( NB) MCA X R series 11/7 Vs BC BR 8/6 comparison

[chefie]

Well i finally bit the bullet and spent more on suspension components than the car, almost .



I will attempt to give a layman's review of the difference between the two suspension set ups, I have been extremely happy with the BC performance and results so far, car is a drive to and from the track and enjoys a weekend run up Nebo

Main application is qld clockwise tracks, i.e Lakeside and QR. I am not a fast driver but enjoy the track time i share with some good people in similar cars.

Car is a 2001 NB8B, stock motor with racing beat exhaust and short intake, 15x 8 6 ULS, Nittos, Bauer ball joints, Whiteline front sway, Rear stock and 4.1 T1 diff. stock brakes and a set of W5 pads.

I had the W/A set by Accurate Suspension and highly recommend Ken for MX5 Wheel alignments in Brisbane, F, approx 6 caster, 3.9 neg cam , -1mm toe, R, 3.0 neg Cam -1.5 toe.

last week got a PB on a day of carnage at lakeside 64.6. Yeah finally

I met briefly with Josh and he agreed Trackphotos ( very happy with 11/7 set up) set up of 11 kg front and 7 kg rear springs will be ideal for 80/20 track road. I chose the X-R series cause i couldn't afford the MCA Reds and felt the reviews and specs met my needs. Speaking with Josh and he confirmed this

I felt to keep trying to achieve PB s and improvement in my driving i wanted ensure my expectations of the car and set up were going to meet my driving expectations, i previously had the car set up to slightly understeer so when pushing hard the car would push me wide and allow to back off and recover.

I am planning in moving to a more neutral over steer slightly with improved suspension to allow me to carry more speed and drive out of a situation with a 4;3 diff added

Ill update my experience and hope it may assist drivers in the future over the next 6 months

MCA suspension 11/7 X-R series cant wait by Jaime, on Flickr

[Magpie]

Waiting to read the rest!

[chefie]

With busy work weekends and a diff swap twice, Dont ask

The unboxing was exciting my first new purchase for the NB. the build quality and and packaging was impressive
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr


The detailed sheet regarding the buyer, spring rates with a build number and recommended damper settings and warranty details
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr


The spanners were packed with the rear unit

Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
I wanted to check the weights and over build detail
https://flic.kr/p/V5jTUa
The base mount was superior to the BC in build quality and the spring seat was set with the spring floating, the locking rings are a chunkier design to the BC and easier to use the spanners than the BC narrow rings, THE OVERALL BUILD QUALITY and feel of the damp adjustment is superior as you would expect for the price difference
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

There was approx 500gms weight difference in the build but this could be due to the increase spring diameter Basic scales, rear was the same weight

Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

Spring Diameter is 1mm larger than BC 8 kg springs
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

Height 180mm and spring separation/ coil rate is not the same as 8 kg
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
Out of the box the length setting was spot on and it was just the height setting as there is no real pre tension settings with this design the spring rate is the spring rate when compressed or not

Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

Install is easy with the long bolt method on the front, I am getting quite fast at this now
Mca coil overs install by Jaime, on Flickr

Initial impression is WOW wheel to guard settings were set as sames as BCs and the feel and response is impressive, the KG rating of the springs is significant improvement and whilst firm its not the end of the kidneys around town.

The most significant change is the damping and shock response compared to before, the steering feels quicker and the turn in sharper and that's just a daily commute to work.

Ill post some track feedback after the 23rd at QR and ill try and grab some speed and time data from T1 and T2. i dont have the amazing data recording stuff that magpie has, i just use the butt clench meter and time

I hope this small amount of feedback if of interest to someone considering MCA, s for their 5

Ps; the BCs are going on the Clubman

[project.r.racing]

All broken photo links...

[chefie]

easier if you use the right link first time

[ManiacLachy]

Nice one, chefie!

It's amazing how quick you get at coilover changes after a few goes.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on at the track next time.

Other than the feeling you'd get better lap times with the MCAs, was there any other reason you swapped off the BCs? Something you didn't like or felt was lacking?

[Magpie]

Still watching this thread... after WTAC 2017 will be looking at options for suspension

Interesting spring rate choice, hence why thinking of going to 12/10.

[RS2000]

I read somewhere (can't remember) that NA/NB MX5's should have close to a 3/2 ratio for front/rear spring rates. MCA seem to stick to this.
I'm certainly happy with 11/7 for the track.

[Magpie]

I'm running 10/8 for the track, however front does dive a bit under heavy braking and this could be worse with the new aero.

[chefie]

Other than the feeling you'd get better lap times with the MCAs, was there any other reason you swapped off the BCs? Something you didn't like or felt was lacking?

Thanks Lachy appreciate the feedback

I was happy with the BCs, they did what i needed and exceeded my expectations, when comparing to the Tein Street sports (first coilovers). Driver improvement is paramount and then suspension/aero over power/engine and ultimate speed mods.
This was the main motivator to upgrade and i had the NB car settings set up as a bit consevrative and want to improve my time s and driving skill/risk level
The clubman also wants some new suspension, so instead of buying a second set of BCs a coilover swap is 60 minutes these days Practice , the idea was to set the MCAs up for track and move wheels tyre and suspension as needed between the 2 cars as the Clubman will do dirt sprints and Motorkana and be the 18yr old sons training car for track

It always a bonus when your passion car is your chosen company car and your track car

ill update after the QR clubman track on the 23 rd July

[chefie]

I read somewhere (can't remember) that NA/NB MX5's should have close to a 3/2 ratio for front/rear spring rates. MCA seem to stick to this.
I'm certainly happy with 11/7 for the track.

is that spring rate on your mcas or another brand and what tracks ?

[chefie]

Interesting spring rate choice, hence why thinking of going to 12/10.

Mark the spring rate of 11/7 will be under rated for your aero, that is just on my drive to and from work with e the XR series 11/7 and you are track only ????

I would have gone MCA reds if the car was completed for track and full set up as a track trailered car as she is still a drive too track Reds were over kill

You should consider doing the reds and working with Josh to deliver your ultimate results

[RS2000]

I read somewhere (can't remember) that NA/NB MX5's should have close to a 3/2 ratio for front/rear spring rates. MCA seem to stick to this.
I'm certainly happy with 11/7 for the track.

is that spring rate on your mcas or another brand and what tracks ?

Yes MCA (red) on NB8A with standard engine & ecu (so no power!) at all SMP tracks & WP.

[chefie]

Sorry for the slow response to this subject regarding the upgrade to MCAs XR series

i really have been smacked with work and not had the chance to really evaluate the changes with the car.

I got to do a street sprints at QR 2 weeks back and was amazed at the changes, even though i forgot to tighten the lower left wishbone bolt and had some ugly knocks on the sprint track i grabbed a 1/2 sec pb and was 1 metre inside the T1 and T2 line on exit,

I also change to Miata adjustable end links and a alignment at accurate with Ken, the overall feel and confidence in the car was fantastic i feel i am holding more speed and have a PB on both the clubman and National and the Sprint circuit, i would have liked a better PB for the investment opver the BC racings but there are other areas i can improve on ???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O2lgC7u070&t=455s
overall feedback

- More confidence in car feel
-Better response and feedback from steering
- reduced dip and car control issue under heavy braking i.e 11/7 kg springs
- controlled body movement under acceleration , the damping on the se coilovers is superior to the Bcs as you would expect

I don't believe i have worked the car to its full suspension range at QR and look forward to the next Lakeside run to continue the evaluation

[Magpie]

Will read the feedback after Lakeside, however looking like these could be on my shopping list for 2018...