Miata suspension upgrade choices???

[MiataSteve]

I am considering replacing the 10 year old Spec Miata Suspension on a 1990 T40 Miata. Looking for something "better". What is considered the hot set-up these days?

[zchris]

Two names come to mind, Penske, and then Ohlins. Both will impress.

[wizzman]

While there are cheaper ways to go, I have been super happy with my FatCat setup. It's basically like a Ground Control setup with Bilsteins that have a high quality custom revalve. The Bilsteins are non-adjustable which is very advantageous in the new Touring rules. While I am running spring rates similar to the Spec setup, the FatCats maintain good travel and compliancy which is a very good thing at NHMS. Feel free to ping me if you have any questions.

[TroyV]

#68 also has the FatCat set up, and I think the spring rates are the same. For the money it is a very good suspension. It can be tuned to be very neutral, and the car is super easy to drive at the limit. I feel this suspension allows you some major mistakes and forgives.

To be honest, I preferred the JIC FLT A2's that came with the car over the FatCats. The JIC suspension was much sharper, but as a result didn't forgive your sins.

I generally feel that the FatCat is more compliant which makes it a good choice if you run the harder tires like the RA1 or NT-01....plus as Dave mentioned, there is a mod points benefit to having a custom valved non adjustable shock matched to specific rates.

[962porsche]

no matter what suspension you buy you should always have the shocks valved to the spring rates your running .
other things you will want to look for is servicing the shocks . you should look into ones that can be rebuilt .
then there is finding the right spring rate for the car your driving . as a shop owner I find way to many people just buy what every one else is buying they just go with the same springs and anti roll bars .
does it work if you do just pick the same as every one else well yes kind of .
but I have also found so many times is you can do better if you cater the suspension set up to you and your car . as it's maybe the same car in this case Miata NA but they are not 100% identical cars by any means .
when ever I start with building a suspension package for a car (any car)
I 1st start with the cars unsprung weight then move onto finding the center balance weights . this will tell you what size anti roll bars are needed along with what spring weight you will need for your car .
the reason for this is a spec Miata set up for a car that has to weigh no less than 2250 I think it is will not be it's best if your cars weight is say 2000 LBS or even 2150 .

[paultg]

Cars fine. Don't touch it. :p

[bhoss]

Just got back from AMF Suspension in Keene NH - picked up my Ohlin shocks after they were serviced. AMF has a new shock line ISC - they are single adjustable, length adjustable, look great and seem to be reasonably priced.

Worth a call 603.256.6800

http://www.amfmotorsports.com/