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NOOB wanting to start with Suspension

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Old 05-06-2013, 05:21 PM
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Default NOOB wanting to start with Suspension

Hello every one, NOOB here asking his first question and I really appreciate the help in advance. I recently got a 1.8L 2001 Miata LS 6 spd. The previous owner did some of the basics (racing beat headers and exhaust, after market chip even though I don't know anything about it, and a forced air intake). I have put wheels and tires on it. I am trying to get a track ready, street usable suspension that will also lower my Miata a little (at most 2.5").

Being as I am only 20 and ballin on a budget does anyone have any sugestions? I have looking at flyin Miata suspension pack 2 but wasn't sure if there was anything better and/or cheaper. Any suggestions or opinion?

Thank again!
-HC 2001 Miata LS 1.8L 6 spd.
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Old 05-06-2013, 05:59 PM
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Yes, I have a suggestion. I suggest you stop posting and start reading.

Do you really think you are the first person here looking for a decent 'track ready street usable' suspension on a budget?
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Old 05-06-2013, 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by hrcannon
Hello every one, NOOB here asking his first question and I really appreciate the help in advance. I recently got a 1.8L 2001 Miata LS 6 spd. The previous owner did some of the basics (racing beat headers and exhaust, after market chip even though I don't know anything about it, and a forced air intake). I have put wheels and tires on it. I am trying to get a track ready, street usable suspension that will also lower my Miata a little (at most 2.5").

Being as I am only 20 and ballin on a budget does anyone have any sugestions? I have looking at flyin Miata suspension pack 2 but wasn't sure if there was anything better and/or cheaper. Any suggestions or opinion?

Thank again!
-HC 2001 Miata LS 1.8L 6 spd.
The only thing you need to know about a "chip" for a miata: get rid of it. Seriously. If you actually have one on the car then find it and get rid of it. If the PO was just BSing you then that's fine.

thenuge26 is right though. This site is full to the brim with useful information and you will find far more searching than you ever will posting. That said, I've been running tockico illuminas and FM springs for about a year and half now on my DD/autox car. Fantastic ride quality and just enough to have fun at an event. It won't serve as a good track only setup cause the springs are too soft but that's what makes it good on the street.

Couple that shock/spring combo with FM bars and you have a fun little light race duty setup that won't kill you on the street.
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Old 05-06-2013, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by thenuge26
Yes, I have a suggestion. I suggest you stop posting and start reading.

Do you really think you are the first person here looking for a decent 'track ready street usable' suspension on a budget?
Yeah thats my bad. I was in a little hurry to post something lol. The second after I posted this I knew I should have read a little more.

again my apologies
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Old 05-06-2013, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by spitefulcheerio
The only thing you need to know about a "chip" for a miata: get rid of it. Seriously. If you actually have one on the car then find it and get rid of it. If the PO was just BSing you then that's fine.

thenuge26 is right though. This site is full to the brim with useful information and you will find far more searching than you ever will posting. That said, I've been running tockico illuminas and FM springs for about a year and half now on my DD/autox car. Fantastic ride quality and just enough to have fun at an event. It won't serve as a good track only setup cause the springs are too soft but that's what makes it good on the street.

Couple that shock/spring combo with FM bars and you have a fun little light race duty setup that won't kill you on the street.
Good Lookin out im going to go find that "chip"
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Old 05-06-2013, 09:03 PM
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Don't sweat it too much, I did the same thing. I wanted to make sure you weren't gonna be like this guy.
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Old 05-06-2013, 09:41 PM
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Spec Miata Bilsteins or here: Miata Suspension and springs from Summit here: http://www.summitracing.com/search/department/chassis-suspension/part-type/coil-over-springs/brand/summit-racing/length-in/7-000-in
For spring rates, try 450/300

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Old 05-07-2013, 02:16 PM
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do I need to look into the the control arm bushings or do I pretty much need to just worry about the shock, springs and coils?
thank you by the way that was some good stuff
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Old 05-07-2013, 02:28 PM
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Well they are 12 year old bushings, but if they aren't making noise now then why bother?
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Old 05-09-2013, 12:27 PM
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Flying Miata Suspension !
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Old 05-09-2013, 01:06 PM
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^Thats real helpful!
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Old 05-09-2013, 02:09 PM
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Flyin' Miata : Chassis : Stiffening : FM butterfly brace


Miata Hard Core Hardtop Bar
Miata Bolt-in Door Bar (with rear backing plates to tie it to the rollbar)







I've seen in countless threads that people were saying, a Rollbar can stiffen your suspension up more than actual braces right off the bat. I could of misinterpreted that though

Last edited by Hobo Jonny; 05-09-2013 at 03:23 PM. Reason: Wrong Link
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Old 05-09-2013, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by hrcannon
do I need to look into the the control arm bushings or do I pretty much need to just worry about the shock, springs and coils?
thank you by the way that was some good stuff
I wouln't worry about the bushings if they aren't worn out. You can always do them later if you decide you want to.
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Old 05-09-2013, 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Braineack
so he should upgrade his FM2 suspension package, with a FM2 suspension package?


i retract my previous statement seeing as he owns a 2001.
But I don't think he owns the FM2 package, he said he was looking at it.
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Old 05-10-2013, 10:03 AM
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VMaxx + FM sways for "ballin' on a budget" setup.

It's what I'm running on my '90 for now with 205/50 R888. End of the season they will be gone for the Big Grip Kit from 949.
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Old 05-24-2013, 01:41 PM
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How do you like the V-maxx, z31maniac?

I'm planning on doing the same exact thing : track on V-maxx for 2-3 years then go 949 Big Grip Kit.

Do you think it's worth it?
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Old 05-24-2013, 02:27 PM
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If you want to get on track NOW, yeah, it's worth it. I would definitely step up to the "Track Pack" with stiffer springs.

If you aren't going to be out there until next season? I'd save up and do the XIDA's from the start. Assuming my motor holds together, I'll be doing XIDA's over the winter.

But if you have no prior experience on track (I used to do track days on sport bikes), I don't think you can beat it for the price.
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Old 05-24-2013, 05:06 PM
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Thanks a lot! Given a limited budget, I'll then do the following if life doesn't get in the way :

Track stock suspension with 185/60R14 Dunlop ZII this year.
Track Xida Big Grip Kit with 185/60R14 Dunlop ZII next year.
Track Xida Big Grip Kit with 225/45R15 RS-3 on 6UL in 2 years.

Sounds good.
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Old 05-24-2013, 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Hobo Jonny
Flyin' Miata : Chassis : Stiffening : FM butterfly brace


Miata Hard Core Hardtop Bar
Miata Bolt-in Door Bar (with rear backing plates to tie it to the rollbar)








I've seen in countless threads that people were saying, a Rollbar can stiffen your suspension up more than actual braces right off the bat. I could of misinterpreted that though

You're going to have to explain to me how a rollbar stiffens up your suspension, please.
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Old 05-24-2013, 10:16 PM
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Dead serious, raceland coilovers are a very economical and streetable option. I ran them for a couple years and for the money I felt like they were a fantastic option.
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