Miata Mailing List: March 1996, Message #987
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   From: AdoptOK@aol.com
Subject: Re: Subframe Braces/Sway Bar Selection
   Date: Fri, 15 Mar 1996 11:43:42 -0500

Before you go crazy fitting all of the subframe braces on your 90 Miata, take
another close look at the SCCA rules for stock class.  You will find that
updating IS NOT allowed unless you update ALL aspects of the newer car
(including 1.8 liter engine, etc.).

You are allowed to change the front swaybar, the rear must remain as fitted
to the car.  I think Suspension Techniques sells an adjustable front bar
only, but I think you could get the front so stiff that your turn in would
suffer.  I think first you should make sure your running good tires -- Yokos
or R-1s -- then go for the adjustable shocks -- I like Tokico -- this allows
less radical roll stiffness adjustments than offered by the swaybar and you
can maintain more of the terrific turn-in and transitional handling that is
arguably the strongest aspect of Miata handling.  

I currently own a 90 Miata, but my advice is based mainly upon lessons I
learned tuning my Porsche 914.  I messed aroung with adjustable -- and
stiffer swaybars -- and found that for the low-speed environment of autocross
it was just too stiff.  I believe the Miata would be even more adversely
affected by an increase in front roll stiffness.  I really think the Miata's
turn-in (which is what will suffer with a stiffer bar) is the most neutral of
any car you will find.  

Now during throttle appliaction, it's a whole different story.  This leads me
to believe  some careful testing of toe settings at the rear, along with some
shock adjustment to affect weight tranfer, may be all that's necesary to
really even-out the car's handling.  

Just be leary of building in too much roll stiffness -- it is detrimental in
the low-speed environment of autocross.

I hope this disclosure of my humle and arguably useless opinions will be of
some assistance to you.


John Joyce
90 Miata
74 Porsche 914
95 Plymouth Neon (my REAL RACE CAR)