Bilstein Spring Rates
#1
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MS
Posts: 7,388
Total Cats: 474
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As hustler says,
The problem arises when people try to compare spring rates for different Bilstein shocks.
I'm going to list the known Bilstein shocks and let you guys fill in the info for what spring rates have been tried for each setup and what the result was. With enough info, we can narrow down the ideal rates for each shock. I'm going to list these as 4-shock units, though if necessary we can discuss rears and fronts separately.
If I'm forgetting any Miata Bilsteins feel free to add the to the list.
Please discuss the spring rates for:
Hustler will edit this post accordingly when new things are defined.
I'm going to list the known Bilstein shocks and let you guys fill in the info for what spring rates have been tried for each setup and what the result was. With enough info, we can narrow down the ideal rates for each shock. I'm going to list these as 4-shock units, though if necessary we can discuss rears and fronts separately.
- Bilstein HD -- NA
- Bilstein HD -- NB
- Bilstein NA R-package
- Bilstein NB Mazdaspeed
- Bilstein Hard S
If I'm forgetting any Miata Bilsteins feel free to add the to the list.
Please discuss the spring rates for:
- 1.6 springs
- Tein S-Tech
- MSM Springs
Hustler will edit this post accordingly when new things are defined.
Last edited by hustler; 07-29-2011 at 07:01 PM.
#3
Tour de Franzia
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Here's what I've run and my thoughts:
1994 Miata w/Bilstein HD's w/RB front and rear bars:
2004 MSM w/MSM Bilsteins:
1994 Miata w/Bilstein HD's w/RB front and rear bars:
- 450/325 on GC perches - omfg, where is the barf bag, it's too rough
- 1.6 springs w/NB uppers - very comfy on the street, too much roll and my 205's rub, but the car is nice and low
- MSM springs w/ NA uppers this felt great in the car, but it looked like a monster truck, higher than stock
2004 MSM w/MSM Bilsteins:
- MSM springs - this is great, I want this in my daily
- Tein S-tech springs - felt great, I want this in my daily
- GC 450/425 - omfg, where is the barf bag, ouch my kidneys
Last edited by hustler; 07-29-2011 at 07:01 PM.
#5
Tour de Franzia
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You forgot the Hard S.
From my reading, the only factory bilsteins up for the job of higher spring rates are the R-pkg bilsteins. The Hard S and the MSM bilsteins are not up for the job of anything over factory spring rates, and barely that. They are also much taller than the r-pkg.
From my reading, the only factory bilsteins up for the job of higher spring rates are the R-pkg bilsteins. The Hard S and the MSM bilsteins are not up for the job of anything over factory spring rates, and barely that. They are also much taller than the r-pkg.
#7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
For my '90 dd w/ target ride height of 12.25f 12.5 rear
(4) Hard S Bilsteins
(2) ISC 1.5" top hats (rear)
(2) ISC 1" top hats (front)
(2) 325lbs 8" Hyperco front springs
(2) 200lbs 8" Eibach rear springs
(4) ebay coilovers sleeves
(4) Civic bumpstops
I am going to have grooves milled into shock body 1" lower for snap rings.
Looking at the dynos of Hard S they may be over sprung some for these springs but for dd I am guessing they will work. I'll let ya all know.
btw Hard S and HD are NOT longer than stock shocks.
(4) Hard S Bilsteins
(2) ISC 1.5" top hats (rear)
(2) ISC 1" top hats (front)
(2) 325lbs 8" Hyperco front springs
(2) 200lbs 8" Eibach rear springs
(4) ebay coilovers sleeves
(4) Civic bumpstops
I am going to have grooves milled into shock body 1" lower for snap rings.
Looking at the dynos of Hard S they may be over sprung some for these springs but for dd I am guessing they will work. I'll let ya all know.
btw Hard S and HD are NOT longer than stock shocks.
#9
Junior Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Originally from Germany. Now live in SoCal
Posts: 194
Total Cats: -5
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I had KYB GR-2s on my miata when i first bought it. They were paired up with 16inch rims and 205-45-16 Kumho excstas.....body roll + slightly concussive
I then upgraded to Bilstein HDs GC 550/350 at 12.25f/12.50R and FCM tophats and bumpstops + 15x8 6uls and Dunlop Z1s 205-50-15.
-minimal body roll and nose dip upon braking.
-minor headaches on road surface only slightly felt in a normal car.
-very responsive on good road or track conditions and overall happy with them for now.
-WOULD HEAVILY RECOMMEND A REVALVE JOB!
I then upgraded to Bilstein HDs GC 550/350 at 12.25f/12.50R and FCM tophats and bumpstops + 15x8 6uls and Dunlop Z1s 205-50-15.
-minimal body roll and nose dip upon braking.
-minor headaches on road surface only slightly felt in a normal car.
-very responsive on good road or track conditions and overall happy with them for now.
-WOULD HEAVILY RECOMMEND A REVALVE JOB!
#11
Moderator
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/moderator.png)
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 20,887
Total Cats: 3,075
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have some NB Bilsteins on my NA that were low mile (500) takeoffs because they were too rough for the guy's wife. Could someone tell me where to find the part number lookups (or post them) so I can tell you which ones I have and what I have tried for spring rates? Thanks.
#17
Slowest Progress Ever
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (26)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: The coal ridden hills of Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,028
Total Cats: 304
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Awesome info. Looks like the same for the NB regular compared to the MSM for the rear, but the front of the MSM looks like it's about 3/8" higher than the NB regular. I'm not sure I'd be diggin that. I want a firmer, more responsive suspension for my '99, but I don't want a lift kit.