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Hi guys,

Just need some help here on choosing sussie setup on my NA6. I've decided to go strut and spring instead of a full coilover set since of my budget unless I can be convinced that coilovers will be alot better in terms of proformance.

I was thinking KYB struts with tein springs. How much would my car be lowered by using this setup? Also what are better setups?

Hi bender (from Futurama?),
I am sure many different opinions will be shared on this subjective topic.

My recommendation is to meet other MX5 owners either through your state club or this forum. Get a seat or drive in similiar model MX5s with different combinations of shocks and springs to compare and see which one you like the best.

In the case of most W.A. users and motorsport competitors, we have had the best results from the combination of the yellow Koni Sport adjustable shock absorbers with the Eibach Pro Kit spings. Compliant on the road when turned to soft and competent on the track when turned to hard.

There have been reports of Eibach spring sagging but none of the W.A. users or my customers have reported such issues. I have also seen many of the Eastern State racers use the Koni and King combination with great success. There are other options (including the combination you have mentioned) so long as you stick with tried and tested combinations. After all, the 20 years of the MX5's existence means some combinations work and some do not.

Once you have decided on the combination (try supporting your local forum sponsors if possible ), then make sure you take it to a suspension/alignment professional that other MX5 owners have used with success. Too many "K-Jane" places will just not get it right for the MX5.

Best of luck with your search.

Les

mx52nv wrote:In the case of most W.A. users and motorsport competitors, we have had the best results from the combination of the yellow Koni Sport adjustable shock absorbers with the Eibach Pro Kit spings. Compliant on the road when turned to soft and competent on the track when turned to hard.

x2

mx52nv wrote:There have been reports of Eibach spring sagging

We need Mythbusters for that one! Same goes for the rumours of poor ride quality of King Springs that goes around.
I've used Kings a number of times and never found a problem. I've also heard the Eibach have a better ride quality but have not used a set yet.

bender wrote:I've decided to go strut and spring instead of a full coilover...

MX-5 suspension is coilover (i.e.coil spring over damper/shock) but is not adjustable. They do not have struts.

JBT wrote:

bender wrote:I've decided to go strut and spring instead of a full coilover...

MX-5 suspension is coilover (i.e.coil spring over damper/shock) but is not adjustable. They do not have struts.

Hi JBT,
The last time I tried to make a distinction to a newbie, I got my head bitten off ...
Les

mx52nv wrote: I got my head bitten off ...
Les

Well, if it truly is Bender, he will tell you to 'kiss my shiny metal ass'.

bruce wrote:

mx52nv wrote: I got my head bitten off ...
Les

Well, if it truly is Bender, he will tell you to 'kiss my shiny metal ass'.

kiss my shiny metal ass

but all in all thanks for the info guys!

Will probably get a set of koni yellows and eibach springs how low can it be adjusted to?

bender,
All MX5 Koni Sport shocks are externally adjustable for damping.

There are two considerations for height adjustment in a *NA6/8 using Koni Sport shock absorbers and coilover springs set up.

The first is that the yellow Koni shock for the *NA6/8 has three grooved spring perches which from memory are approximately 7mm apart (maximum 21mm lower than stock height).
*From memory, NB/NC Koni Sport shocks only have one spring perch.

The second is dependent on the springs:

Goodwin Racing wrote:Eibach's Miata Pro-Kit is their premium Miata Spring. These are sport lowing (sic) springs, and they improve handling while lowering your Miata. They have a 1" (25.4mm) drop for a 90-97 Miata

So if you use the bottom Koni spring perch and the Eibach Pro Kit springs, you will reduce the total height by about 45mm or 1.77 inches.

If you want to lower the car anymore, then you can re-groove the Koni shock body (as I have done on MX52NV) or purchase different springs which have a different 'drop' in height. This is not something you do lightly so I must strongly recommend that you only do this if you are serious about setting up the car for competition and that you have a professional suspension specialists that will help you make the best decisions based on your set-up.

Update your location in your user contol panel -> profile -> location and I am sure you will be able to find a forum sponsor or member who can guide you through the entire process from purchase to installation.

Hope this helps, bender.

Les @ MX5 Shop
P.S. "Everyone's a jerk. You, me, this jerk." - Bender, Futurama.

mx52nv wrote:The last time I tried to make a distinction to a newbie, I got my head bitten off ...
Les

Happens to me too Les but I keep trying.