The Better Bilstein Ebay Coilover Thread
#41
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The QA1 torrington bearings fit on this style of ebay sleeve/collar. You can see the part number I used.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/109818-better-bilstein-ebay-coilover-thread-img_20140415_175654573_zps6eff694f.jpg?dateline=1397604071)
I need to throw this style of spring isolator in the trash, correct? I can't really envision these working properly without taking a 2" holesaw to them.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/109819-better-bilstein-ebay-coilover-thread-img_20140415_175721363_zps17e88666.jpg?dateline=1397604071)
Is the NHV going to be terrible if I don't run any? If that's the case does anyone have the part number to a cheap set of isolators?
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/109818-better-bilstein-ebay-coilover-thread-img_20140415_175654573_zps6eff694f.jpg?dateline=1397604071)
I need to throw this style of spring isolator in the trash, correct? I can't really envision these working properly without taking a 2" holesaw to them.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/109819-better-bilstein-ebay-coilover-thread-img_20140415_175721363_zps17e88666.jpg?dateline=1397604071)
Is the NHV going to be terrible if I don't run any? If that's the case does anyone have the part number to a cheap set of isolators?
#43
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Here's a link to the bearings he used above...
QA1 Coil-Over Thrust Bearings at Summit
$26 for a pair, including the washers... i.e. $52 for two sets required for the car.
(These were the ones I was going to buy until I found similar ones on Amazon... boo)
#44
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't see my kit on ebay anymore, I bought it last year. This is the closest, but it's three times the price now so screw that:
Miata 90 97 Coilovers Springs lowering Red Spring Coilover | eBay
I remember it being labeled specifically for the 99-05. Just plain aluminium collars, not the ones with the height-adjustment numbers on them. They have the junk plastic isolators.
On the bearings, I ordered from Jegs. They were a few bucks cheaper than summit with shipping if you don't get to $100.
QA1 7888-109 QA1 Coil-Over Shock Adjusting Tools - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS
So what's the verdict on running w/o isolators?
I've waited this long so it's not a big deal to order a set. Thanks.
***EDIT***
These Acura collars look exactly like my set:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACURA-HONDA-...3D351046622801
Miata 90 97 Coilovers Springs lowering Red Spring Coilover | eBay
I remember it being labeled specifically for the 99-05. Just plain aluminium collars, not the ones with the height-adjustment numbers on them. They have the junk plastic isolators.
On the bearings, I ordered from Jegs. They were a few bucks cheaper than summit with shipping if you don't get to $100.
QA1 7888-109 QA1 Coil-Over Shock Adjusting Tools - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS
So what's the verdict on running w/o isolators?
![Noob](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/noob.gif)
***EDIT***
These Acura collars look exactly like my set:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACURA-HONDA-...3D351046622801
Last edited by Scrambles; 04-15-2014 at 09:19 PM. Reason: New Link
#51
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/110079-better-bilstein-ebay-coilover-thread-dcd9f693-59b2-4594-a727-087649d866e0_zps6ed60283.jpg?dateline=1397834557)
****'s about to get real
![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
...
...
...
Since I have (had) one of the top 5 most rusty Miatas on this site; any removal of suspension bolts requires 72 hrs of soaking in penetrating oil, or
![FAEL](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/sawzall.gif)
I started spraying the bolts last night and I only have Saturday morning available for installation. I'll give myself a 50% chance of success. Survival chances for the OEM rear end links are much, much lower.
#59
Moderator
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/moderator.png)
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 20,813
Total Cats: 3,051
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Mazda part numbers for those shocks might be useful to add to the spreadsheet since a Google search for the Hard S number nets me nothing useful. I had the number for the fronts in a previous post but I'll try to get one off the rear next time I have a chance.
The regular HD in the middle has way too much rebound and no compression. I can see that they are designed to jack down to the bumpstops and stay stuck there on stockish springs.
#60
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Front damper: NC12-34-700D
Rear dampers: NC12-28-700D
Straight from the Mazdaspeed website.
They cross reference with the Jim Ellis website as well.
PS. If you are a Mazdaspeed member, your price on these are like $103 fr/$90 rear.
I know it isn't talked about much, but it's very cost effective to join their program.