Bilstein HD / Tein S-Tech setup
#1
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (51)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 7,257
Total Cats: 26
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Howdy,
I was wondering if anyone runs this setup, and how they like it.
I commute 200miles a day normally, but don't mind too much of a rough ride. I will take my wife on Sunday drives though. I love taking curvies at outrageous speeds (umm, yeah, we all do dipschmidt, we drive miatas), but don't see too many autoX days in the near future. I just want it to stick. Dropping it a little would be nice as well.
This setup seems to be a good compromise, and I'm buying it lightly used for a decent discount. If I don't get this, my budget limits me to Illuminas with eBay coilovers.
On Bilstein/Teins:
How bad are bumps? I live in Houston, we sure as hell don't have German roads.
How much of a difference over stock handling at 8/10ths?
How long do the shocks last with this mild spring rate? I know they can be revalved, but not before I graduate.
Thanks guys,
Damon
I was wondering if anyone runs this setup, and how they like it.
I commute 200miles a day normally, but don't mind too much of a rough ride. I will take my wife on Sunday drives though. I love taking curvies at outrageous speeds (umm, yeah, we all do dipschmidt, we drive miatas), but don't see too many autoX days in the near future. I just want it to stick. Dropping it a little would be nice as well.
This setup seems to be a good compromise, and I'm buying it lightly used for a decent discount. If I don't get this, my budget limits me to Illuminas with eBay coilovers.
On Bilstein/Teins:
How bad are bumps? I live in Houston, we sure as hell don't have German roads.
How much of a difference over stock handling at 8/10ths?
How long do the shocks last with this mild spring rate? I know they can be revalved, but not before I graduate.
Thanks guys,
Damon
#2
Elite Member
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunny Spanish speaking Non US Caribbean
Posts: 3,224
Total Cats: 3
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Howdy,
I was wondering if anyone runs this setup, and how they like it.
I commute 200miles a day normally, but don't mind too much of a rough ride. I will take my wife on Sunday drives though. I love taking curvies at outrageous speeds (umm, yeah, we all do dipschmidt, we drive miatas), but don't see too many autoX days in the near future. I just want it to stick. Dropping it a little would be nice as well.
This setup seems to be a good compromise, and I'm buying it lightly used for a decent discount. If I don't get this, my budget limits me to Illuminas with eBay coilovers.
On Bilstein/Teins:
How bad are bumps? I live in Houston, we sure as hell don't have German roads.
How much of a difference over stock handling at 8/10ths?
How long do the shocks last with this mild spring rate? I know they can be revalved, but not before I graduate.
Thanks guys,
Damon
I was wondering if anyone runs this setup, and how they like it.
I commute 200miles a day normally, but don't mind too much of a rough ride. I will take my wife on Sunday drives though. I love taking curvies at outrageous speeds (umm, yeah, we all do dipschmidt, we drive miatas), but don't see too many autoX days in the near future. I just want it to stick. Dropping it a little would be nice as well.
This setup seems to be a good compromise, and I'm buying it lightly used for a decent discount. If I don't get this, my budget limits me to Illuminas with eBay coilovers.
On Bilstein/Teins:
How bad are bumps? I live in Houston, we sure as hell don't have German roads.
How much of a difference over stock handling at 8/10ths?
How long do the shocks last with this mild spring rate? I know they can be revalved, but not before I graduate.
Thanks guys,
Damon
I use Tein Basics in my car now and other than the fact that you need to change the rear Top hats to NB top hats, I really like that compromise.
#3
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (51)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 7,257
Total Cats: 26
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Tein S-tech is a lowering spring.
You must have it confused with the SS complete coilover set.
I can't afford even the Basics, so I wish I was looking at that.
Complete setup I'm looking at:
NB Bilstein HD shocks with supposedly 15k miles
Tein S-tech springs (235/168?)
NB top hats
unknown bumpstops
You must have it confused with the SS complete coilover set.
I can't afford even the Basics, so I wish I was looking at that.
Complete setup I'm looking at:
NB Bilstein HD shocks with supposedly 15k miles
Tein S-tech springs (235/168?)
NB top hats
unknown bumpstops
#5
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (51)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 7,257
Total Cats: 26
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I used to do it every day (why I had a motorcycle), but I try to only do it two or three times a week now and crash on my little bro's couch there in BCS.
I live in Houston with family, but go to Texas A&M. Life's tough, but sacrifice pays off.
I live in Houston with family, but go to Texas A&M. Life's tough, but sacrifice pays off.
#6
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I rode around Houston for 2 years on R-pkg Bilsteins, which are more harsh than HDs IIRC. It was uncomfortable. I'd check with what bumpstops you'd be getting, as that plays a large role in harshness over bumps, especially when lowered. Those springs aren't very stiff for how much they lower, so be careful.
#7
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (51)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spring, TX
Posts: 7,257
Total Cats: 26
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Any opinions on my option:
Tokico Illuminas
eBay coilovers (450/350) - don't hate
FCM bumpstops
NB topmounts if found cheap
This option will cost me ~$150 more, but will be new, proven parts (sans springs), with adjustability all around.
Tokico Illuminas
eBay coilovers (450/350) - don't hate
FCM bumpstops
NB topmounts if found cheap
This option will cost me ~$150 more, but will be new, proven parts (sans springs), with adjustability all around.
#9
Elite Member
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunny Spanish speaking Non US Caribbean
Posts: 3,224
Total Cats: 3
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Tein S-tech is a lowering spring.
You must have it confused with the SS complete coilover set.
I can't afford even the Basics, so I wish I was looking at that.
Complete setup I'm looking at:
NB Bilstein HD shocks with supposedly 15k miles
Tein S-tech springs (235/168?)
NB top hats
unknown bumpstops
You must have it confused with the SS complete coilover set.
I can't afford even the Basics, so I wish I was looking at that.
Complete setup I'm looking at:
NB Bilstein HD shocks with supposedly 15k miles
Tein S-tech springs (235/168?)
NB top hats
unknown bumpstops
#10
Elite Member
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunny Spanish speaking Non US Caribbean
Posts: 3,224
Total Cats: 3
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I like Illuminas. I like FCM bumps and NB topmounts. I'd opt for better springs before getting NB mounts, though. Th ebay mounts might work, but I certainly wouldn't use the springs.
Maybe think about FM springs if budget is a concern? Perhaps you can find them used.
Maybe think about FM springs if budget is a concern? Perhaps you can find them used.
![wink](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/wink.gif)
If I were you, I'd look for a set of used FM second generation springs. Those, plus all the rest would be a perfect combo.
#11
Supporting Vendor
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/vendor.png)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (33)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: atlanta-ish
Posts: 12,659
Total Cats: 134
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I put NB Bilstein sports and Teins with NB hats and FCM bumps on my 91 before I sold it. I thought it was much nicer than the R-pack bilsteins (not nearly as harsh, and the sports are designed for a lowered ride height). However, the front end sat 1" too high IMO.
Have Tein SS on my 99. They are better than the stock shocks by far, but I think they're too soft. I have them on full firm.
Have Tein SS on my 99. They are better than the stock shocks by far, but I think they're too soft. I have them on full firm.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
stoves
Suspension, Brakes, Drivetrain
5
04-21-2016 03:00 PM