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Suspension upgrade for daily driver needed

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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 09:10 AM
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Default Suspension upgrade for daily driver needed

I have owned my '99 for 4 years now and the only suspension upgrade I did was FM sways. I drive this car everyday, and I don't scrape anywhere, so I'm skeptical on lowering it. I only autocrossed it once, and don't really see it happening again anytime soon. I just want to replace my shocks and springs, but I want to replace them with something better than what I have now without breaking the bank. Like I said, it's not a track car in any way.
Any recommendations? Ebay?
Thanks guys.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 09:11 AM
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FM springs and tokico shocks is a good competent DD upgrade...
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 09:17 AM
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I did look at this:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...0%20%201990-97

$789.00 plus FM shipping, so easily over $820. Could be a nice Christmas present for me.
Any other recommendations that I need to know about?
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 11:29 AM
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My friend has those on his NB1. They're comfortable on the street and decent on the track.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 12:19 PM
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I have a set of FM springs going up for sale just as soon as bernie finishes my shocks FYI. They even come with a free set of KYB AGX if you want them lol.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 12:19 PM
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If they'll fit my '99 I'm callin dibs right now.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by thirdgen
If they'll fit my '99 I'm callin dibs right now.
150 shipped and they're yours. They've definitely served me well.

I must admit though, you should consider revalved bilsteins on stock springs if you're not looking to change ride height.

Edit: Looks like there is a difference between NA and NB springs. Not sure what though. I bet NA springs are just shorter.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 12:28 PM
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I may have a set of MSM Bilsteins for sale in the fairly near future.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:42 PM
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^ Does that guy still offer revalves for those?

I think that would be the best/cheapest DD combo.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Saml01
^ Does that guy still offer revalves for those?

I think that would be the best/cheapest DD combo.
I don't think you need a revalve if it's just for daily driving, the ride is pretty nice if you ask me. It's not as good as my 700/400 AST set-up, but pretty smooth.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by wayne_curr
Edit: Looks like there is a difference between NA and NB springs. Not sure what though. I bet NA springs are just shorter.
The shape of the spring is different at the bottom.

NA springs are formed and ground such that the bottom of the spring is more-or-less flat, and the lower spring perch itself is perfectly flat.

With NB springs, they leave the bottom end "jagged" and the lower spring perch has a sort of sloping, offset shape.

You can install a complete NB shock / spring / tophat combo into an NA (and vise-versa) but the individual components are not cleanly interchangeable.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:09 PM
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Get the springs from FM (or used if you can find a set of the current spec ones - just make sure you get the 99-05 version), and get the Tokicos from Auto Anything.
Profit.

I like my FM/ Tokico setup for the street.

Edit:
Hmm...Looks like they don't have them on the site for the NBs. Give them a call to see if they can get them. There was a shortage for a bit because of the tsunami.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by hustler
I don't think you need a revalve if it's just for daily driving, the ride is pretty nice if you ask me. It's not as good as my 700/400 AST set-up, but pretty smooth.
Oh I know, that's what I run. Figured a revalve would only make it better.
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:27 PM
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Doesn't FM say their springs suck with Bilsteins or something?? Not that he has to get FM springs for that matter....
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by soloracer
Get the springs from FM (or used if you can find a set of the current spec ones - just make sure you get the 99-05 version), and get the Tokicos from Auto Anything.
Profit.

I like my FM/ Tokico setup for the street.

Edit:
Hmm...Looks like they don't have them on the site for the NBs. Give them a call to see if they can get them. There was a shortage for a bit because of the tsunami.
I hated my Tokicos even before this happened:

Bilstein is the way to go because they last forever, they're monotubes, and if you get the right spring rate, they are super comfy.
Attached Thumbnails Suspension upgrade for daily driver needed-msli8o.jpg  
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by hustler
Bilstein is the way to go because they last forever, they're monotubes, and if you get the right spring rate, they are super comfy.
Why do we not have a thread in which, by combining our collective intellect and experience, we pin down exactly what spring rates are appropriate for the various Bilstein shocks?
Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by mgeoffriau
Why do we not have a thread in which, by combining our collective intellect and experience, we pin down exactly what spring rates are appropriate for the various Bilstein shocks?
Make it so while I leave work and go to the gym. I'll get up in thurr later and post-***** it up.
Old Jul 30, 2011 | 12:41 AM
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The Tokicos are great with FM springs-the issue is that with higher rate springs the compression increases and the ride quality decreases.
Old Jul 30, 2011 | 11:07 AM
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Apparently hustler and I see eye to eye on the suspension thing. I had tokicos and thought they were horrid, and I put MSM suspension on with a big front sway bar, and short of straight up track driving, it works wonderful.
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 12:52 AM
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Originally Posted by chicksdigmiatas
Apparently hustler and I see eye to eye on the suspension thing. I had tokicos and thought they were horrid, and I put MSM suspension on with a big front sway bar, and short of straight up track driving, it works wonderful.
Describe your suspension, please.



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