NA shocks/springs to an NB
 

Hello all, I have a question that seems to be the opposite of what everyone else has worked on....I'm getting rid on an NA Miata and getting an NB, but pulling my RB springs/Koni setup and my RB swaybars from the NA. I understand that the sways would work (with adjustable endlinks up front?), but is there any way to use th springs/shocks from my NA on an NB? I'd love to do that rather than sell them and chase down new shocks/springs for the NB.

Thanks,

Jeff

Welcome to the board, Jeff! Please head over to the Meet & Greet section to introduce yourself and your car(-s).

Quick answer: yes, you can swap those parts with no issue. You're correct in thinking you'll need the adjustable endlinks for those sway bars.

Thanks. Posted over there....not sure how in the world I've managed to avoid posting here before as this is my 3rd FI Miata, go figure!

For the springs/shocks, can I pull them fully intact and just swap them, or is there something I have to change out?

I appreciate it!

jh

Just thinking about this, would I have to separate springs/shocks from both the aftermarket and stock set, and install tophats?

Thanks,

You can swap the entire shock / spring / tophat assembly from the NA to the NB as a unit. The individual pieces are not interchangeable.

It is possible to use the NB tophats with the NA shocks and springs, but some modification is required. Some further info here: https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/t17467/

Thanks, I hadn't seen that. That thread shows that the NA shock shafts are too short to mount properly, though.

Also, any downsides if I do decide to go that way? It's as much a matter of practicality as anything, as I have the RB springs and Koni's already assembled and sitting in my garage.

I appreciate it.

Jeff

Hence the modifications required if you want to run the NB tophats. FatCatMotorsports sells modified NB tophats for use on NAs with NA shock / spring packages, as it is somewhat of an upgrade relative to the original NA piece (gives more suspension travel and is supposedly a more rigid mounting point).

NA springs cannot be used on NB shocks, and NB springs cannot be used with NA shocks. The bottom of the spring on an NA is formed flat and sits on a flat perch, whereas on the NB the cut end is left au natural, and the perch is shaped to accept it.




Not much.
As I said before, the NB tophats are somewhat superior to the NA parts, but if you replace the NA bumpstops with MCU bumpstops, it'll help. It'll certainly be no worse than it is currently on the NA. I know a couple of folks personally who are running complete NA suspension packages on their NBs, and they have no complaints.

That's excellent news, thank you. I may just try it as-is, and change out to modified bumpstops if ride quality sucks.

I appreciate the help!

jh

I hate to revive an old post, but I figure it is best to add to a post rather than adding a new one. Long story short I am thinking about this same type of setup.

If I were to do this setup with the stock springs Will it lower the car?
If so, then if I were to add lets say FM springs. Would it lower ot another inch?

I hate feeling like a noob, but some times you haev to put your self out there.

Have a great day,
Jared

Yes, and,
yes, another 0.5"

So over all the car would be an 1 inch lower? than it is stock. Everything I read is that the NB suspension on an NA raises it about an inch. Then the Lets say FM kit lowers it an inch. It sounds like it would be about 2 inches lower. Granted, I think there would be some loss in suspension travel.

The setup I am thinking about is the NA Illuminas with FCM bumpstops and NB tophats. I have not decided on what route to go for the springs if I were to do this setup. I could do coilovers or just srings. I am thinking about coilovers. But I am just trying to kep it simple for the discussion.

Have a great day,
Jared