Question about springs...

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04-04-2007, 08:29 AM
trickyrix

Question about springs...

I know I've already done this bass-ackwards, but shortly after I bought the car, I replaced the worn-out shocks with stock units. I was a newbie and didn't really know better, and I just needed the thing fixed (the ass end was prone to hopping off the ground on occasion). Anyhow, NOW I'd like to invest in a set of springs. So I'm wondering if there is anything out there that works well with stock shocks (Racing Beat claims theirs do, and the spring rates don't look too abusive), or should I just bite it and pony up for a whole new set of coilovers? This car is a daily driver that will see some long distance trips, with maybe an auto-x thrown in there once in a while... and there will be a blower under the hood before the end of the year. :D

Muchas Gracias in advance for any input!
04-04-2007, 08:34 AM
boisking

Tein s-techs work well. They are slightly stiffer than stock, but not too stiff for factory style shocks. Eibachs should get along with your shocks, too.
04-04-2007, 10:27 AM
aalvarez04

tein s tech
Ride height drop, front -0.9 rear - 1.2
spring rate, Front 235, rear 173

I was thinking of throwing these on my car just to hold me over for some time until i can save enough up for the tein flex kit. From what i've read on miata.net they are a pretty good set of springs.
04-04-2007, 02:26 PM
MadMonkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by boisking

Tein s-techs work well. They are slightly stiffer than stock, but not too stiff for factory style shocks. Eibachs should get along with your shocks, too.

Werd... stiffer than stock but still a very smooth (and sane) ride. I have them on my 92 and am wondering why I didn't get them earlier ;)
04-04-2007, 02:28 PM
Magma

I have had them on the MSM for a while now and like them a lot. They did ok at Hallett, but I am saving for the flex
04-04-2007, 02:43 PM
tailchaser

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMonkey

stiffer than stock but still a very smooth (and sane) ride.

That's what she said...
04-04-2007, 03:02 PM
MadMonkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailchaser

That's what she said...

Gosh darnit, you got me on that one. :punchout:
04-04-2007, 06:27 PM
johnwag

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailchaser

That's what she said...

I frikkin' love that show!!
04-04-2007, 06:35 PM
Machismo

Check into the SPAX coilovers from Goodwing Racing. Have had these on for about 5 months now, and love 'em. The beauty is that they can be dialed in for personal preference really quickly and the cost is a fraction of any coilover system out there. Not too many knew of them when I got 'em, and so I knew nothing of them. But I'd buy 'em again and again. Along with my Hoosier A6's, I have picked up around 5 seconds on my times in Autocrossing, putting me up there with the big boys. For the last SCCA and ER event, I was the fastest Miata out there. But, still just a suggestion.
04-04-2007, 06:36 PM
Machismo

I can't spell. That's Goodwin Racing
04-04-2007, 07:25 PM
tailchaser

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machismo

I can't spell. That's Goodwin Racing

So edit your first post... Makes ya look like less of a dumbass!
04-04-2007, 08:06 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailchaser

That's what she said...

:clap: ::Banana:: ::Banana:: ::Banana:: :clap:
04-05-2007, 09:02 AM
CraiginTX

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

...NOW I'd like to invest in a set of springs. So I'm wondering if there is anything out there that works well with stock shocks (Racing Beat claims theirs do, and the spring rates don't look too abusive), or should I just bite it and pony up for a whole new set of coilovers? This car is a daily driver that will see some long distance trips, with maybe an auto-x thrown in there once in a while...

Get a ride in some cars & see what you think. Stick with NAs, if you can, as the NBs have more rear suspension travel, which can make a big difference.

I have Ground Control coilovers (375/250 rates) with AGXs. The car could use better shocks, but I'm cheap and found a great deal on these, lightly used. It's much firmer than stock, but reasonably well controlled - a billion times better than 80k mile factory shocks/springs. I also went with the Fat Cat bumpstops - a worthy addition, even with stock springs & shocks.

If you're looking for a handling boost, stock springs/decent shocks/bigger sways will help with little penalty in ride comfort.

If you want to lower the car much, you'll need stiffer springs to keep it off the bumpstops - which means the OE shocks aren't likely to be sufficient. BTW, used early NA rear springs can help get rid of the huge gap between the rear tires and the fenders very cheaply - but the car won't look "lowered". Most of the aftermarket lowering springs aren't stiff enough for how much they drop the car. S-techs *may* work, but otherwise, I'd look into coilovers. YMMV
04-05-2007, 09:39 AM
black roadster

I also have the Ground Control coilovers with AGX 8-Way adjustable shocks.

I added the FM rear shock mounts for increased suspension travel as I was hitting the OEM bumpstops with my car lowered. The FM Shockhats resolved this completely and I never hit the bumpstops.

Overall, my car handles well and I didn't see a huge difference in street driving from my setup vs. Jonwag's TEINs. Dunno about the track but again, I'm pretty pleased with how my car performs on the track as well.

I got a great deal on my setup but if I had to pay retail, I would save up a few more ::2Dollar: and get some TEIN coilovers.

It depends really on your expectations.
04-05-2007, 09:55 AM
Tim the Teacher

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

I'm pretty pleased with how my car performs on the track as well.

..........what about off to the side????;)
04-05-2007, 12:58 PM
trickyrix

All good info so far... here's what I'd like to get out of an upgrade:

1. lower the car and take up the tire/wheel lip gap (I'm guessing about 1-1.5" drop would be about right)

2. tighten the ride and handling up a little - sometimes the car can feel a little floaty (this is probably the shocks more than anything)

3. I don't really need adjustability at this point, I'd just like a good compromise setup - the ride could stand to be firmer, but I don't want to beat myself up

Anyhow, I'm going to start hunting around and will probably buy something in the next month or so... looks like I may pop for springs and shocks now.
04-05-2007, 01:01 PM
tailchaser

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

the ride could stand to be firmer

That's what she said...
04-05-2007, 01:28 PM
CraiginTX

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

All good info so far... here's what I'd like to get out of an upgrade:

1. lower the car and take up the tire/wheel lip gap (I'm guessing about 1-1.5" drop would be about right)

2. tighten the ride and handling up a little - sometimes the car can feel a little floaty (this is probably the shocks more than anything)

3. I don't really need adjustability at this point, I'd just like a good compromise setup - the ride could stand to be firmer, but I don't want to beat myself up

Anyhow, I'm going to start hunting around and will probably buy something in the next month or so... looks like I may pop for springs and shocks now.

Sounds like exactly what I had in mind for my '96... I needed shocks, wanted to upgrade the handling a little, wanted to get rid of at least some of the gap, and didn't want to spend a ton of money. I was considering 2 options when I found the deal on my Ground Controls:

1) Cheapest: Used early NA springs, new KYB AGX 8-way adjustables, FCM bumpstops. Then (probably later) upgrade to larger sways to help with the body roll.

2) Slightly more $$: Tein S-techs, new KYB AGXs, FCM bumpstops. Maybe later with the sways, depending on the results from the S-techs.

I came across a set of coilovers with the shocks with under 10k miles on them for just a little more than new shocks, couldn't pass it up. Another option to watch for a set of MSM springs and shocks - several sets of those have come up for sale as folks go coilover. Stiffer springs, Bilsteins, NB mounts - decent setup and a quick swap if you find it.

Craig
04-05-2007, 01:31 PM
HudsonHawk

I am happy with the FM second gen springs and AGXs. Its about 1/2" drop and the tires fill the wheel well nicely. I have pics online somewhere just need to find them.

EDIT: Found the thread. http://forums.dfwmiata.com/showthrea...ghlight=spring
04-05-2007, 01:43 PM
CraiginTX

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudsonHawk

I am happy with the FM second gen springs and AGXs. Its about 1/2" drop and the tires fill the wheel well nicely. I have pics online somewhere just need to find them.

EDIT: Found the thread. http://forums.dfwmiata.com/showthrea...ghlight=spring

Another nice choice - slightly more $$ than my option 2 above...
04-05-2007, 01:56 PM
HudsonHawk

I need to add I am actually running the 1.5 suspension kit from FM. This includes the FM upper shock mounts. The ride is great and handling is awsome.
04-05-2007, 06:03 PM
trickyrix

Good stuff... I was still kinda thinking about the Racing Beat springs till I read that thread. One question:

Quote:

07-01-2006, 10:30 PM #17
mr brg
Douche Canoe

What's a "douche canoe?" :clap:
04-05-2007, 06:07 PM
Dave04

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

What's a "douche canoe?" :clap:

Dang it... where's that graffic when you need it... paging Mr Bean... paging Mr Bean... we need your photoshop work STAT!

EDIT: Found it!

http://forums.dfwmiata.com/attachmen...1&d=1158081041
04-05-2007, 06:13 PM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave04

Dang it... where's that graffic when you need it... paging Mr Bean... paging Mr Bean... we need your photoshop work STAT!

EDIT: Found it!

http://forums.dfwmiata.com/attachmen...1&d=1158081041

Heheh... haven't seen that one in a while...
04-07-2007, 03:47 AM
icepenguin66

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

I also have the Ground Control coilovers with AGX 8-Way adjustable shocks.

I added the FM rear shock mounts for increased suspension travel as I was hitting the OEM bumpstops with my car lowered. The FM Shockhats resolved this completely and I never hit the bumpstops.

Overall, my car handles well and I didn't see a huge difference in street driving from my setup vs. Jonwag's TEINs. Dunno about the track but again, I'm pretty pleased with how my car performs on the track as well.

I got a great deal on my setup but if I had to pay retail, I would save up a few more ::2Dollar: and get some TEIN coilovers.

It depends really on your expectations.

Exactly as I have and did. In hind sight I'd waited to get the Flex but I already had the AGX and FM gave me a great deal on the GC after having to send back 2 sets of their first gen NA springs. ::Rant::

If you want a fairly stock ride then just replace the shocks with either the AGX so you can stiffen them if you do an autoX or the Koni's for the same reason plus they do have a little bit of height adjustment with the perches. Otherwise you'd be spending say ~$300-400 for the shocks and ~ another $200 for springs making it around half the price of a nice coilover set, in which I'd say save up an extra month and do it right with the coilovers such as the Tein Flex.::2Cents::