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Suspension + Chasis

Opinions count...
The suspension on the miata is very good. The car is low to the ground, light-weight, and can take corners very well. As of july of 2005, I have auto-crossed in parking lots five times and I am slowly learning how to handle my miata. I want to improve my times, but how? Engine mods make you go faster, but suspension mods make a miata even more nimble which means faster times. Most every racer there said about the same thing...suspension first, then "go-fast" parts. Suspension mods are cheaper and more can be done on a budget. I also went to the www.Miata.net forums for some advise. I recieved many of the same responses there.

Swaybars...A number of racers told me to add one piece at a time...that way I know exactly what is changing each time. The number one suspension mod mentioned almost by everyone was swaybars. They all had their ideas on brands and types, but sways reduce body roll and flatten the car in the corners. I went with the RB front tubular swaybar + endlinks because of its light-weight + price. The stock miata has over-steer...in other words...the back end slides around abit. The addition of the Racing Beat front sway helps that over-steer and gives a little under-steer. My miata seems more balanced and not so tail-happy. Had it installed for $60. I may add a rear sway in the future, but not just yet.

Braces...Pede, my miata mentor suggested bracing as another suspension mod. My 95 miata has more bracing than earlier mobels, but a tighter chassis helps the handling. Many have gone with the cannon rear subframe brace from www.FlyinMiata.com. It is supposed to be a very strong brace. I have heard some racers make their own brace similar to the cannon brace. I ordered the BSP front and rear braces from www.BrainstormPerformance.com. As you can see in the picture, the brace runs along the stock brace and uses holes already there. Great instructions ans easy install for both front and back. *When installing front brace, use a small magnet to guide bolt.

Shocks + Springs...You may need a dart and dart-board to choose which ones and which combo to get. Shocks and springs can greatly increase the handling of the miata. Most all springs lower the miata 1-2 inches. My miata sits at a 4" clearance and I didnt like the idea of only having a 2 1/2 inch clearance. I wanted better springs and shocks, but I am on a budget and I want the option of lowering/raising my car. I asked about shocks like Bilstein, Tokiko, KYB, Racing Beat, Koni, and more. I also asked about springs like Racing Beat, Flyn Miata, Ground Control, Spax, Tein and more. "What do I want to do with my miata?" is the question you need to ask. If you wanna cruise comfortably...stay with stock. If you want a little more handling...maybe KYB's and RB springs. If you might visit the track...maybe Koni's and FM springs. Pede had the KYB adj. shock with GC coil-overs and he loves them. The KYB's have a adjustable knob (1-8). The higher the setting...the firmer the ride.

Many from the www.Miata.net forum suggested the KYB/GC combo. The KYB's from Ebay were $322 to my door and the GC coil-overs from Flyn Miata were $413 to my door. These will be installed after July 4th. I was very close to getting the FM/KYB combo, but didnt like the thought of a low ride. The picture to the right shows my new ride height. Low ride, good clearance and no bump-stop problem.

Some Spring Rates...
Stock springs...................... Front=155 Rear=95... estimated
RB Street Springs.............. Front=203 Rear=111... a tiny bit better
RB Race Springs............... Front=226 Rear=124... a little better
FM Springs.......................... Front=342 Rear=228... much, much better
GC Coil-overs + Springs...Front=375 Rear=250... even better and adjustable

*there are many others and dont forget about those shocks

Links to Pages: 1-Background 2-Auto-Cross 3-Suspension + Chasis 4-Engine + Drivetrain 5-Tires & Brakes 6-Interior 7-Exterior 8-Maintenance 9-Whats next & Wish List 10-Other Miatas 11-Picture Gallery