- My model of MX-5 is: __mk3
- I’m based near: __Birmingham
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Coil over springs
Hi all, What is the verdict of the forum regarding coil over springs in general
Many thanks
Paul
Aftermarket springs can be fitted to stock dampers as a cheap way to lower the car and make it look less 4x4.
Eibach seem to be popular.
All depends on the condition of your current dampers.
Better solution would be a coil over set that is matched springs and dampers.
How do you mean, just replace the springs, let’s say for lowering purposes?
If you feel the need to replace springs to make the car feel and handle better and lower it at the same time I’ve opt for a complete change of the coil over.
Sometimes fitting new springs to tired suspension units can bring good results but not great results, you still have a mix of tired components there.
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If the roads near you are anything like they are here in Northampton, then you’d have to be a brave man to go too sporty. I generally stick with stock unless I plan to use the car for specific purposes like going on a track. I also generally don’t use low-profile tyres, which reduces handling stability considerably but vastly increases ride comfort and vastly reduces pothole damage.
If the time comes to change shocks or springs I always look to see if there’s any good deals on sportier springs, but I find it’s rarely worth it for road use; brings more trouble than it’s worth and causes A LOT of discomfort and wear. I have an MX3 that has a suspension refurb approaching, and in this case I think I will go for sportier springs as they are not too bad in terms of price. Of course, they are adjustable so I can keep it in “road mode” until the time is right.
Lastly, I can’t help but thinking “muppet” when I see a radically lowered car on the road. As well as all the additional wear and tear, it’s implied being a bit of a boy-racer and a poser. Stock suspension on an MX5 is more than capable of spirited driving on a public highway. I tend to steer well clear of buying lowered cars, as the previous owner probably drove on the motorway in 2nd gear and has caused a problem that they can’t afford to fix!
Agree in general but the NC1 has the sporty look of a 4x4 on stock springs.
Fetching an NC1 down to the same height as the NC2 & NC3 should not cause any issues.
I think you need to get up with the times and stop thinking every lowered car you see must have a ‘muppet’ at the wheel.
I’ve recently sold an NC, it looked, drove and condition wise was on of the best out there. It was also lowered, it had some other tasteful mods on it, I’m over 70 years old and consider myself a steady driver with a hint of youthfulness.
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I changed all 4, 13 year old stock Bilstein’s on my Sport Black last week, for a set of Meister R Sportive. Slightly lowered and now actually goes around corners as it should, on a new set of Kumho PS71’s.
Not a cheap option, but well worth the improvement and even more smiles.
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I said RADICALLY lowered car, not every lowered car! I generally don’t think other mx5 owners are muppets, as they clearly bought a driver’s car that isn’t insanely powerful and is the sort of car that generally isn’t going to kill anyone if something goes untoward. I feel like the vulnerable feeling of the road connection that a proper sports car gives you stops you from doing anything too idiotic.
Then again, my friend lowered his NB to the point of illegality and - surprise, surprise - he had essentially written off his car through regular road use. I love the guy and we share the appreciation of mx5’s, but I couldn’t help calling him a guess what!
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