NickD
NickD New Reader
8/14/15 11:07 a.m.

So, I recently semi-impulse bought a set of Bilstein shocks off a 1999 10th Anniversary Edition for $100, with intentions of installing them on my 1990 Miata. They come sans tophats, bumpstops and springs. I already plan on getting ISC tophats and FCM bumpstops, but I'm a little stumped on springs. Suspension is a bit of a black magic to me, so I figured I would consult those more knowledgeable than me.

My current suspension setup consists of Tokico Blues (Which I am aware are the worst shocks for Miatas), unknown springs (Thought they were OEM but at the most recent auto-x, several E/ST Miata owners points out my car sits lower. Whatever they are, they are soft and squishy), Energy Suspension full poly bushing kit, FM front strut bar, FM rear subframe brace, FM sway bars and Dunlop ZII SS on 15x8 Jongbloeds.

I was looking at either OEM Mazdaspeed Miata springs or FM springs for the NB. What do you folks suggest? I daily drive this car, take roadtrips of up to 900 miles long and frequently auto-x it. I'm okay with a stiffer ride as long as it isn't brutal. Thanks in advance.

Apexcarver
Apexcarver PowerDork
8/14/15 11:19 a.m.

My '95 rides on Koni SA with Ground Control coilovers on 550F/375R with the large Racing Beat adjustable front bar and no rear bar (open diff, its a light prep STS car).

I like the firmness and only see a drawback on overly rough roads, it was a good improvement vs same setup with the regular GC 375F/2xxR setup and didnt have a really appreciable drawback in regards to ride quality.

I dont find the 550 setup brutal, Gimp can weigh in as well as he put the same setup on his Miata.

Question is what can the Bilsteins effectively dampen? With the Koni SA, 550 is pushing the upper limit of the front shocks.

I have some friends pushing 800+lb springs on their fronts (with Xidas)

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/14/15 11:45 a.m.

Get oem non-MSM springs. The MSM ones have different lengths front to back and require a MSM Bilstein to sit level.

The shocks can't damp a good spring like the FM ones.

NickD
NickD New Reader
8/14/15 11:46 a.m.

@ApexCarver I'm just looking at running traditional springs, not doing any coilover conversions or such.

@Keith Tanner, thanks for that bit of info. Just hope that stock NB springs don't put me back at full 4x4 ride height.

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