2014 8:01 am

Wazzabii808 wrote:The current tein street flex costs around 1800 landed, im eyeing this one too, but cant pull the trigger yet.

david_syd_au, when you have your yellowspeed on soft, how is the ride compared to stock suspension? My NC is also a DD, so would like it quite comfy. Thanks, Rob

My impression is that the YS on soft is slightly firmer than the stock suspension, but without undo harshness.
However, this is VERY subjective, and I would advise you to get a drive or a ride in a YS equipped NC before making a decision.

Blesif · Postby **Blesif** » Thu May 22, 2014 11:07 pm

Following a suggestion in the replies above I contacted Josh at MCA. He is currently developing a system for the NC and is about to go to the trial stage and, in fact, is looking for a "guinea pig" or two. This information should be of interest to NC owners as his product and service have been well reviewed by several NA/NB users from this forum. Neil

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Fri May 23, 2014 8:03 am

Regie's budget advice is spot on. I'd steer clear of the YS.

I'd also suggest that if you decide to use the Tokico's or any other shock, that you spend a $100 on a set of Fat Cat bump stops. Definitely improved the ride on my Tiens.

Coilovers will never ride as soft as stock. The spring rates increase considerably with coilovers and shock damping is increased to match. You reach the point where backing off the damping to soften the ride results in increased contact with the dumpstops and the ride gets worse.

If you want a daily drive with good road manners use Regie's budget tip. The next track day, take Peter F's NC for a run, he uses this combination.