Back to Dodging Cones: an NC2 Miata Build Journey

In reply to roninsoldier83 :

It's an eBay copy of the NLA factory 'appearance package' lip that I had painted to match:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/333872241197

I still like the NC3 bumper cover a little more, but this lip 'completes' the NC2 front, IMHO.  There are a couple other eBay options that are a bit more aggressive, with a splitter look, but that's not where I wanted to go with this car.

For a street car, the Xida 'GT' rates are fantastic, but I don't think you would be disappointed with the race springs on the street if you decided to go that way for the AutoX performance.  Our NA has Xidas, and I started with 800/500 and they were surprisingly compliant on the street.  It now has much higher rates since becoming a 98% track car and adding aero.  It's decidedly firm when I do street drive it, but it still doesn't beat you to death.  The Xida damping is superb... IMHO the only thing close is FM Fox, and I probably would have bought those for the NC if they hadn't been out of stock when I was ready to pull the trigger.  

In reply to Rodan :

Thanks for the link! I agree, while I like the shape of the NC3 bumper over the NC2, I think that lip "completes" the look of the NC2. I'll likely pick one up and paint it as well. 

I really like the look of the NC3 with the OEM front lip, but that's a pretty big investment, by comparison. 

Thanks for the feedback on the Xida race springs! The only other setup I was looking at was FM's Fox setup. I haven't found a ton of feedback for the Fox suspension and 99% of it is on their lower spring rate. They are a good bit more cost effective vs the Xidas, but I do wonder how much dampening compliance or suspension travel is given up as a result. 

In reply to Rodan :

Looking back through old photos, I just realized, I think my last NC (also an NC2, 2009 Touring 6MT) had the exact same front lip: 



It was already on the car when I bought it, so I didn't give it much thought. It made the car look good! 

Yup, that's the same one.