zephyrus17 wrote:It's a '90 NA6 with 182200kms on the clock. I'm ready to get some new suspension upgrades since everytime I run through the potholes in Adelaide my whole car jitters and my teeth fall off. My suspension also creaks and groans like a grandmother during take-off and stops. This is also my only car, so I need something that's sporty and firm, yet velvety and soft (
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I don't do tracking, but I do love spirited mountain/country drives. So I have no interest in FM AFCOs or really expensive kits. The current heights, referenced when I'm seated in the car facing forward:
FL: 14.2"
FR: 13.7"
RL:14.2"
RR: 14.5"
My proposed parts list is:
FM Springs/FM Rear upper mounts/Tokico Illumina
36+FCM mount front/58Wht rear for FM rear mounts
FCM Dust boots x4
Polyurethane bushings for 4 corners too (Probably from Super Pro?)
It's almost a stage 1.5kit, but I was told the FCM mounts/bumpstops are better? Please advise.
I know the FM kit will lower it quite a bit, I'm just worried that it'll be too low. I'll probably get the bushes/shocks locally. Does that whole package sound reasonable and did I miss anything else? (Not counting extra stuff like sways, FM butterfly, etc) And other than eBay, where else can I get the shocks?
It sounds like you've done your due diligence. Sounds like you're probably in the same boat as me. So i'm going to throw some more confusion into the mix for you
I wouldn't be concerned about going "too low". The only way you're gonna sit too low is if you drop 2" or more and have a butterfly brace, and iirc the FM springs only drop you about 1.5".
I would avoid polyurethane bushes unless you can find the blue (soft) superpro ones for a decent price. The Mazda rubber ones are quite good for what they are, albeit not as stiff, when new they are compliant and work well (apparently).
To the rest of your setup, my only other concern at this point would be cost.
Illuminas will set you back $129 per shock. FM springs will set you back $250. Mounts for extra rear travel another $265. Shipping from FM will be around $400 for this stuff alone.
Sub-total: $1400+ before GST and duty. Throw on GST and duty and you're above $1500, creeping towards $1600.
That's without mucking about with bumpstops or boots and why bother - the FM included gear is pretty good now anyway.
By contrast you can pick up full coilovers - BC BR's - for $1250 delivered. They have adjustable lower mounts so you don't compromise travel. Something to consider.
Bear in mind, doing all the bushes in your NA will set you back upward of $600 in parts. Apparently the Mazda gear is about $700-800 for the set.
Personally I would be inclined to do the shocks first, see how things go, then if bushes seem to be a problem go for it.
You won't have any trouble finding a buyer for the shocks if you don't like them, but you will have a much harder time on-selling the bushes if you buy the wrong ones.
I'd suggest before you buy anything, you meet up with someone on the forum or your local mx5 club and go for a ride in whatever setup you're contemplating.
I recently met up with a WA member at a club meet to see what the BC BR series were like - I too was leaning towards illumina's - but they rode very well. Firm but well controlled, even on their firmest setting.
Hope that's confused you.
