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I spent some time reading through the suspension section in the mx5nutz forum.
As often with that type of forum there is a lot of drivel and senseless comments...however the general opinion seems to be that the cheap coilovers perform really badly. You will need to budget £500+ for a set that won't ruin the handling.
The sensible option seems to be a set of decent quality lowering springs (-30mm) which will still allow the existing dampers to be used.
Ok, next question then.
Which lowering springs have people used? Don't want a hard ride just it to be a bit lower .
Thanks
I don't know what you're looking for, but when I change suspension a good ride is more important to me than something harsh. Accordingly I've fitted Eibach springs and always found them superb. Don't ruin them with cheap dampers. Again, I find Sachs to offer good control without harshness.
I fitted a set of those "coil over " cheap eBay things. They came with short springs and they were horrid . The car was hardly any lower and the ride was awfull .
I thought it was the usual kit to convert struts to coil overs with 2 1/4" springs rather than adjustable bottom spring platforms.
Wouldn't touch either with a barge pole.
Guys help please.
The more I look into this the more options I get and thus the more confused I become.
I don't know what to buy!! I won't lower but not much firmer , what experiences have you guys got. My budget is about £200 . Thanks .
Perhaps the mx5 forums could advise? I don't think you'll find a decent set of springs and dampers for £200
For that price I'd buy a set of Sachs damper and either cut the springs or use a gas torch to lower them. Check that they sit properly in their pans and don't forget to re-temper afterwards. Perhaps you'll find a secondhand set of Eibach springs?
Perhaps the mx5 forums could advise? I don't think you'll find a decent set of springs and dampers for £200
For that price I'd buy a set of Sachs damper and either cut the springs or use a gas torch to lower them. Check that they sit properly in their pans and don't forget to re-temper afterwards. Perhaps you'll find a secondhand set of Eibach springs?
New Eibach springs are £200 .
Now considering "pushing the boat out" and getting coil overs .
Omg this is a minefield .
My advice, for what it is worth, if you are not careful you will saink a load of cash into the suspension when there are plenty of other things to spend money on. I have spent stupid amounts of money on cars buying all the good stuff and have promised myself that I will spend less time upgrading and more time enjoying.
For £500 quid you could have good (not great) suspension, new brakes, good tyres, an induction kit and some improvements to the interior (haven't done the maths, but you get the idea)
or for £500 you could have great suspension but worn out brakes rough tyres or whatever.
My advice, for what it is worth, if you are not careful you will saink a load of cash into the suspension when there are plenty of other things to spend money on. I have spent stupid amounts of money on cars buying all the good stuff and have promised myself that I will spend less time upgrading and more time enjoying.
For £500 quid you could have good (not great) suspension, new brakes, good tyres, an induction kit and some improvements to the interior (haven't done the maths, but you get the idea)
or for £500 you could have great suspension but worn out brakes rough tyres or whatever.
Hi landmann
I have already up rated the discs ( vented and drilled) new pads and new calipers , also ss exhaust and induction kit, strut brace up front and new bushes and drop links . Brand new continental tyres on the rear ( 245-45-16) , new sets , steering wheel , stereo . So suspension is next. I'm not happy with how high she sits, hence I want to lower it.
MeisterR coil overs do seem to be the best but costly.
It will be sorted for stoneleigh .
New Eibach springs are £200 .
Now considering "pushing the boat out" and getting coil overs .
Omg this is a minefield .
It isn't a minefield but like most things in life you get what you pay for.
Dampers like Bilsteins, Koni, Ohlins etc are usually very good but if designed for performance are likely to harshen your ride. I have almost new Japanese KYB dampers on my Z3 and don't rate them at all as the rebound setting is very soft. A quick google suggests that other Japanese dampers tend to have hard jounce settings which if true will give a harsh ride when the suspension compresses. You said you don't want a hard ride so this won't suit you.
I suggested Sachs dampers because in my experience, they damp well and are not harsh. Eurocarparts show them in stock at £360/set for your MX5. Sometimes Euro does a 50% off sale.
Cutting springs is free providing you can do it yourself and know what you're doing.
I can't imagine a set of £200 coil overs will have been developed for your car or be made from materials that will last. If you get a personal recommendation from someone you trust then go for them. But be wary of internet gobshites who reckon they're 'awesome'.
Hi landmann
I have already up rated the discs ( vented and drilled) new pads and new calipers , also ss exhaust and induction kit, strut brace up front and new bushes and drop links . Brand new continental tyres on the rear ( 245-45-16) , new sets , steering wheel , stereo . So suspension is next. I'm not happy with how high she sits, hence I want to lower it.
MeisterR coil overs do seem to be the best but costly.
It will be sorted for stoneleigh .
OK, so since you have put all that time, effort and money into it so far it would be a shame not to go for a decent set of coilovers!!
OK, so since you have put all that time, effort and money into it so far it would be a shame not to go for a decent set of coilovers!!
Other than height adjustability - and that remains static once set - and the availability of springs with a huge range of rates, I'd be interested to know your reasons for recommending coilovers for a road car.
A decent set of coilover will cost you at least a grand and most aren't tuned for road cars.