thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

I have owned my '99 for 4 years now and the only suspension upgrade I did was FM sways. I drive this car everyday, and I don't scrape anywhere, so I'm skeptical on lowering it. I only autocrossed it once, and don't really see it happening again anytime soon. I just want to replace my shocks and springs, but I want to replace them with something better than what I have now without breaking the bank. Like I said, it's not a track car in any way.
Any recommendations? Ebay?
Thanks guys.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

FM springs and tokico shocks is a good competent DD upgrade...

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

I did look at this:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...0%20%201990-97

$789.00 plus FM shipping, so easily over $820. Could be a nice Christmas present for me.
Any other recommendations that I need to know about?

dgmorr

iTrader: (4)

My friend has those on his NB1. They're comfortable on the street and decent on the track.

wayne_curr

iTrader: (8)

I have a set of FM springs going up for sale just as soon as bernie finishes my shocks FYI. They even come with a free set of KYB AGX if you want them lol.

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

If they'll fit my '99 I'm callin dibs right now.

wayne_curr

iTrader: (8)

150 shipped and they're yours. They've definitely served me well.

I must admit though, you should consider revalved bilsteins on stock springs if you're not looking to change ride height.

Edit: Looks like there is a difference between NA and NB springs. Not sure what though. I bet NA springs are just shorter.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I may have a set of MSM Bilsteins for sale in the fairly near future.

Saml01

iTrader: (9)

^ Does that guy still offer revalves for those?

I think that would be the best/cheapest DD combo.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I don't think you need a revalve if it's just for daily driving, the ride is pretty nice if you ask me. It's not as good as my 700/400 AST set-up, but pretty smooth.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

The shape of the spring is different at the bottom.

NA springs are formed and ground such that the bottom of the spring is more-or-less flat, and the lower spring perch itself is perfectly flat.

With NB springs, they leave the bottom end "jagged" and the lower spring perch has a sort of sloping, offset shape.

You can install a complete NB shock / spring / tophat combo into an NA (and vise-versa) but the individual components are not cleanly interchangeable.

soloracer

iTrader: (10)

Get the springs from FM (or used if you can find a set of the current spec ones - just make sure you get the 99-05 version), and get the Tokicos from Auto Anything.
Profit.

I like my FM/ Tokico setup for the street.

Edit:
Hmm...Looks like they don't have them on the site for the NBs. Give them a call to see if they can get them. There was a shortage for a bit because of the tsunami.

Saml01

iTrader: (9)

Oh I know, that's what I run. Figured a revalve would only make it better.

soloracer

iTrader: (10)

Doesn't FM say their springs suck with Bilsteins or something?? Not that he has to get FM springs for that matter....

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I hated my Tokicos even before this happened:

Bilstein is the way to go because they last forever, they're monotubes, and if you get the right spring rate, they are super comfy.

mgeoffriau

iTrader: (7)

Why do we not have a thread in which, by combining our collective intellect and experience, we pin down exactly what spring rates are appropriate for the various Bilstein shocks?

hustler

iTrader: (6)

Make it so while I leave work and go to the gym. I'll get up in thurr later and post-***** it up.

wannafbody

iTrader: (1)

The Tokicos are great with FM springs-the issue is that with higher rate springs the compression increases and the ride quality decreases.

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

Apparently hustler and I see eye to eye on the suspension thing. I had tokicos and thought they were horrid, and I put MSM suspension on with a big front sway bar, and short of straight up track driving, it works wonderful.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

Describe your suspension, please.