Suspension.

[MN]

I am looking to replace the standard shocks with adjustable shocks,
preferably Koni. At the same time I also want to replace the springs and the
front and rear sway bars. There are plenty of "how to" articles in Miata
Magazine etc so the doing shouldn't be a problem. However does anyone know
what the Koni part number or model number is for the adjustable shocks
suitable for the MX5 and the approximate price here in NZ? Maybe another
brand is as good or more easily attainable here, anyone have any comments ?
Lastly where might I purchase or get made a set of harder springs and sway
bars or would it be better to bite the bullet and get the whole suspension
package from one of the US MX5 specialists say Racing Beat ?

Thanks in anticipation,
Mark

[RAY]

Mark
Koni's are easily available here (make sure you specify year and model)
i have just fitted a set to my yellow car they were supplied by Rotary
Power (Glenfield, Auck. 09-443-5762) i also had them fit Trust lowering
springs at the same time, i haven't had the bill yet but i'm expecting a
bill of around $2000 which included fitting, the Koni's are usually
around $1400 a set and you will have to drill a 12mm hole in the top
mounting plates and bump stop rubbers as Koni use a larger diameter
damping rod
Rotary Power are Racing Beat stockists and they never had any springs in
stock only the Trust springs so as i'm always game to test things i
thought i would give them a try, (they lower the car to the same height
as Racing Beat lowering springs and give about the same stiffness),
having never used the Trust springs before i can't comment long term on
them yet the next track day will test them to the full, my car is also
fitted with Racing Beat sway bars, Koni's for the 1600 and 1800 are also
adjustable for ride height but not for the MK2 models.
I would be very wary of having springs made for an MX5 as the results
would be unknown and could spoil your final set up
I do have the set of Bilsteins that came off my car for sale ($600)
which is about half price they have only done about 15000-20000k's and
are not adjustable one of the reasons for changing to Koni's.
Get back to me Mark if i can be of any help as you will need to set up
your wheel alignment after any changes

--

Regards
Ray

[RAY]

Mark
Koni's are easily available here (make sure you specify year and model)
i have just fitted a set to my yellow car they were supplied by Rotary
Power (Glenfield, Auck. 09-443-5762) i also had them fit Trust lowering
springs at the same time, i haven't had the bill yet but i'm expecting a
bill of around $2000 which included fitting, the Koni's are usually
around $1400 a set and you will have to drill a 12mm hole in the top
mounting plates and bump stop rubbers as Koni use a larger diameter
damping rod
Rotary Power are Racing Beat stockists and they never had any springs in
stock only the Trust springs so as i'm always game to test things i
thought i would give them a try, (they lower the car to the same height
as Racing Beat lowering springs and give about the same stiffness),
having never used the Trust springs before i can't comment long term on
them yet the next track day will test them to the full, my car is also
fitted with Racing Beat sway bars, Koni's for the 1600 and 1800 are also
adjustable for ride height but not for the MK2 models.
I would be very wary of having springs made for an MX5 as the results
would be unknown and could spoil your final set up
I do have the set of Bilsteins that came off my car for sale ($600)
which is about half price they have only done about 15000-20000k's and
are not adjustable one of the reasons for changing to Koni's.
Get back to me Mark if i can be of any help as you will need to set up
your wheel alignment after any changes

--

Regards
Ray

[MN]

Ray,
Thanks for the information, I'll give them a call.
Cheers,

Mark

[zorruno]

For Koni Shocks, the agents are
George Stocks & co, Ph 09 2707222, or 0800 STOCKS,
mailto:parts@georgestock.co.nz

If you have a 1st gen MX5, you should need
2 off 80411203SPORT @ retail $344.55 each including GST
2 off 80411204SPORT @ retail $327.16 each including GST

These prices are about 5 months old so may be +/-

As per Ray's comments - the konis are adjustable only on perch height (3
selectable heights on installation) and you can adjust for rebound on the
fly by accessing the top of the shock. (1st gen M1 only) - but you probably
already know this after reading all the faqs

Stocks also have King & Eibach springs, and KYB shocks. No opinion of the
merits of any of these on the MX5 though - but there are discussions around.
I might have to discuss the Trust setup with you further Ray...

King springs - stocks part numbers KMFL-52 and KMRL-53 are linear lowered
30mm coils (whatever this height pertains to) and are $128.50 each retail
incl. Also unknown as to what performance is like.

There are a few listings around for spring rates etc for the various springs
available on the net if you wanted to have some manufactured - however, it
may be more trouble than it is worth, as a number of US suppliers make them.

Sorry - don't have an opinion on the swaybar setup, my 94 is fine stock at
the present moment. (I said at the moment... )

no affiliation etc.

Cheers
H
-----------------------------------------
Howard & Zorruno 94 Black
MX5 Club of New Zealand inc
http://www.mx5club.org.nz/