emilio700

iTrader: (3)

Whether your choice of forums was accidental or by careful choice, you ended up on Miataturbo.net. We curate the advice and content here. If someone offers bad advice either by simply guessing or parroting some bad advice they read elsewhere, it's blown off the forum and they're given a warning. This rubs some folks the wrong way, 1st amendment and all that. The upside is that we usually know exactly what we are talking about. The advice given is from direct personal experience and often with a solid understanding of the problem at hand.

So when everyone here gives you the same answer and you argue with it, you're going to get uh, roughly treated. You came here seeking advice. You got it.

Pretty standard knowledge on this forum that the two value/performance benchmarks for NA/NB suspensions are Bilsteins with DIY coilover sleeves, NB mounts and non OEM bumpstops or that frequently mentioned, higher priced motorsport level coilover. The stuff in between usually doesn't work any better than the OTS Bilstein and DIY coilover setup but costs a lot more. The stuff near the same price as that particular higher priced option also doesn't match it's performance.

The higher priced option matches your performance goals exactly, but is more than you expected to need to spend. The DIY Bilstein is only a little bit below that performance target but hits the budget cap perfectly.

You aren't the only smart Miata owner on this forum

Lincoln Logs

iTrader: (1)

These all belong in the dumpster when it comes to the Miata. Considering the Xida GS costs only $400 more, skip the turbo kit for a few months and put the right suspension on. Between install time, setting up the shocks, alignments...is it really worth saving a few hundred bucks? PayPal credit that for 6 months no interest, be responsible and voila, Xidas. Otherwise if you go uber budget you just spend more money in the end getting the right parts you should have bought. I've been through so many parts over the years and the bottom line is buy once, cry once. It is just not worth buying a half measure and then in less than two years having a do-over with the right parts.

dsamani

I get ya, it's just incredibly irritating that very early in the discussion I said "this isn't an option", and everyone just continues presenting it as an option. Like seriously guys, if this was an option it would have been done, but cost is a limiting factor. I'm sure it's an awesome, GREAT option for the Miata, but $2000 is very out of scope for my project and I can't do it. DIY Bilstein Coils seem to be a much more attractive option with regards to my goals of both comfort and performance.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

I can't tell you how many people have said "It's not an option, it's out of budget" then after more research, learning, spending time, digging through the couches, and sometimes even after trying other options, Xida happens.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

Bilsteins are great, do it. It's the ONLY good option in the dollar range you're wanting to utilize.

Make the choice, and if you don't want to keep talking about Xidas, then don't further the discussion.

I have both setups on my cars. Both setups are great. If you want Bilsteins, get Bilsteins. Nobody is stopping you.

dsamani

Sounds good, Billies it is!

x_25

Lets put it this way.

I have Xidas on my NA turbo toy. I love them, wouldn't trade them ever. My friend has DIY Bilstiens (NA B8s I beleieve? Spec miata take offs) on his with 450/350 and no sway bars (they got bent in a crash and he never replaced them after he re-shelled).

My NB is gonna get either stock shocks or bilstiens with 400/250 when I have to do the suspension.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

I also quite enjoy my DIY MSM billies built according to forum specs. I might have to move up on spring rate as I run more tire but I'm not close to being there yet.

I've been in a few cars with teins (ow) but never really been in a car with xida.

Also op, save some money and get Honda bumstops. Spend that money elsewhere. I'd also b recommend trying to find take off shocks in good condition instead of buying new ones if you can. It makes things far more budget friendly. Spec miata equipment takes a beating but it's built for it.

If you're going for a budget setup then try to do it to get the most bang for your buck. Doing the above might net you enough savings to run helper springs which is nice.

andym

Maybe I am doing something different than you guys. Maybe I am doing it wrong but with my 550/350 6 inch long springs and extended front and rear top hats with a ride height at 12.4 ish front 12.6 rear I do not have loose springs at all. Helpers likely wouldn't help me because my spring never comes unseated.

Extended front top hats do help though. Just properly size your bumpstops.

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

Vehicle weight is the critical factor. Most discussions on this topic leave out exact weight with full tank, driver and or passenger. The NA/NB are relatively unique in the automotive aftermarket in having a huge range of to total weights, expressed as a percentage.

NA track rat, semi stripped interior, heavy bits replaced with lighter bits, NA6 N/A, 15x8's, 150lb driver could easily hit 2150#

MSM with 210 lb driver, 175lb passenger, soft top, hard top, roll bar, big intercooler, sound system upgrades, 15x10's can easily hit 2900#

That's a 25% delta and why spring lengths sometimes need to be adjusted for the same ride height target.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

Basically Andy, you're fat. <3

E, about time to update to .28!

andym

I'll have you know that ....








I could stand to lose a few pounds.

AlwaysBroken

I had this exact problem. I went the cheap route, then years later I got Xida gs. It's the right choice. You'll get comfort with performance. They can be dialed in for Cadillac soft ride or stiffer for performance. The only downside to the soft setting is that if you go around a corner hard with sticky tires, you'll get wheel hop. Soaks up enormous potholes like they aren't there. On full stiff it's still not jarring but is amazing compared to the alternatives.

jonshonda

Your very first mistakes were implying you wanted Porsche handling and had the money to afford to do so. That is the thread you created and based on that you are getting the correct responses.

I started off looking at the typical Koni/lowering spring setup as I cannot stand the lack of quality my 94R currently provides. Then I was turned onto the DIY billies, now I have skipped that and am focused on the Xida. Reason being is that if I am spending my time and money, I might as well invest in the best possible base platform and build from there. I cannot blame my shitty driving on sub par suspension, so knowing that I can focus more on me and less on upgradatitus