I am doing a Monster Miata "Martin" 5.0 swap and read where some recommend swapping the springs from front to back with out cutting them. I would like to here comments on cutting or not? I am using "Martins" front springs and would like to keep stock ride height front and rear.

Thanks!
Rusty

 

I cut mine & the car sat too low in the rear. I am running P245/45R16 tires on the rear as well as Koni struts with the adjustable spring perches. I ended up using 2 uncut front springs. My car sits with a slight rake. Under heavy acceleration, the rear end actually "squats" to the point that the tires rub on the rear of the side skirts. I think a stiffer rate spring is needed as horsepower levels increase. I think you should use the uncut springs FIRST & see what happens. You can always cut them later if needed.

 

I agree with Tbone. I didn't cut my springs either and it sits pretty close to the stock height and rides fine. Not too stiff. You can always cut them later if you want it to sit lower.

 

Thanks! I have been trying to read all that I can on this swap, I wasn't sure if I actually read that somewhere or was making it up in my mind. I will go with the uncut first, and as you said I can always go back later and cut if need.

Thanks!
Rusty

 

That's what I was for. Stock height and a streetable ride.
Thanks!
Rusty

 

They are easy enough to pull back out and cut if the finished car ends up sitting too high. It's a little harder to put the coil back on if it ends up sitting too low.

On the cars I used a "stock" suspension on (two of them) I didn't cut the coil off and the ride height ended up being about 1/4 inch higher in the rear (which is what I now set my adjustable to).

-Jason

 

Me too, front to rear uncut, front is a $65 set of rear 88 Ford Escort Station wagon springs. I forget the spring rate but they work great on the street.

If interested I have some info, just have to dig it up.

 

Thanks Jason and 5.0MX5! Here in WV, I need the height to run on these pot hole laden roads.

Rusty