As hustler says,

The problem arises when people try to compare spring rates for different Bilstein shocks.

I'm going to list the known Bilstein shocks and let you guys fill in the info for what spring rates have been tried for each setup and what the result was. With enough info, we can narrow down the ideal rates for each shock. I'm going to list these as 4-shock units, though if necessary we can discuss rears and fronts separately.

• Bilstein HD -- NA
• Bilstein HD -- NB
• Bilstein NA R-package
• Bilstein NB Mazdaspeed
• Bilstein Hard S

If I'm forgetting any Miata Bilsteins feel free to add the to the list.

Please discuss the spring rates for:

• 1.6 springs
• Tein S-Tech
• MSM Springs

Hustler will edit this post accordingly when new things are defined.

 

Any factory dampened bil will not like any spring over like 400lbs.

My revalves are chugging along great at 700/450 though

 

Here's what I've run and my thoughts:

1994 Miata w/Bilstein HD's w/RB front and rear bars:

• 450/325 on GC perches - omfg, where is the barf bag, it's too rough
• 1.6 springs w/NB uppers - very comfy on the street, too much roll and my 205's rub, but the car is nice and low
• MSM springs w/ NA uppers this felt great in the car, but it looked like a monster truck, higher than stock

2004 MSM w/MSM Bilsteins:

• MSM springs - this is great, I want this in my daily
• Tein S-tech springs - felt great, I want this in my daily
• GC 450/425 - omfg, where is the barf bag, ouch my kidneys

 

You forgot the Hard S.

From my reading, the only factory bilsteins up for the job of higher spring rates are the R-pkg bilsteins. The Hard S and the MSM bilsteins are not up for the job of anything over factory spring rates, and barely that. They are also much taller than the r-pkg.

 

We need a spring rate or specific spring or this thread is useless.

 

I dont remember what the r-package springs/shocks were on my stock 99-s package. But it I can tell you it was less than the MSM.

 

For my '90 dd w/ target ride height of 12.25f 12.5 rear

(4) Hard S Bilsteins
(2) ISC 1.5" top hats (rear)
(2) ISC 1" top hats (front)
(2) 325lbs 8" Hyperco front springs
(2) 200lbs 8" Eibach rear springs
(4) ebay coilovers sleeves
(4) Civic bumpstops

I am going to have grooves milled into shock body 1" lower for snap rings.

Looking at the dynos of Hard S they may be over sprung some for these springs but for dd I am guessing they will work. I'll let ya all know.

btw Hard S and HD are NOT longer than stock shocks.

 

Any thoughts on 250/200lb on Bilstein HD's for daily driving? I may get some Swift springs for the GC perches; there is no way these soft rates will work in Houston.

 

I had KYB GR-2s on my miata when i first bought it. They were paired up with 16inch rims and 205-45-16 Kumho excstas.....body roll + slightly concussive

I then upgraded to Bilstein HDs GC 550/350 at 12.25f/12.50R and FCM tophats and bumpstops + 15x8 6uls and Dunlop Z1s 205-50-15.

-minimal body roll and nose dip upon braking.
-minor headaches on road surface only slightly felt in a normal car.
-very responsive on good road or track conditions and overall happy with them for now.
-WOULD HEAVILY RECOMMEND A REVALVE JOB!

 

I've got R package billies with 450/300 rates, no rear sway bar, FCM top mounts and a solid RB front sway. It's kind of firm on the street but I'm pretty happy with how it handles on track.

 

I have some NB Bilsteins on my NA that were low mile (500) takeoffs because they were too rough for the guy's wife. Could someone tell me where to find the part number lookups (or post them) so I can tell you which ones I have and what I have tried for spring rates? Thanks.

 

¿Que?

 

I've ran anywhere from 450-700 front on the MSM bilstein with no problems. For a daily I liked the 450 rate for the track I liked the 750. The key to the MSM bilstein is reasonable ride level and the foam bumpstops. ISC rear hats are also nice to have with that tall shock.

 

What is the ride height of a MSM compared to a regular NB?

 

I have these in my garage. which is the shortest ? I would like to run it in my 92 NA. thanks.

Bilstein HD -- NB
Bilstein NB Mazdaspeed
Bilstein Hard S

 

This is from FCM's site:
http://fatcatmotorsports.com/igaller...ck_lengths.JPG
http://fatcatmotorsports.com/igaller...ck_lengths.JPG

 

Awesome info. Looks like the same for the NB regular compared to the MSM for the rear, but the front of the MSM looks like it's about 3/8" higher than the NB regular. I'm not sure I'd be diggin that. I want a firmer, more responsive suspension for my '99, but I don't want a lift kit.

 

Well i have the na HD billies with GC sleeves. Im at about 12.25F and 12.5R and i have LOTS of threading left in the sleeve to go another 1.2-1.8inches lower.....

 

Sorry to revive this thread from the dead, But I found it while searching for info.

Is there a way to remove the stock spring perches from MSM billies? So I can go lower when I put on a sleeve kit like the GC kit?

 

Yes, requires the use of a hammer.