My track rat is a 94 Spec Miata, running the spec shocks, springs, sways. I'm giving up on my dream of restoring my 91 Miata (Plug > Buy the car's shell here!) On this older car, I had the Flyin Miata Vvmaxx Classic & Sway package, from 2012 or so. Basically, both suspensions, though old, have less than 10,000 miles on them and are totally functional.
So, the question is: For a pure track car, would I be see a difference if I swapped to the VMaxx package, or will it not be worth the time and effort to do that?
I have the Vmaxx/FM sways combo and didnt think track car suspension rode this good. I would guess these springs should be stiffer for track use
We do offer a setup with stiffer springs if that's a complaint. Hint - one of the reasons it rides well is reasonable spring rates :)
The big thing about a Spec Miata suspension is that there's a huge knowledge base about making it work as well as possible. It's not the best on the market, but an optimized SM suspension works pretty well on the track and if you already own it, it's definitely your best value.
amg_rx7
SuperDork
2/12/20 11:46 p.m.
I vote for the Bilsteins. Plus you can have the shocks rebuilt or revalved as desired or needed
SM setup.
The VMaxx classic doesn't have anywhere near enough spring rate to deal with RComps and track work. I know, that was my first suspension on my old track rat.
Keith Tanner said:
We do offer a setup with stiffer springs if that's a complaint. Hint - one of the reasons it rides well is reasonable spring rates :)
The big thing about a Spec Miata suspension is that there's a huge knowledge base about making it work as well as possible. It's not the best on the market, but an optimized SM suspension works pretty well on the track and if you already own it, it's definitely your best value.
Yeah, I was thinking about reaching out to you guys to see if there's a difference in the vmaxx valving between the "Classic" and "Xxtreme", or if it was all spring rates?
Basically, I own both, so I have free choice. I'd be good with swapping springs onto the Vmaxx if they would be objectively better, but if they wouldn't be noteably better, I'll leave the spec package on.
But I will say (for anyone playing along at home) that the Vmaxx package was excellent at street manners with occasional autocross and one or two track days. I "sold" three sets of them to friends after riding in my car.
I'd be tempted to try the SpecMiata package, but up the rear spring rate to 450ish. The 325# spec rears are too soft to properly match the 700# fronts.
WonkoTheSane said:
Keith Tanner said:
We do offer a setup with stiffer springs if that's a complaint. Hint - one of the reasons it rides well is reasonable spring rates :)
The big thing about a Spec Miata suspension is that there's a huge knowledge base about making it work as well as possible. It's not the best on the market, but an optimized SM suspension works pretty well on the track and if you already own it, it's definitely your best value.
Yeah, I was thinking about reaching out to you guys to see if there's a difference in the vmaxx valving between the "Classic" and "Xxtreme", or if it was all spring rates?
Basically, I own both, so I have free choice. I'd be good with swapping springs onto the Vmaxx if they would be objectively better, but if they wouldn't be noteably better, I'll leave the spec package on.
But I will say (for anyone playing along at home) that the Vmaxx package was excellent at street manners with occasional autocross and one or two track days. I "sold" three sets of them to friends after riding in my car.
The XXtreme (sorry, we did not come up with the name) has adjustable damping and can handle the higher track rates. The Classic has fixed damping that's matched to the standard springs. That's why there's no "Classic track".
DeadSkunk (Warren) said:
I'd be tempted to try the SpecMiata package, but up the rear spring rate to 450ish. The 325# spec rears are too soft to properly match the 700# fronts.
I agree with the choice of rates, it's an odd one. The problem with that is that you lose the most valuable thing about the SM suspension - the knowledge base. Then you're just left with a set of underdamped shocks with a coilover sleeve stuck on top :)
I've been playing with high rear rates for a few years now - not publicly, but the Targa Miata has always been atypical. It has some interesting attributes. Normally, I'd run a 700/450. Right now, I'm more in the 700/575 range. Not recommended for a set of poor overmatched Bilstein HDs though!
I just went to 750/450 on hard s nb bilstein. Autocross car. 1.125 solid swaybar front stock rear sway bars.
V6 swapped car and i haven't tried it on track yet. Bit street testing is VERY promising
Keith Tanner said:
The XXtreme (sorry, we did not come up with the name) has adjustable damping and can handle the higher track rates. The Classic has fixed damping that's matched to the standard springs. That's why there's no "Classic track".
Okay, that's what I figured... Thanks for the info. I'll look to move these old Vmaxxes along to someone who can love them for what they are :) I loved them on my street car! Unfortunately(?), my next Miata will likely be an ND :)
In reply to WonkoTheSane :
Keep us posted on those VMaxxes. I know of at least one person who's been idly shopping for new suspension for their miata. Spoiler alert: it's me.
SM setup all day long. I was using the Bilstein B6 shocks from the SM with a set of FM springs, and it did pretty alright with 200tw tires. The Xidas I switched to are far superior, but there was nothing really wrong with the Bilstein setup other than sitting on the bump stops a bit in high G turns.
thatsnowinnebago said:
In reply to WonkoTheSane :
Keep us posted on those VMaxxes. I know of at least one person who's been idly shopping for new suspension for their miata. Spoiler alert: it's me.
I'll reach out to you tonight and we can figure something out :)
