We've spoken about this extensively and talked about a few different things. Reality is a real bitch though. After all the #'s and skilled suspension tuning and adjustment that I can neither afford nor have access too, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. There's also the interesting dynamic of separating personal preference and fact from a driver deemed "skilled enough" to get a paycheck for driving, when I'm an amateur with very little experience in comparison and no formal instruction.

Right now I'm leaning away from Tein because I can't seem to get anyone to tell me if I can get one replacement shock or not. If my car were on jackstands right now with another blown shock, I'd be really pissed off if a shock weren't in the mail.

I'd love to hear about the comparison. I agree with you on the Bilstein longevity. Should I expect the same longevity out of FCM shocks as the standard Bilsteins? I wish I had gotten in on the adjustable group buy.

Its starting to dawn on me that I will have to compromise somewhere...do I want to compromise on lap times, adjustability, or maintenance?

Here's how I understand the 'single shock from Tein' scenario, since I've only run across it once...secondhand. If you irreparably damage one damper, it can be replaced. However, from what I gather, Tein will need some kind of proof, such as a photo of the damper in a jacked up car.
This isn't from personal experience, obviously. Someone on cr.net was selling a set of three, and folks asked why.
Now, if we're just looking at blown shocks, I don't know if they'll work with you by cross-shipping. Called Tein yet? 562-861-9161

This is exactly what I want to avoid. I had an incident with a trailer and a curb a couple years ago...I ordered one shock and it was fixed in a week with a $80 purchase. Its starting to look like it could be a $1600 problem if I had Tein on the car.
I called tein and they told me to call a dealer. I emailed dealers and they are all awaiting responses for over 3-weeks now. I think I may be "over it."

hustler. I tell you what. you buy the bilsteins with adjustable perches and spring rates you want and try them. and if you dont like them, I'll trade you straight up for my TEIN flex and EDFC so you can try them. i only run 7/6 though.

Really? I might be will to give it a shot then. I'm going to talk to Robi this week and see what's up though. I'll keep you in the loop.

Can you buy just "one" 6UL? Seems you would be in the same boat as the shocks, and the wheel would most likely be the first thing damaged.

I guessss.. but they better have awesome NB top hats or it wont do me much good. I think Shaikh can do NB top hats no sweat.

btw, you're not going to be in any "class" are you? just track slut?

why couldn't you... I bought five.

Sweet....had no idea. :)

If I go with FCM, I will get the total package.

I'll be classed in some NASA TT deal, but its not like I have a shot of actually contending for a trophy or whatever. Its a track pig with a radio and carpet, but my friends and I are really competitive though.

I'm really feeling the FCM shit right now...tired of spending money. I'm considering even keeping my current springs and perches and running FCM stuff everywhere else. i still need to replace the 18-year old balljoints and tie rods (scary) and probably should get poly bushings. 20-year old rubbers aren't helping any, and another link in the chain to making this a "new" car.

Anyone know the difference between the FCM and FM rear shock mounts? I have the FM mounts currently but the Sheik said to run his.

FM are a total redesign with spherical bearing--and only fit the rear. FCM are similar to NB and use NB parts.

not sure why you couldn't go to both those websites yourself though...

Flyin' Miata : Chassis : Suspension : 1990-97 Flyin` Miata rear shock mounts

Fat Cat Motorsports - Bilstein products - Miata - 90-97

I think Shaikh will still make you adjustables... I only ordered mine 2 weeks ago and they're adjustable. Ask him.

+1 for keeping what parts you have and just doing the shocks. Maybe upping the spring rates.

Definetely replace worn joints and old rubber. Extra movement and give will only be exagerated by the sticky rubber and extra power. Isn't it fun how the improvements never end!?! It's a continuous cycle. Improve one thing then you go into a spiral of money and time sucking projects bringing everything else up to that level. It's tough to say "gee I'm happy with more power, I'll just leave the rest well enough alone".

I asked because it looks like they do the same fucking thing.

pretty much yah.

I just installed my 9/6 flexes and Hyperflex bushings this weekend (bushing job is a total PITA, fair warning). I have a set of lower balljoints and R-package tie rod ends in the mail right now (I'm doing my part to put Emilio's kids through college. heh). Next weekend I'm going to replace the balljoints and tierods and put new boots on my upper balljoints ($250 x2 for upper balljoints and control arms = no go; mine aren't bad, just split open). After that, it's alignment time and I'll give you my impressions after all is said and done.

Well after talking to Shaikh today it appears one of his suppliers is having issues so no coilovers for Laguna week after next. Soon as I get them in I'll report back.

right now its raining outside...so I'm feeling the FCM option.

tein mono's are now in the mix. hmmm