Shocks and springs vs coilover setup (Miata)

Hey all,

Did some searching but wasn't completely satisfied with the information I found. I am slowly building my little '99 NB into the (IMO) perfect DD/weekend track car. I've stiffened it, I've got nice, lightweight wheels (soon to have some performance rubber on them), I've upgraded the pads and rotors, and bought a nice little exhaust for it.

The next thing would be suspension stuff I'm thinking. I would love to lower the car a bit and eliminate the body roll. However, there are so many options and such a great price range of products available. I was looking on the FM website and I noticed they have a new Fox shock setup. It sounds great, but I guess the car would ride at whatever height those springs are, right?

Or I could go with the Vmaxx coilover setup or Tein Streetflex or similar. Being able to adjust the ride height would be nice (I would not mind winter driving this car), but its not a deal breaker. Damping adjustability is a bit of a joke in the lower end coilovers, or so I hear.

So what are some pros and cons to each? Would love to get some opinions on this! Thanks!

Yep damping adjustability in lower end coilovers is typically "on" or "off" no matter if there are 4, 12, or 36 steps in between.

I advise people with any serious performance interests to get the best coilovers they can afford right up front, rather than going with stiffer springs & sporty shocks or cheap coilovers, since they're just going to end up replacing them later anyway. Those cheap coilovers can be bloody expensive to fix too, ask me how I know...

The fox suspension that FM is selling is fully adjustable coilovers. If you want the best setup available that's probably a solid bet.

I have the FM VMaxx coilovers, which are also pretty nice, especially for the price.

Ah upon closer inspection they ARE adjustable. My mistake, I should have read the entire page instead of just looking at the pictures haha. For anyone else curious, here is the ad page. They look niiiice

https://www.flyinmiata.com/fox-suspension-for-nb-chassis.html

Pass on the Teins.

There's a couple "tiers" that seem to have cropped up. There's really no reason to go with JDM swag y0 suspension anymore with the options that people like FM have come up with, with actual miata-based R&D.

FM VMaxx (The Extremes are still very livable on the street, and are worth the money over the classics in my opinion)
FEAL 441 (You'll spend about $1350, but they're a really nice middle ground off the shelf between Vmaxx and stuff like the Fox from FM, and 949's Xidas. Spend a little more with them, and they may "run with the big boys")

And then everyone's special sauce setup. FM Fox (previously AFCO), 949 Xidas, Vorschlag Bilsteins, Two Six Motorsports Bilsteins, Motion Control Suspension, etc etc etc.

The Vmaxx Xtremes are likely the best off the shelf option below $1000.

My Miata had (just sold it minutes ago ) Vmaxx coil overs from FM and they were great. I would highly recommend.

I would call FM and have them guide you.

I would love to see a comparison between this new Fox setup and the much revered Xida setup. They seem like pretty direct competitors.

Miatas came from the factory with a coilover setup.

I am assuming you mean "adjustable height coilovers".

Are you wanting cheap options in addition to the name brand options you have offered?

In reply to SVreX:

I am well aware what the literal meaning of the word "coilover" is. However in the modern market people throw the word around with reference to the whole setup. I like this definition: suspension systems that are height adjustable and include both the shocks and the springs, usually pre-assembled, paired perfectly for each other and ready to be bolted on.

I'm looking for something that provides decent performance, and isn't just for the #stancebro crowd.

Just to through fuel to the fire......

Ohlins

The Ohlins setup is pretty lacking in rear travel. Works well on smooth roads, but there's better options in that price range otherwise.

The pros to getting Bilstein sports or Koni yellows, and springs separate is that you will be more willing to experiment with different spring rates, especially if you will fine tune it to your preferences and driving style.