Mk1 Suspension advice
Discussion
My 1997 Mk1 1.6 Monza is in need of some suspension attention...
Currently on standard (probably original) springs and shocks all round. All are in good enough condition and pass an MoT without comment. However, the ride is pretty jiggly on anything other than a smooth surface and, whilst the ultimate handling and roadholding isn't bad, I suspect that the shocks are a bit tired and replacing them would improve the ride and the handling.
I also feel the car is riding a bit high so I have been looking at lowering at the same time...
Has anyone got any recommendations or comments? Prices seem either incredibly high (compared to components for my other vehicles) or comically low for ebay no-brand coilovers.
Car has 82,000 miles and is no concourse example so my budget isn't top end Ohlins style...
Currently on standard (probably original) springs and shocks all round. All are in good enough condition and pass an MoT without comment. However, the ride is pretty jiggly on anything other than a smooth surface and, whilst the ultimate handling and roadholding isn't bad, I suspect that the shocks are a bit tired and replacing them would improve the ride and the handling.
I also feel the car is riding a bit high so I have been looking at lowering at the same time...
Has anyone got any recommendations or comments? Prices seem either incredibly high (compared to components for my other vehicles) or comically low for ebay no-brand coilovers.
Car has 82,000 miles and is no concourse example so my budget isn't top end Ohlins style...
I've had Vmaxx Extreme (adjustable height & damping) coilovers on my 90' Eunos for a couple of years now.
Overall I'm very pleased with them. Mixed reviews on the net, but I think a decent mid-range set of coilovers.
They're pretty stiff though. My cars is just used for a weekend fun car and a couple of trackdays now. The handling is really brilliant IMO, but maybe a bit stiff for more regular use.
If you did go for these, I would advise to spend a little more and get the adjustable damping, as the ones that only height adjust will be even stiffer.
I haven't heard much praise for the cheapo eBay stuff, so I'd probably stay clear of those! They are good value if you only want your car to be lower.
Overall I'm very pleased with them. Mixed reviews on the net, but I think a decent mid-range set of coilovers.
They're pretty stiff though. My cars is just used for a weekend fun car and a couple of trackdays now. The handling is really brilliant IMO, but maybe a bit stiff for more regular use.
If you did go for these, I would advise to spend a little more and get the adjustable damping, as the ones that only height adjust will be even stiffer.
I haven't heard much praise for the cheapo eBay stuff, so I'd probably stay clear of those! They are good value if you only want your car to be lower.
I've got KYB AGX shocks and Eibach springs (30mm drop I think). It's been an excellent combo and has settled about as low as I'd want to go. I did try Mk2 top mounts with it at first and that was too low, tyres rubbing on the arches low. Good supple ride but well controlled handling. That has been helped greatly I think by the upgraded roll bars I fitted at the same time so not all down to the spring/shocks.
Problem is they aren't cheap. I waited for offers, clearance sales and ebay vouchers to squirrel away parts over a year or two then fitted them all at once.
Problem is they aren't cheap. I waited for offers, clearance sales and ebay vouchers to squirrel away parts over a year or two then fitted them all at once.
I have HSD Monopro's. Slight banging from the rear at first but after the 'wear-in period' they're spot on. Being able to adjust dampening from the engine bay/boot is a godsend; full soft for daily commuting and then crank them up on the spirited drives 
Would advise to change ARBs and some bushes and give it a slight overhaul (if yours is a Monza that would make it 21 years old?). So you might as well whilst the shocks are out for replacement.
Would advise to change ARBs and some bushes and give it a slight overhaul (if yours is a Monza that would make it 21 years old?). So you might as well whilst the shocks are out for replacement.
Billy.RS said:
I have HSD Monopro's. Slight banging from the rear at first but after the 'wear-in period' they're spot on. Being able to adjust dampening from the engine bay/boot is a godsend; full soft for daily commuting and then crank them up on the spirited drives
That's a handy feature indeed!Thanks for the replies, everyone...
I've been looking at Tein Street Basis Z Coilover Suspension Kit sold by DemonTweeks (amongst others) for about £400 (so £100 per corner) which seems reasonable...not sure how good they are though the Tein Street Advance Z Coilovers are approx. £70 more per set...
I had discounted the HSD Pros as they have had some pretty poor reviews and they aren't cheap!
The Meister Rs are available in cheap to eyewatering!! The MeisterR Sportive Coilovers aren't too bad @ £500, but the Teins are cheaper and appear to offer similar performance.
I've been looking at Tein Street Basis Z Coilover Suspension Kit sold by DemonTweeks (amongst others) for about £400 (so £100 per corner) which seems reasonable...not sure how good they are though the Tein Street Advance Z Coilovers are approx. £70 more per set...
I had discounted the HSD Pros as they have had some pretty poor reviews and they aren't cheap!
The Meister Rs are available in cheap to eyewatering!! The MeisterR Sportive Coilovers aren't too bad @ £500, but the Teins are cheaper and appear to offer similar performance.
Edited by fushion julz on Monday 22 October 13:08
Edited by fushion julz on Monday 22 October 13:11
If its of any use i'm another Meister R user and they are are an amazing bit of kit for the road as well as track duty. They are on the softer side of the spectrum so on full soft their compliance is amazing - i rate them above any standard ride comfort. On full hard they are good but not rock hard - so depends really where the bulk of of our driving will be. If its mainly track work go for a harder setup.
Another satisfied MeisterR customer here.
Mine are the GT1's and tick all the boxes from fast road through to track days and Autosolos.
Whilst I haven't used any of the cheaper sets I do know something about the extensive development work which has gone into Meister's range particularly relating to MX5's and say you can buy with confidence.
Also their after-sales service is brilliant and they carry a lifetime guarantee.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.
Mine are the GT1's and tick all the boxes from fast road through to track days and Autosolos.
Whilst I haven't used any of the cheaper sets I do know something about the extensive development work which has gone into Meister's range particularly relating to MX5's and say you can buy with confidence.
Also their after-sales service is brilliant and they carry a lifetime guarantee.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.
A while ago I read a magazine interview with one of the Japanese design engineers on the mk1 MX5. Unfortunately, I can't find it online. However, if memory serves he was asked what he'd do first if "refreshing" an older MX5. The answer he gave was, "Replace all the suspension bushes". So, that might be something to think about as well.
I have a '97 1.8 running IL Motorsport rubber bushes all round, in refurbished wishbones, and Gaz Gold Pros with 400/300 springs. It rides quite well. Turn down the bump/rebound adjustment and it is more compliant than stock, I'd say.
I have a '97 1.8 running IL Motorsport rubber bushes all round, in refurbished wishbones, and Gaz Gold Pros with 400/300 springs. It rides quite well. Turn down the bump/rebound adjustment and it is more compliant than stock, I'd say.
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