Improve Cornering, Lessening Body Roll -Mk1

[rossyl]

Hi all

I've got a 1996 UK MK1. It is completely standard and I'm now using it for track days and Sprints.

There is quite a lot of roll in the corners which I'm looking to lessen without losing too much grip.

I don't want to make a huge change just an improvement.

So any thoughts?

I think one of the springs is already new? Would new OEM springs all round be enough?

Thanks
R

[skinny]

Why not just ARBs. I've got FM ones I think, adjustable.

[Oldandslow]

Stiffer lowering springs for track. The car will sit lower and the outer springs will compress less in a corner controlling most of the roll. You don't need the same soft compliance or height if you're not on rough roads. With stiffer springs you'd be advised to get uprated shocks to match and though it's pricey all at once you'll be really peed off doing essentially the same job twice. Mk2 shock mounts will get you even lower with the same travel. Uprated ARB's will then control what roll is left. You can do all that at once or in increments to suit your budget or to get the feel of each change.

For the record I'm on Eibach springs, KYB AGX shocks with Mk1 shock mounts(Mk2 were just too low with those springs and on the road). Uprated ARB's (IL? front, Whiteline rear) but set to the medium rather than full stiffness, rose joint links on the front, std on the rear. Sourced in hodge podge fashion from who ever appeared cheapest at the time. I've a front ARB mounting brace to fit when I get the time. Rear ARB needed clamps to stop it drifting off centre.

[Evoluzione]

Weld the cills up?

[MG CHRIS]

If your doing track days and sprints then set of adjustable coilovers will give you ultimate set up choices, gaz/hsd or mesisters are all popular choices for track days and racing. Also upgraded the anti roll bars at same time.

[rossyl]

Well here's how it looks in corners....

[griffdude]

HSD Monopro or Meister R shocks

[rossyl]

I went for the Meister's R CD
RD Coilovers, it has greatly changed the car. Far less body roll.

FYI the UK spec MX5 springs were higher than the Eunos spec. Hence the boat-like handling. So, worth at the very least changing to Eunos spec.

[pewe]

rossyl said:

I went for the Meister's R CD
RD Coilovers, it has greatly changed the car. Far less body roll.

FYI the UK spec MX5 springs were higher than the Eunos spec. Hence the boat-like handling. So, worth at the very least changing to Eunos spec.

Second that all the way.
Having been close to the development of Meisters for MX5's I'll guarantee you won't be disappointed whichever type you buy.
If cost is a concern I'm sure they still do they do a purchase plan which means you can spread the cost.
Mine runs standard ARB's as the variable settings on Meisters means you don't need extra thick ones.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe

[drgoatboy]

If it's on its original shocks and springs I think you will find changing out to oem will also make a big difference. I changed mine for standard spec kyb shocks from euro car parts with new kyb springs and it made a huge difference.
Obviously changing to adjustable coilovers will give you more options but you probably will make it a harsher ride.

I also found that the handling suffered quite badly due to flex of the body. I added a tr lane rollbar and that also made a significant difference to how the car felt (but obviously not body roll) but the whole thing felt more solid. There are cheaper options for chassis bracing out there. Good news is you can do a little at a time and there are endless options out there.

[sjtgeray]

i put EIbach sports springs on (with new standard shocks) and yes it sits lower, and yes it rolls less on track, but the car is awful on British Roads (to the point where i stopped driving it other than to track days)
It bottoms out and bangs on the bump stops (particularly rear left) if you hit bad quality or undulating roads. The car is going back to the garage this week to have standard springs put back on (will see if i can get EUNOS ones based on an earlier comment in this thread)
I would love GAZ or Meisters as they would offer the best of both worlds (road and track) but sadly dont have the cash.