Bumpy Mk 1

[Man from Uncle]

Hi folks,

I've a 1995 1.8 Eunos with 40,000 miles on it. Over the typical British country road, it's ever so bumpy and rattly and is probably on original shocks. Any way of telling if they're knackered, and if so, any suggestions for replacing them. I want comfort not performance. Many thanks.

[maz8062]

Man from Uncle said:

Hi folks,

I want comfort not performance. Many thanks.

I think you may have bought the wrong car. A Mk1 is a sports car designed for spirited driving and good handling. Mx-5's dont do comfort I'm afrain.

I guess it depends what shocks/dampers you have on your car. Have a look and report back..40k miles is not excessive so it may just be that you have an extra stiff set.

[MX-5 Lazza]

It also depends greatly on what you're expecting and what you're used to.
As Maz said, MX-5's have great handling and Mk1s, especially earlier ones can feel pretty bumpy. Mk2 is softer and Mk2.5 softer still yet they also have more grip.
You can improve the ride by replacing with bump-adjustable shocks such as Koni-Sport, KYB AGX, GAZ or Performance 5 Puredrive (the best ) and matching springs but these all come at a cost.
If you just want comfort, you might actually find it easier/cheaper to swap the car with a Mk2...

[hcanning]

It's bumpy and rattly because the suspension is harder than your average family car. The interior also isn't built as well, hence the rattles. Comfort isn't something you buy the Mk1 for. If the car doesn't wallow in bends, and doesn't bounce like a pogo stick when you push down on one corner of the car, it's fine

[Man from Uncle]

Thanks folks. I've had the car 13 years and I remember it being softer...but maybe the roads have just got worse. ha.
Mk2 sounds the way to go.
cheers.

[DennisTheMenace]

I would replace the springs and dampers with originals again .

[MX-5 Lazza]

DennisTheMenace said:

I would replace the springs and dampers with originals again .

I wouldn't. Originals cost just as much as after-market and aren't as good. If they were replaced with P5 P5, for example he'd get improved ride quality, could set the ride height to whatever he wants and would also benefit from much improved roll-resistance & handling.

[redgriff500]

Buy a used set of Mk2 suspension, more travel and soft bumpstops.

Or change your bumpstops to poly ones, the Mk1 ones are rubber and they harden with age.