Bilstein HD / Tein S-Tech setup
 

Howdy,

I was wondering if anyone runs this setup, and how they like it.

I commute 200miles a day normally, but don't mind too much of a rough ride. I will take my wife on Sunday drives though. I love taking curvies at outrageous speeds (umm, yeah, we all do dipschmidt, we drive miatas), but don't see too many autoX days in the near future. I just want it to stick. Dropping it a little would be nice as well.

This setup seems to be a good compromise, and I'm buying it lightly used for a decent discount. If I don't get this, my budget limits me to Illuminas with eBay coilovers.

On Bilstein/Teins:

How bad are bumps? I live in Houston, we sure as hell don't have German roads.

How much of a difference over stock handling at 8/10ths?

How long do the shocks last with this mild spring rate? I know they can be revalved, but not before I graduate.


Thanks guys,

Damon

Damon, I'm confused. Are you getting Bilsteins or Teins? Or; are you saying the previous owner combined both?

I use Tein Basics in my car now and other than the fact that you need to change the rear Top hats to NB top hats, I really like that compromise.

The Tein S-tech is a lowering spring.

You must have it confused with the SS complete coilover set.

I can't afford even the Basics, so I wish I was looking at that.

Complete setup I'm looking at:

NB Bilstein HD shocks with supposedly 15k miles
Tein S-tech springs (235/168?)
NB top hats
unknown bumpstops

200 miles a day? I thought my commute was bad

I used to do it every day (why I had a motorcycle), but I try to only do it two or three times a week now and crash on my little bro's couch there in BCS.

I live in Houston with family, but go to Texas A&M. Life's tough, but sacrifice pays off.

I rode around Houston for 2 years on R-pkg Bilsteins, which are more harsh than HDs IIRC. It was uncomfortable. I'd check with what bumpstops you'd be getting, as that plays a large role in harshness over bumps, especially when lowered. Those springs aren't very stiff for how much they lower, so be careful.

Any opinions on my option:

Tokico Illuminas
eBay coilovers (450/350) - don't hate
FCM bumpstops
NB topmounts if found cheap

This option will cost me ~$150 more, but will be new, proven parts (sans springs), with adjustability all around.

I like Illuminas. I like FCM bumps and NB topmounts. I'd opt for better springs before getting NB mounts, though. Th ebay mounts might work, but I certainly wouldn't use the springs.

Maybe think about FM springs if budget is a concern? Perhaps you can find them used.

Now I get it. I think your combo could work but I caution you about the stiffness of the Bilsteins HD. And if I were you I'd look for FCM bumpstops. I love those.

+1. I agree with Atlanta93LE but a word of caution: the first generation FM springs are too short and your car will be slammed. Ask me how I know ;)

If I were you, I'd look for a set of used FM second generation springs. Those, plus all the rest would be a perfect combo.

I put NB Bilstein sports and Teins with NB hats and FCM bumps on my 91 before I sold it. I thought it was much nicer than the R-pack bilsteins (not nearly as harsh, and the sports are designed for a lowered ride height). However, the front end sat 1" too high IMO.

Have Tein SS on my 99. They are better than the stock shocks by far, but I think they're too soft. I have them on full firm.

I may sell my bilsteins soon (january or feb) if you're interested.

Sorry hustler ;)

I just saw this ad on m.net: Miata.net Classifieds

I do hope the Flexes are on your list as replacements..... ;)