I have a 2003 1.8i Nevada that I’m looking to lower just a little. MX5 parts have a set of Eibach coil springs that lowers the car by 30mm. However, these springs are not compatible with cars fitted with Bilstein suspension. The question is does my Nevada have Bilstein fitted as standard? I believe this is not the case as the car was based upon a standard 1.8 and not the Sport model but I would appreciate any confirmation of this please?
Nevada’s were not fitted with Bilsteins but it is a common upgrade and they may have been added by the last owner. Look at the strut ( you may have to wipe it) if it’s Yellow then Bilsteins, if it’s Black then standard.
Brian.
Thanks very much Brian!
I have a Nevada as well, on the lowering springs from MX5 Parts. I also have 25 mm spacers on the original wheels. Pictures attached for your reference. WIll be fine if no one has changed the suspension in the past.
If you need advice on what size wheels will fit, I have posted calculations based on my 2.5 Nevada on lowering springs.
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst94312_How-to-calculate-what-wheel-size-will-fit-a-mk2-5.aspx
Thanks very much Ian, greatly appreciate the info and pics. How do you find the spacers in terms of handling and ride, I saw your positive comments in the other thread and i’m interested in them but also see lots of negative comments re spacers on forums?
If you get good quality hub centric spacers you should be fine. I personally think they improve handling, but I know so will go on about increasing the un sprung weight and that it will reduce handling. But in reality the impact is negligible, where the wider track helps it feel more planted.
All I can say is for fast road use I prefer them, also when on a motorway in the inside lane the car hold better in the wheel tracks left by lorries, rather than dancing from either the left or right wheels being in the dips.
I got the 25 mm ones from MX5 Parts http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/wheel-spacer-mk1-25-mk4-p-3689.html surprising these where the best value. If you go for smaller ones you may have to cut down the studs. But 25 mm fit perfectly with the original Nevada wheels.
I hope this helps.
P.S. There is another Nevada owner based near me that is taking my car out for a spin soon, I will report back on his opinion of how she handles.
Superb, thanks again for the info Ian, really appreciate it!