Rear suspension - help needed.

[Mr A]

Here is the problem.

I have changed the wheel set up on my 94 Miata 1.8i. The new front tires are 195/60/14 and work just fine. The rears are now 205/60/14 with a 4 3/4" backspace, so they hang out the body considerably (not the issue cause that's what I need for the new look). The car is due to get a new fiberglass body kit on top too, which will make it much heavier and the rubber already sits on the wheel well.

So the problem is this - I want to change the rear suspension set up to take account of the new weight and need more height to stop the tires getting shredded by the arches when in motion. So any ideas?

1: What needs to be considered when changing the component shocks/springs (weight of vehicle? strain on chassis? etc).

2: I need the car to be UK legal and drivable (but not really concerned with performance as this will be a more 'fun' project than daily driver and driven a few 1,000 miles per year.

Any help would be appreciated as I know nothing about cars and am trying to research this before starting the job.

[CaptiV8ted]

I think for what you are proposing, you need to investigate 'tubbing' the rear arches. This involves cutting the bottom of the rear arches out and welding them to regain strength. This will prevent the arches fouling your tyres. After this, you can add chunky arches to cover the wheels. This does not take account the weight of the bodykit. Quite a huge undertaking. If you look at some rally prepped Escort Mk1 and Mk2s, these have it done sometimes to enable 8 or 9" wheels to be fitted and a wider, stronger rear axle.

You may wish to reconsider!

[MX-5 Lazza]

All I'll say is, if you aren't going to do it properly, don't do it at all. If you end up with a standard mx5 with a stuck-on body kit on stilts to make standard arches clear wide wheels on spacers it will look st and will be a laughing stock.
Take a look on Nutz. There are plenty of properly done lowered, widened cars on there. Not my cup of tea but each to their own.

[Mr A]

The whole point in the OP is to do this properly and safety is the main issue of course. I do not mind being a laughing stock as I am used to it since I have been researching and planning this for years. The car was already lowered and I do not want to lower it any more.

The body shell (when adapted) should cover almost the whole car and it will defo not look like an MX5 anymore.

Thanks for the replies - every little helps me understand more.

[renaultgeek]

What's the kit you're going for?

[Mr A]

Here come the comments..... the new body kit base (still to be cut and adapted).

[Schmeeky]

[MX-5 Lazza]

LOL that changes everything

I have absolutely nothing against your plans, looks like it'll be fun!

Unfortunately I can't help much as it's not something I know a lot about. However, if you pop over to the Mazda-menders forum and start a new thread on there you will find plenty of people who will give you very good and practical advice (without laughing at you ).