Your preferred mk1 suspension set-up?

[Lunja]

Hi all,

I recently picked up a mk1 Eunos v-spec on factory Bilstein suspension, and whilst I'm sure it would be amazing on a track it's just too low and too firm for the kind of uneven potholed country roads around here. I'd prefer something with a little more "give", so what's your preferred set-up? Our budget isn't huge so Meister R's are out of the equation but I'm wondering if money is better spent on a cheap to mid range aftermarket set or a new Mazda standard kit plus a trip to WIM?

The other question is what are a set of Bilsteins worth? If there's a potential to make some money back on those then I may be able to increase the budget accordingly.

Thanks in advance!

[Lunja]

slinky said:

I used to have a Tein super street on the MK1 I had, it was brilliant, although perhaps a touch low as the factory lip scraped on some properly rough stuff..

Mine has factory 14in BBS wheels and I've got a 2cm gap between the top of the front tyre and the arch - it's low! Caught the underside on the second day of owning it and now have to plan routes to avoid road humps... Need a new suspension set up so I can actually enjoy it!

[Lunja]

What's people's opinion of Gaz Classics? http://gazcoilovers.com/mazda-mx5-mk1-gaz-classic-...

On paper they sound good and the price is decent...

[Lunja]

Thanks for all the input so far. I've set myself the deadline of next weekend to get the suspension sorted so that it's ready for next weekend's MX5 OC rally and the Sunday Service. Budget dictates that my options are Gaz Classics or MX5 standards with Autolink sports springs. Think I know what you'll say, but which would you choose?

[Lunja]

InertialTooth45 said:

That's not standard then! Sounds like the springs have been changed. I have the standard Bilsteins on mine and there is a considerable gap with the BBS alloys on it.

That's interesting... What colour are your springs?

[Lunja]

Thanks for all your suggestions. In the end we've gone for standard shocks and springs with new boots and bumpstops, which leaves budget for proper alignment wheel balancing. It's due to be fitted in the next couple of days and the alignment will be done either by a BlackBoots franchisee nearby or I'll head down to WiM. Does anyone know if the BlackBoots guys (of which I understand WiM are members?) offer the same geometry and alignment service as WiM in Chesham?