I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Handling Improvement
Evening - I recently bought my first MX5 and have been well and truly bitten by the bug. The car is on H&R lowering springs and std Bilsteins, but I’d like to improve the handling without spending a fortune (we’re already waaaay over the board approved budget for this project, not that the board have full disclosure of course… ).
It gets skittish and can tramline above 50/60mph which can be a little trouser threatening at times. The tyres it came with are terrible, unknown brand items and having scrupulously searched through this forum I know which tyres I’d go for (Khumo PS71’s seem to be the consensus if budget doesn’t stretch to PS4’s).
My question is; should I spend the rest of my (for now) budget on new tyres (the existing ones are pretty new and full of tread), or something else of similar cost to improve the handling and do tyres when they need doing? Bang for buck, what’s the best handling improvement?
I would start with tyres every time. Then plenty of options. I’m driving same, bought two years ago. Had an awful mix of budget tyres which were the first to go, then lowering springs and yellow spot arb’s, followed by coilovers, brakes, exhaust, etc etc…
I’m only in Tamworth so happy to get together when we are allowed.
Simple answer, take a trip up to Sheffield visit Roddisons Motorsport S9 1US
0114 244 5300 ask for Paul. Paul will give sound advice & sort out your handling
issues be it tyres, alignment, corner weighting. In essence totally transform your car.
Change the tyres for sure as a first then alignment straight after. It’s a good starting point, consider changing the whole suspension at a later date when you can afford to do so.
In my experience tired Bilsteins with lowering springs were ok but I would definitely consider something like MeisterR’s if you intend to keep the car long term.
My combo Kumho tyres, MeisterR suspension, never regret spending the money on those.
I’d echo what’s been said here, my recently acquired NC2 had two new tyres & an alignment at Wheels-in-motion yesterday. Even though it wasn’t too far out you can notice the difference driving home.
All booked in for Thursday - Black Circles are currently doing £10 off 4 Khumo PS71’s, to be fitted at Halfords Autocentre 5mins from my house, £294 all in
Tyres are a good start but as others have mentioned 4 wheel alignment will get you the very best in terms of tyre life and performance. Halfords will not have the range of settings nor probably the experience to align a lowered car.
I take mine here when I need work doing that I can’t do myself. In fact I’m ready for an alignment check, keep meaning to get it booked in, probably soon.
Agreed, in light of my one and only experience with their service centre.
I had an argument with Halfords about a tyre. I should have asked NickD instead, but it was only for one tyre.
They were the only vaguely local place prepared to supply the specific tyre I wanted, and I made the mistake of taking their word their for it and not actually taking a close look at the tyre until after it was fitted to my brand new “Spare” rim.
It was exactly the correct name and make and specification of tyre, but had a different tread pattern! What?
After phone calls (three) to their supplier while still at H and being told it was the “next generation” and my existing tread pattern was “no longer available” I haggled money off and kept it as the spare living wrapped up in my garage.
I expect I’ll have to get another of the same next gen when I damage one of the four on the car to run a matched pair on the axle. I did not ask them to take it off and give my money back because I did not want their unhappy tyre monkeys marking up the brand new rim.
Thanks for the heads up, I’ve used the Halfords near me before and they were good, but I guess experiences can vary.
Black Circles have just emailed me to say the Khumo’s aren’t actually available (in spite of taking full payment and confirming appointment etc etc), but are offering Yokohama BluEarth-GT AE51’s for the same price. Has anyone had any experience with these? Since I’m buying all 4 I want to make sure I get good (recommended) rubber!
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