MiataDoug

My Monster is ready for Baja 1000!


I know others have ended up with their Miata riding too high, but I have not been able to find what they did about it? I have martins springs in the front and the old fronts in the back not cut down. I am guessing I should cut a coil off of each spring? What about coil over sleeves? Can coil over sleeves lower without changing springs? or do they just raise existing spring height? I don't plan on tracking this car, I just want to get the ride height back to normal. Without spending much money.

MX-Brad

Obvious question, but did you tighten the suspension under load? Mine sat high too, but not that high and I don't have PS or AC which makes it even lighter in front. In the end, after a while I couldn't live with the ride height and went with V8R coilover kit. Very happy with the cost effective solution.

V8MiataMike

Be sure like MX-Brad indicated to loosen all suspension bushing pivots, put car on ground, roll it a bit back and forth and then tighten them all up. Can be a little tricky.

I cut the rear springs (original front springs) per Martin's instructions. I also cut the front springs and I want to say it was 3/4 of a coil on the fronts. When I talked to Martin about it he wanted me to wait a few months and miles before modifying the fronts as they typically settle but I could not wait and made the cuts. At the moment, I am thinking I want to raise the front about 1/2 inch but there is no "adding" coils to the coil so I am living with it. Fender lip right now is about 1/2" above the tire surface on mine (24 inch tires).

MiataDoug

I did not install the suspension, so It could be that simple. I definitely will try that. We are talking about the bolts through the control arm bushings, upper and lower? I noticed last night that the rear springs have been cut per martins instructions.

MiataDoug

I am not working the suspension problem I have until after I get it running (very close now). But just in case it does not work out, I scored these Flying Miata V Maxx Extreme - Track Pack coil overs for $400. I am getting some Nb shock mounts.

charchri4

That ^ will fix it!

MiataDoug

After driving around for a while. This is what the ride height looks like on the Monster Miata Kit springs. I also am sporting 245-45zr15 tires and 15x9 rims with no rubbing. I have not rolled my fenders. I think I am going to leave it alone for now.

Meierznutz

Doug, the car looks great. How does it handle? If it handles well and you can live with some space between the tire and fender then leave it alone and enjoy the "Sleeper" you have...
Here is my LS swap on Mazdaspeed coils. I also had to add 3/4" spacers to the lower perches of the rear shocks to keep from tearing up axle boots and to keep the exhaust off the ground on hard dips. Handled well enough to take a first and third auto-x'ing:

MiataDoug

Thanks It seems to handle great. I have not raced it yet though. I like my exhaust not dragging the ground also. We don't have the best roads in Kansas.

V8MiataMike

I went from this:



to this by cutting 3/4 coil off (monster kit) front springs. Rear springs are per monster kit instructions.



I was having some problems getting over the average speed bump without the exhaust pipes scraping where they go under the front K member but now with the taller 16" tires it is no longer a problem. No Kansas roads here in Atlanta though!

Doug, that thing looks wicked cool!

MiataDoug

That looks really nice with the 3/4 loop cut off. What size tires and rims? Is that an R package front spoiler? I will be avoiding speed bumps!

V8MiataMike

The Lip came from R Speed, Garage Vary style I believe. 16 X 7 wheels with 205 50 16 tires.