Lowered suspension on MX5 ?

Lowered suspension on MX5 ?

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Discussion

hendy

Original Poster:

483 posts

240 months

Tuesday 12th February 2008
quotequote all
Hi,

My dad is currently looking at buying a new MX-5 and is considering the lowered suspension option.

Does anyone here have experience of this? Doe sit make the ride too hard? How does is affect handling etc. ?

Many Thanks for any feedback.

Simon

MX-5 Lazza

7,952 posts

220 months

Tuesday 12th February 2008
quotequote all
hendy said:
Hi,

My dad is currently looking at buying a new MX-5 and is considering the lowered suspension option.

Does anyone here have experience of this? Doe sit make the ride too hard? How does is affect handling etc. ?

Many Thanks for any feedback.

Simon
I don't have any personal experience but I can answer your question anyway.

Does it make the ride too hard? No. It will make the ride a little stiffer but it's still comfortable.
How does is affect handling etc.? It will improve it. A lot. Just make sure the alignment is properly set up afterwards as Mazda dealers rarely adjust the alignment when fitting the Eibach (option) springs and this is absolutely vital.

Mazda fit higher springs for the UK market to get around UK pedestrian safety regulations. The lower springs bring it back down the the correct height so they should be considered "correcting springs" rather than "lowering springs".

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Tuesday 12th February 12:12

hendy

Original Poster:

483 posts

240 months

Tuesday 12th February 2008
quotequote all
thanks for the advice....I will pass it on!

Paulle

31,543 posts

204 months

Tuesday 12th February 2008
quotequote all
I've had the Eibach kit fitted on my MkIII,ride is a little firmer.Handling feels better & improves the look of the car.
My advice is DO IT! smile

shawtj2

44 posts

205 months

Monday 18th February 2008
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Mine has lowered suspension. Only trouble watch out for them silly metal flaps in entrances to car parks, road humps and retarmacing of roads!

But I would not change it because its more fun!

MX-5 Lazza

7,952 posts

220 months

Monday 18th February 2008
quotequote all
shawtj2 said:
Mine has lowered suspension. Only trouble watch out for them silly metal flaps in entrances to car parks, road humps and retarmacing of roads!

But I would not change it because its more fun!
He was talking about a Mk3. They still have 4x4 ride-height after lowering so speed-bumps won't be a problem.

Anna_S

1,473 posts

213 months

Thursday 21st February 2008
quotequote all
MX-5 Lazza said:
shawtj2 said:
Mine has lowered suspension. Only trouble watch out for them silly metal flaps in entrances to car parks, road humps and retarmacing of roads!

But I would not change it because its more fun!
He was talking about a Mk3. They still have 4x4 ride-height after lowering so speed-bumps won't be a problem.
You want a bet? I have to be so so careful - had mine lowered 30mm and whereas i wouldnt change it for the world, speed bumps, sloped drives etc can be a pain - very easily catches.

lord summerisle

8,138 posts

226 months

Thursday 21st February 2008
quotequote all
Anna_S said:
MX-5 Lazza said:
shawtj2 said:
Mine has lowered suspension. Only trouble watch out for them silly metal flaps in entrances to car parks, road humps and retarmacing of roads!

But I would not change it because its more fun!
He was talking about a Mk3. They still have 4x4 ride-height after lowering so speed-bumps won't be a problem.
You want a bet? I have to be so so careful - had mine lowered 30mm and whereas i wouldnt change it for the world, speed bumps, sloped drives etc can be a pain - very easily catches.
long time no see Anna! wavey

sassthathoopie

867 posts

216 months

Thursday 21st February 2008
quotequote all
Don't do what I did

1 Call eurorail to confirm ok to put mk1 MX5 on train to Nice
2 Accidentally stay up half the night on PH
3 Arrive in Paris at 5.30pm almost asleep and knackered after fighting the ring road
4 Discover that car is too low to go on the train, remember then that yours is lowered.
5 Swear
6 Commit yourself to driving through the night with frequent kip breaks and the roof down to make it to work on time.

I have never been so tired in all my life!

(On the plus side car handles better and looks a hundred times better. My previous Mk1 had standard suspension - only miss it on really bumpy B roads)