Pablo's 2004 MSM Build

[WillD]

If I were you and my goal is performance, I would skip all of those options with the exception of the V-Maxx coilovers. It's really the best you can do in the price range.

Or...you could get your MSM Bilsteins revalved for around $60-70 bucks a corner to handle whatever spring rate you choose (for example 550/350 ) and then slap some coilover sleeves on them. Add FCM bumpstops and have a nice day.

Just my $0.02.

 

[THE Phen]

If I were you and my goal is performance, I would skip all of those options with the exception of the V-Maxx coilovers. It's really the best you can do in the price range.

Or...you could get your MSM Bilsteins revalved for around $60-70 bucks a corner to handle whatever spring rate you choose (for example 550/350 ) and then slap some coilover sleeves on them. Add FCM bumpstops and have a nice day.

Just my $0.02.

Too logical and cost-effective. This will get ignored.

 

[WillD]

Too logical and cost-effective. This will get ignored.

I have illogical and not cost-effective advice as well!

 

[princess peach]

I wouldn't be opposed to that, different people have different opinions as to what the best spring rate is for this car so I'd have to do some research. Without looking up prices, I would say price wise it would be very close to the v-maxx setup.

 

[THE Phen]

It's a similar idea as to what Muff did on his car... and what I was about to do with the Civic until I realized that $900 in race valved Koni yellows wasn't a logical move at the time...

 

[WillD]

Sleeves + springs from Ground Control are $400 from Goodwin. Take your pick as far as to rates: http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Parts/Miata/Suspension/Coilovers.html
Plus $60ish per shock for revalving if you choose to do it. (I've read that it may not be necessary for OTS GC rates which are 375/250 and coincidentally what I have on my car currently.)

It'd probably be about the same price to get Bilstein sleeves separately and source your own springs in either 2.5" or 2.25" diameter.

Everybody likes pictures so I found this:

As far as rates... I have 375/250 which is about double the OE MSM rates and you're more than welcome to check it out on my car and see what you think. I've had those rates on my car for 4 years now and they're great for an all around street/autocross/track setup. That said, I'm going to upgrade to 550/350 or 700/375 at some point.

 

[THE Phen]

Other option is to get eBay sleeves, throw out the springs that it comes with and buy your own custom spring rates in whatever spring size you need (2.5" / 3"... whatever).

 

[JamesCH]

I'd stay away from eBay sleeves:

 

[THE Phen]

Seem to be working for other people just fine. All you need are the adjustable perches.

 

[WillD]

What the hell has the car in the picture been through?

I'm going to agree with Phen on this one though. All we are talking is an aluminum sleeve...

 

[JamesCH]

That car in the picture was raced in GRM for three years with the previous owner, plus I had a little fun on some dirt roads before replacing the springs...

Still though, the aluminum sleeves were total garbage. There was enough slop so that dirt/sand could get into the threading and royally screw things up. The thread engagement was so shallow that a couple of the perches failed like that. YMMV, but that was my experience with inexpensive aluminum sleeves.

I'm running FM springs and really like them, no perches needed. I had them on my first Miata with Koni Yellows and on this one with KYB AGXs, both are good combinations. I would only go with stiffer springs if my car did more track driving than street driving.

 

[princess peach]

well, the H&R springs are 320\275 and according to Phen the Bilsteins are fine without revalving so that might be enough as the car will still see quite a bit of road. The sleeves would give me control over height but that won't be neccesary yet, as for the top hats I don't know how much I can gain from those as I thought they were mostly for NAs to be able to have the NB suspension, I could be wrong

 

[WillD]

You are correct about the top hats. Nothing to gain from switching unless you're going to the FM or ISC top hats.

Generally with a Miata the goal is to stay around a 3/2 or slightly higher spring rate ratio F/R. I just think that there are better options for just springs than the H&Rs if you want to go that route. The FM springs are 318/223 which is a much better combo IMO. I agree though that the Bilsteins are good in the 300lb range.

 

[princess peach]

I finally had some time to go over the links, FM says their springs on MSM Bilsteins will cause the rear to be too high, I guess that's where the sleeves would come in handy, but I wouldn't want to put too much preload on it to get a good height. I think it will be over a year before I make this decision, but its good to know the options. Springs might be enough for me, but GC and a revalve would be the other option.

 

[princess peach]

Begi finally shipped my intake, should get it on Friday. Probably install on Sunday before I leave for Boston.

Also, as far as suspension goes, I want to upgrade all bushings (and mounts) before I go for coils or strut\spring combo.

 

[princess peach]

Got the intake, too many peanuts in the box to take stuff out for a pic. Can't wait to get home and check everything out

 

[Lewis7789]

See ya Sunday then, turkey!

 

[princess peach]

There you go, all unpacked. Just the build quality makes it worth the wait.

 

[princess peach]

Installed the new intake, went pretty smooth. Had to trim the box a bit but very happy with it, definitely looks better.

 

[bazooka joe]

that is REAL nice!!