best springs?

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
2

Advice on what kind of springs would suit my 1997 mark 1 would be much appreciated. After about 80,000 miles I had the standard springs replaced with Eibach sports springs as the old ones seemed tired and too bouncy. (I’d already replaced the shocks with KYBs, which seem pretty much the same as standard.) I found the new Eibachs felt tauter at first, but over time they’ve slowly driven me mad. They are far too firm on bumpy potholed London roads and a nightmare over speed bumps, which occasionally scrape the bottom as the car is now too low.

I don’t want a sport set-up, so would probably be happy to go back to standard, but wondered if anyone has found a better spring to go with KYBs.

3

 Replacement KYBs are slightly stiffer than stock, but the main issue is replacing a standard length and rating spring with a shorter, stiffer spring. Just cuting a few coils off will increase the rating of a spring. If you want a smooth ride, best go back to original fit Mazda, at around £100 a pair. To lower and have a smooth ride; the best option is to fit Mk2 shocks, with Mk2 top mounts and lowering springs. The main issue on the Mk1 is that on lowered springs, the rear shocks will keep hitting the bump stops, giving a rough ride. The revised top mount on the Mk2 went so way to “curing” this. Merely fitting a standard Mk2 setup (springs and shocks) will give a very 4x4 look.

4

Do you mean to use MK1 lowered springs with the MK2 shocks, if so is there anything inparticular you recommend ??

5

Hi

Mk1 springs will not sit properly on Mk2 dampers.  One end of the springs is differently formed between the two types.

Alan

 

 

6

Got ya !! Thanks for that Alan, as this is all a little unclear to me I appreciate your help, and knowledge. That being the case what springs would you recommend to go with the shocks for normal to fast road use, not for the track ?? Am I making more sense now ?? Den

7

 

Anyone have experience with this kit on a 5 ?

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_reviews_info.php/products_id/1578/reviews_id/8076

I’m thinking of doing shocks and springs on a budget and this appears to be cheaper even than stock parts. Only 1 review on mx5parts and the only other reviews I’ve found are for other makes of cars but they all seem well received.

 

8

I’ve got  the Koni sports shocks with standard Mazda springs and it’s a great setup. I would think that this one would perform well —

9

 I agree with Geoff.  Of the 5 different suspension set ups I’ve had on Black Bess, the standard springs on konis, set at lowest perch setting were second best.  Top choice for me is the current Koni / Eibach combination on middle perch setting, the worst combination was the standard shocks with eibach springs - far too much rebound and awful ride.

10

+1 Thumbs up [Y]  although my only comparison is Bilsteins on a V-Spec.