Need an answer for my Answer's suspension...

So, the time has come for a full refresh of Mr. Miyagi the Miata's suspension (2003 LS 6-speed). Here is what I'm doing, in three stages: First project will be new shocks, mounts, and bump stops. For various reasons based on how I use the car for now, I'm sticking with the stock NB2 springs and pairing them with the KYB Excel G shocks, which according all others' experiences actually have nearly perfect valving for the stock springs, even better than the Billy B6. New upper mounts (all four are blown after 120k miles). Either FM 54mm or FCM 58mm bump stops. Second project is control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and a more sporting alignment. Third project is the FM sway bar set, in order to compensate for the soft stock springs.

Most of the driving is on part decent/part crappy Tulsa streets. When I am driving alone my driving is definitely aggressive/sporting, and the alignment specs I will use will be with that in mind. However, SWMBO and I often take day trips and weekenders in the car, so two, ahem, "healthy" adults on streets with frequent rough patches, plus SWMBO's relative intolerance of overly stiff-riding suspensions (regardless of how perfectly damped) is dictating the compromises here.

First question is regarding the bump stops: My instinct is to use the FCM 58mm, which is designed to artificially increase the spring rate when cornering hard, and in my strange mind should actually help out over rough spots when we are both in the car. The Flyin Miata 54mm, OTOH, will allow a little more rear suspension compliance before they engage, but the engagement might be a bit more harder and more sudden than the 58s, giving a the impression of a harsher ride over the rough stuff. Which bump stop would GRM use, given my intended uses?

Second question is regarding the FM sway bar set, specifically whether or not I really need to use the FM Heavy Duty sway bar mounts. Note: this car WILL see one or two track days per season with this suspension setup, but will NOT use R comp rubber, at most one of the 200 TW Extreme Summer tires (think Star Spec or RE71R), more likely 300 TW UHP tires (think Sport Comp-2). Do I risk ripping the stock sway bar mounts at the track with a 200 TW tire using the stock springs and the FM sway bar set? Again, what would GRM do?

You can always run with the stock sway bar mounts and add the reinforced ones later if you have a problem. Without slicks and with no corrosion, you're probably okay.

As for 4mm of bumpstop length, I think you'd have to have a very sensitive butt and drive them back to back to notice a difference.

FWIW, I had the FM 2.5 suspension setup on my '97 and found it to be a really nice improvement over stock spring rates. Firmer yes, but not at all harsh and much more controlled than the overcooked rotini noodles that Mazda fits from the factory.

In reply to KyAllroad:

Yeah, that's been kicking around in my skull, too...

Kieth, what can I do if I do want run a stiffer spring, but want to keep the 13.5ish ride height? Part of my rationale for the stock springs is to keep the suspension travel because it's going to ride lower with both of us in the car, thus using up some of the travel anyway?

If you have a stiffer spring, you'll get less sag when the car is loaded. Nobody has ever driven a Miata without at least a driver inside

Options for stiffer spring and a 13.5" ride height: coilovers. Ground Control, V-Maxx, Fox, whatever. There aren't any off-the-shelf stock size springs that would work. You'll need different shocks anyhow, as those GR-2s won't handle a higher rate.

In reply to Keith Tanner:

Hmm, so all of your coilover sets can be run at stock ride height? The plot thickens...

They can be configured as such if you request. There's no such thing as "stock ride height" on a Miata, though

Don't be afraid of stiffer rates. If you the proper shock to handle them they can just as, if not more comfortable than stock.

But I used to drive my track rat miata to work occasionally on 800/500 rates with R888s and no top.

Keith Tanner wrote: They can be configured as such if you request. There's no such thing as "stock ride height" on a Miata, though

Yeah yeah, you know what I mean What I should have asked is: Will the V-MAXX Classic allow my 2390ish pound NB2 to ride at it's original ~13.5" height out of the box without having to have you "configure" it to do so before it ships?

Keith Tanner wrote: They can be configured as such if you request. There's no such thing as "stock ride height" on a Miata, though

Interesting. One of the things keeping my suspension nearly stock are two monster speed bumps on the main street of my town. My first NA used to high center on regular speed bumps with just lowering springs. This might be a solution. Hmmmmm.

WildScotsRacing wrote:

Keith Tanner wrote: They can be configured as such if you request. There's no such thing as "stock ride height" on a Miata, though

Yeah yeah, you know what I mean What I should have asked is: Will the V-MAXX Classic allow my 2390ish pound NB2 to ride at it's original ~13.5" height out of the box without having to have you "configure" it to do so before it ships?

The NB2 (2001-05) already comes with the taller springs, so that should be good. For earlier cars, I recommend they use the longer front spring used on the 2001-05 kits for maximum ride height. That's the only extra configuration required.