Lowered suspension

[Drummajor]

Has anybody fitted the "technix" lowered coil overs ?

Are they worth the money or should I purchase another brand ??

[landmannnn]

I spent some time reading through the suspension section in the mx5nutz forum.

As often with that type of forum there is a lot of drivel and senseless comments...however the general opinion seems to be that the cheap coilovers perform really badly. You will need to budget £500+ for a set that won't ruin the handling.

The sensible option seems to be a set of decent quality lowering springs (-30mm) which will still allow the existing dampers to be used.

[puma931]

Gaz (was Leda before) make pretty good shock/coil overs.
What do the MX5 race cars use??

[Drummajor]

Ok, next question then.
Which lowering springs have people used? Don't want a hard ride just it to be a bit lower .
Thanks

[landmannnn]

Have a look at http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/shocks-spr...69_70_239.html

This company seem to know what they sell.... I like that they publish the reviews, good and bad and seem to react to them.

The GAZ coilovers as above are the premium brand but expensive

The VMaxx coilovers start at £350 and have a good reputation.

Their trim springs are re-worked OEM's so are a bit lower but only slightly stiffer.

I am pondering the same as you, although since one of my fronts is snapped I will need to replace them anyway.

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Drummajor

Ok, next question then.
Which lowering springs have people used? Don't want a hard ride just it to be a bit lower .
Thanks

I don't know what you're looking for, but when I change suspension a good ride is more important to me than something harsh. Accordingly I've fitted Eibach springs and always found them superb. Don't ruin them with cheap dampers. Again, I find Sachs to offer good control without harshness.

[Drummajor]

About to buy eibach springs.
Has anybody had any reasons why I shouldn't ?
Cheers guys

[Tribute Automotive]

I love the write up on this ebay advert:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX-5...item27e1c994d3

Eibach springs have a good reputation.

[Drummajor]

I fitted a set of those "coil over " cheap eBay things. They came with short springs and they were horrid . The car was hardly any lower and the ride was awfull .

[Drummajor]

Got have the car looking its best for stoneleigh

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Drummajor

Got have the car looking its best for stoneleigh

Much appreciated Jason

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

I love the write up on this ebay advert:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX-5...item27e1c994d3

I doubt the guy works in sales haha.

No sign of top mounts either

[Drummajor]

Originally Posted by y cymro

I doubt the guy works in sales haha.

No sign of top mounts either

You don't need top mounts.
They fit under the coil and raise or lower it .
They are rubbish

[y cymro]

I thought it was the usual kit to convert struts to coil overs with 2 1/4" springs rather than adjustable bottom spring platforms.
Wouldn't touch either with a barge pole.

[Drummajor]

Guys help please.
The more I look into this the more options I get and thus the more confused I become.
I don't know what to buy!! I won't lower but not much firmer , what experiences have you guys got. My budget is about £200 . Thanks .

[y cymro]

Perhaps the mx5 forums could advise? I don't think you'll find a decent set of springs and dampers for £200
For that price I'd buy a set of Sachs damper and either cut the springs or use a gas torch to lower them. Check that they sit properly in their pans and don't forget to re-temper afterwards. Perhaps you'll find a secondhand set of Eibach springs?

[Drummajor]

Originally Posted by y cymro

Perhaps the mx5 forums could advise? I don't think you'll find a decent set of springs and dampers for £200
For that price I'd buy a set of Sachs damper and either cut the springs or use a gas torch to lower them. Check that they sit properly in their pans and don't forget to re-temper afterwards. Perhaps you'll find a secondhand set of Eibach springs?

New Eibach springs are £200 .
Now considering "pushing the boat out" and getting coil overs .
Omg this is a minefield .

[landmannnn]

In the link I posted to mx5 parts they are £140.

My advice, for what it is worth, if you are not careful you will saink a load of cash into the suspension when there are plenty of other things to spend money on. I have spent stupid amounts of money on cars buying all the good stuff and have promised myself that I will spend less time upgrading and more time enjoying.

For £500 quid you could have good (not great) suspension, new brakes, good tyres, an induction kit and some improvements to the interior (haven't done the maths, but you get the idea)

or for £500 you could have great suspension but worn out brakes rough tyres or whatever.

[Drummajor]

Originally Posted by landmannnn

In the link I posted to mx5 parts they are £140.

My advice, for what it is worth, if you are not careful you will saink a load of cash into the suspension when there are plenty of other things to spend money on. I have spent stupid amounts of money on cars buying all the good stuff and have promised myself that I will spend less time upgrading and more time enjoying.

For £500 quid you could have good (not great) suspension, new brakes, good tyres, an induction kit and some improvements to the interior (haven't done the maths, but you get the idea)

or for £500 you could have great suspension but worn out brakes rough tyres or whatever.

Hi landmann
I have already up rated the discs ( vented and drilled) new pads and new calipers , also ss exhaust and induction kit, strut brace up front and new bushes and drop links . Brand new continental tyres on the rear ( 245-45-16) , new sets , steering wheel , stereo . So suspension is next. I'm not happy with how high she sits, hence I want to lower it.
MeisterR coil overs do seem to be the best but costly.
It will be sorted for stoneleigh .

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Drummajor

New Eibach springs are £200 .
Now considering "pushing the boat out" and getting coil overs .
Omg this is a minefield .

It isn't a minefield but like most things in life you get what you pay for.
Dampers like Bilsteins, Koni, Ohlins etc are usually very good but if designed for performance are likely to harshen your ride. I have almost new Japanese KYB dampers on my Z3 and don't rate them at all as the rebound setting is very soft. A quick google suggests that other Japanese dampers tend to have hard jounce settings which if true will give a harsh ride when the suspension compresses. You said you don't want a hard ride so this won't suit you.
I suggested Sachs dampers because in my experience, they damp well and are not harsh. Eurocarparts show them in stock at £360/set for your MX5. Sometimes Euro does a 50% off sale.
Cutting springs is free providing you can do it yourself and know what you're doing.
I can't imagine a set of £200 coil overs will have been developed for your car or be made from materials that will last. If you get a personal recommendation from someone you trust then go for them. But be wary of internet gobshites who reckon they're 'awesome'.