my back hurts. (suspension advice)
#1
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So i drove my miata almost 6 hours today and my back is killing me. My suspension is the original ancient shocks that came on my '91. The car crashes over irregularities in the road and then bounces wildly from side to side afterward as if the alignment is way off.
screw that.
I want to replace that crap with something that will allow the car to be actually usable and COMFORTABLE. I was looking at just replacing the stock blown shocks with some KYB AGX's and calling it a day. Do I REALLY need fancy expensive *** bump stops and top mounts? Also, what about springs?
To answer the impending questions:
1.) Car is not a daily driver. It's my weekend toy. Slightly harsh ride is okay, but I also don't want to be swearing at it every time i get out.
2.) I don't currently autox, but that's one of the main reasons i'm building this car: TO HAVE FUN WITH IT. So I don't want to just put ebay crap in it as a bandage, because it may see track use.
3.) Budget is about $500-600.
4.) I'm looking at some K1's, so a slightly lower ride height would look nice, but form is going to follow at a hell of a distance to function on this one.
Any recommendations for a decent shock/spring/bumpstop/mount/etc combination that will not suck, using my parameters?
Thanks in advance.
screw that.
I want to replace that crap with something that will allow the car to be actually usable and COMFORTABLE. I was looking at just replacing the stock blown shocks with some KYB AGX's and calling it a day. Do I REALLY need fancy expensive *** bump stops and top mounts? Also, what about springs?
To answer the impending questions:
1.) Car is not a daily driver. It's my weekend toy. Slightly harsh ride is okay, but I also don't want to be swearing at it every time i get out.
2.) I don't currently autox, but that's one of the main reasons i'm building this car: TO HAVE FUN WITH IT. So I don't want to just put ebay crap in it as a bandage, because it may see track use.
3.) Budget is about $500-600.
4.) I'm looking at some K1's, so a slightly lower ride height would look nice, but form is going to follow at a hell of a distance to function on this one.
Any recommendations for a decent shock/spring/bumpstop/mount/etc combination that will not suck, using my parameters?
Thanks in advance.
#4
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I bought my Teins off evilbay, the guy was takin best offers +5 for shipping, I offered 145 and he accepted (150 total)
You should be able to get the Illuminas for $360-380 or so, and the stops are ~$70.00
From a person that has both Illuminas and Bilsteins, your back will thank you for adjustability (and the Illuminas are lifetime warranteed)
I suppose if I was going really cheap I could get the AGX's and evilbay coilovers, then change the springs out. with the stiffer springs you won't need the rear bar, but you'll need some better bumpstops.
You should be able to get the Illuminas for $360-380 or so, and the stops are ~$70.00
From a person that has both Illuminas and Bilsteins, your back will thank you for adjustability (and the Illuminas are lifetime warranteed)
I suppose if I was going really cheap I could get the AGX's and evilbay coilovers, then change the springs out. with the stiffer springs you won't need the rear bar, but you'll need some better bumpstops.
#6
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if you are on a budget, just get the kybs and call it a day. Then after spending some time driving touge, autox, track, etc, think of what you like the least about how it is handling and address the issue. For example, if you dont like how much it rolls in corners, get stiffer springs. I just think that if you get serious into autox, track, etc that you will find that some upgrades you might think are good to do now might be too mild for what you really want (i.e springrates).
#13
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I have found that in the 3 MX-5s have owned over the past 9 years that while the suspension can be a cause of back pain I believe the main cause is the lack of lumbar support in the seats. I have used a rolled towel behind the centre part of the seat and also had sheep skin seat covers both of these made a big difference and much cheaper than suspension upgrades. Having said that it does sound like your suspension is shot. Over the years I have tried various combination of suspension components.
King Springs (Aussie made) and Koni Shocks. Quite firm, but adjustable
Mazda Speed Springs (Eibach) and Koni Shocks, better than the King springs and much lower.
However to date my favourite is the Tein Flex. Firm but not overly so. 16 clicks of firm/soft adjustment and very easy to adjust height (or corner weighting).
And finally you might want to think about replacing the bushes. I have super pro bushes and even if that is all you change it makes a BIG difference.
J
King Springs (Aussie made) and Koni Shocks. Quite firm, but adjustable
Mazda Speed Springs (Eibach) and Koni Shocks, better than the King springs and much lower.
However to date my favourite is the Tein Flex. Firm but not overly so. 16 clicks of firm/soft adjustment and very easy to adjust height (or corner weighting).
And finally you might want to think about replacing the bushes. I have super pro bushes and even if that is all you change it makes a BIG difference.
J
Last edited by Juffa; 05-02-2007 at 07:53 PM.
#15
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I just swapped out my o.e. suspension for the Tokico non-adjustable shocks and springs. I wanted good handling and expected to lose every bit of comfort. I was pleasantly suprised when i took the first spin and realised that not only was the ride lower and stiffer but actually didn't lose all that much comfort. Nearly stock unless you hit a substantial bump. PLUS: under 375 bucks.