Miata shopping

[garretts77]

As you may or may not have read, I most likely totalled the P5. I am most likely going to replace it with a Miata. I have been skimming through info at miata.net and I think I narrowed it down. I am looking at a 2000 or newer and probably an LS.

My first question is about the suspension package. It comes with a STB and Bilstein shocks and upgraded stabilizer bars. Is there a way that I can spot this upgraded suspension by looking at it? What would I look for? I know the STB, but how caould I tell if it has the upgraded sways or not?

Second question is about 2001+. It looks to be almost the same as 2000, but 16" wheels are now on the LS. Also, the Optional suspension package does not mention the upgraded sway bars. Is this standard on LS for 2001?

And finally, I found a 2001 in the area that is supposedly an SE. It has 16" wheels, but they are not polished (this is a good thing to me) and the steering wheel is leather wrapped, not wood (also good). It does have the 6 speed though. From what I have gathered, should I assume that this car is an LS with the sport suspension?

I was getting my info here:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/5361/01.html

 

[moxnix]

IIRC Hard S on the door jamb sticker is the suspension package. If it says Sport S it has the standard package. You might want to search miata.net forums to confirm.

 

[Mplvan]

Odds are LS without Sport suspension, Look at door jam(first) call or e-mail mazda with VIN. It could be, but I had a very hard time finding one. My 02 SE has the big brakes, but no Bilstein shocks and big bars. The brakes were the thing with me, because its not that hard to change out shocks and swaybars.(Big brakes can get very $$$). The miata.net Faq has alot of great info, also the forum. Have fun hunting for the right car. I miss looking for new cars, but I have more then I can drive and afford now. (usa) Louie

 

[KpaBap]

The only way to be 100% sure is to call MNAO with the VIN number of the car in question.

As a general rule of thumb, Std S = standard suspension, Sport S = standard suspension + LSD (there's been a lot of ambiguity on this over at the miata forum though so don't take my word for it), and Hard S is the Bilstein shocks + 1mm fatter swaybars+LSD. Also I thought all Sports Suspensioned miata came with the front lip, side skirts and a rear spoiler...

The Bilsteins are yellow.

 

[garretts77]

great responses... Thanks guys...