NB / Mk 2 Suspension Replacement

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: Mk2/NB/1.6
  2. I’m based near: Nottingham
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Replacing suspension (all four corners)

Hi; I’m new here, so please be gentle. We’re on our second MX5, this is is a Mk 2, which we’ve had for five years. the existing suspension is an after-market set-up, lowered, but now needs to be replaced, both front and back.
We would welcome some recommendations on preferred options for predominantly on-road (not track) driving that will preserve a degree of driving performance but on a modest budget. so we are not thinking of replacing with “standard” units, but probably the next level up, and that will accommodate speed bumps on the west side of Nottingham without grounding the car(!). we are keeping the car, not selling it on, so interested in something that will last. but neither are we career mot-racing drivers…Thus ends the brief!
I guess we’re looking at the bottom end of upgraded units, but have no idea where to begin. I guess advice on how much would be a sensible amount to lower it by would help, and then pros and cons of the various manufacturers and where to source them. And they will be installed by a suitable specialist. Thanks.

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Hi Bartonkids, I bought a set of MeisterR Sportivs for mine with exactly the same brief. They were an apparently affordable coilover.
I didn’t read the small print and mistakenly thought that they were height adjustable which was a mistake as it’s only the rate that adjusts.
After fitting them I had to increase the rate to create enough ground clearance to avoid scraping the cars belly over any bump. That resulted in a non optimal set up which is probably worse than the OEM suspension.
My advice would be to buy the best set you can afford. Height adjustment is a must, rate can help tune the car to your precise driving style, bump and re-bound not absolutely necessary for road use.
As an afterthought the set I fitted hasn’t lasted that well either. The finish on the springs has split and deteriorated after only a short time which quite surprised me.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone else’s opinion as I think I’ll end up changing the ones on my car again in the future.
Good luck :+1:

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Many thanks for your response! I’ll try and apply this as best I can.

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