I want to upgrade to adjustable coilover suspension. Martin suggested Koni's w/Ground control sleeves. I see that GC only sells their sleeves with Eibach springs now, and fairly expensive. Anyone know of a sleeve kit available that will work with Koni's and the MM kit springs?
I was interested in the Vmax setup, but when I contacted FM about using them with a Ford and with a higher than usual potential height (13.5") the reply consisted of a bunch of "maybe" and "I think" and "upper end of the range if you managed it".
So the Vmax is out. Around a grand is my limit.
Brad

 

this is a great thread for DIY project. not sure if you are interested in that.

The Better Bilstein Ebay Coilover Thread - Miata Turbo Forum - Turbo Kitten is watching you test compression.

^this was the route I went. works great^

 

So I ended up going with the V8R coilover kit, and wow I really like them. Something to consider for anyone who is looking for an inexpensive but capable coilover option. $1k.

 

Cool. NA or NB and what spring rates did you go with? What kind of driving have you done to evaluate them?

These were not even on my radar but for the price it looks like a lot of bang for the buck.

 

I think NA/NB are the same as the shock mounts are part of the package. Spring rates are 560/392lbs (10k/7K).
I've not tracked them yet, I won't get to do any lapping till next year, but I'm familiar with how the car normally feels on the roads around here, and the suspension feels firm but with a real nice ride quality. I have them set fairly soft right now but did try a firmer setting which I think will work nicely with more aggressive driving. I'm still taking it pretty easy right now, though I do have over 1000 km on the conversion already. I liked that Shandelle (is that right) was able to work around my slightly higher ride requirements. The rears had to have extended lower mounts (more threaded area) if I wanted to be able to run 13" in the back. That was no issue for them at all. I'm at 12.5 front, and just a hair under 13" in the rear. I still scrape the exhaust occasionally but this will work for now.
FM left me frustrated that they could only tell me the VMaxx set I was considering "maybe" "possibly" could work. I guess that answer was better than telling me they WOULD work and them have them NOT.

Funny story- I was in a small town about 40 minutes away and stopped into a Carquest for some clamps. There was a red NA parked, so I parked beside it. After I came out of the store a couple guys from the machine shop next door were outside looking at my stock looking ride. One asked what year it was, and commented on the condition. I pointed at the red NA and asked if it was his, Yes a '91, and I commented on its condition. Said "see ya around" and turned the key. OMG, the looks on their faces was priceless. Arms waving, yelling "whadoyagot in there?" Then it was show and tell. lol. Such a sleeper.

 

LOL nice! That is part of the fun and you learn to never be in a hurry when you stop for gas!

 

I have the VMaxxx (track pack) on my 331 Ford and it works fine. I'm not a fan of recommending FM but you really can't beat that particular suspension on price. I had Konis with Ground control springs and the VMaxx is cheaper and better.

Whatever you do take the opportunity to switch to NB mounts. If you do switch to the NB mounts do not just let FM throw a set on. Purchase the parts to assemble them yourself and you'll save a lot of money.

As good a deal as the VMaxx is if you have the extra $1K or can save it its really worth stepping up to the next level with a set of Xedis (sp?) from 949racing or Fat Cat's offerings.

-Jason

 

Well like i said, I'm pretty happy with the service and hardware I received from V8R. I am curious though about the na vs nb shock mounts. I'm aware of difference in OEM replacements, but I thought aftermarket coilovers like FM or V8R used the same mounts for both na and nb. Could you explain the differences in your Vmax setup please.

 

the NB mounts bolt right in place where the NA ones were; the actual mounting point on the chassis are the same. The difference is that while the NA version was a one piece unit with the rubber molded into it, the NB version is rebuildable with a removable packing and other parts. This means using them is much cheaper as you don't have to replace the whole unit, just the rubber bits. Additionally you can opt to replace the rubber parts in them with a more modern microcellular foam components which greatly improves the ride. The NB mounts also locate the spring a bit further up in the chassis which gives more suspension movement. Since we are pretty much "slammed" at 3/4" to 1" under stock this really is not a big deal in the Ford V8 world.

-Jason

 

Yes i understand the differences between the 2 different mounts, was just wondering why different mounts would be offered on an aftermarket kit, but I presume the FM kit has you reuse the factory mounts- hence my confusion. The DSD kit from V8R has new mounts suitable for na or nb.

Off topic, have you taken a break from replying to PM's and emails?

 

I think everyone deserves an explanation for this actually.

The start of the school year is always a time when I have to switch my primary attention over to my primary, mortgage-paying job. This year I was swamped with twice the students I normally start the year with. This took me somewhat off guard and unfortunately didn't allow me the time I usually try to devote to the V8 Miata world during this time of year. I also got hit with a sudden crazy amount of orders for TFI relocation kits over the last three weeks. Usually this time of year it slows down which is great because it lets me get into the school year. The last few years I'd be lucky if I sold five or ten kits in all of September; the last few weeks I've made up close to 30 which is completely unusual.

I apologize for the lack of visibility lately. I'm trying to get caught up. I just sent out ten TFI kits today which brings me to only a few days behind. I'm within four main harnesses of getting caught up on that front. The product you requested, a radiator cowl, is unique in that I can't make them up during my normal MRM work time (10 pm to 1 am or so) because doing so will wake up my kids and neighbors. I have to reserve making them up to times when the noise associated with sawing through aluminum with a jigsaw in my basement for 40 minutes is acceptable.

Again, I apologize for my lack of timely response. Unlike Flyin' Miata, Fat Cat or even Summit Racing for that matter my end of MRM is not a full-time shingle-hanging-over-the-door business. For the most part I am just a guy in his basement with a soldering iron and a drill press trying to balance maintaining a small hobby business with the responsibilites of a full-time job and raising two kids under four. I will try to do better from this point on out.

I have a used cowl I recently acquired that I can use to get a shipping quote to you.

-Jason

 

Stay the course Jason, Your doing just fine!!....Thank you