Miata Mailing List: December 1998, Message #103

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In a message dated 12/1/98 4:29:09 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ksmith@vermontlaw.edu writes:

<<
 I would like to purchase a set of aftermarket shocks and springs for my
 90.  I don't want to spend more than $500 total for both.  I won't be
 racing, but I will be driving on some pretty demanding Vermont twisty
 back roads. I will be using the stock 14" steel wheels.
  >>

Ken,
With a limited budget of $500, you might have trouble getting a *good* set
of both springs and shocks.  Would you consider just getting shocks?
Unless your springs have sagged, you could get a set of Koni adjustable
shocks, with multiple spring perch settings, and keep your stock springs.
That way, you can get a premium adjustable shock with a lifetime warranty,
and if you want to lower the car you can use the lowest spring perch mount
on the Koni shocks to drop your car abour one-half or three-quarters of an
inch.  If you have change from your $500, you could invest in either a
second hand set of Miata alloy wheels (from the Miata.net classifieds
section) to replace the steel wheels (this will make a surprising
difference in the ride quality of your car, by significantly reducing your
unsprung weight) or a set of after market sway bars.

This setup was recently reviewed by Keith Tanner (who runs the FM springs
w/ Tokico Illumina shocks on his own '90), and he was very impressed with
the stock spring / Koni combination.  IIRC, he felt it was not quite as
nice as the FM spring / Illumina combination, but very impressive
nonetheless, and much less expensive.

FWIW, I haven't done any of this - yet.  It's hard to justify new shocks to
the SO when I've only 19,000 km on the current ones.  I know, I know - but
I'm planning on trying for new tires next year, and the Koni shocks the
year after!  I did get the FM sways this year, though - I consider this a
work in progress, to be thoroughly enjoyed along the way!

Regards,
Gordon Choate
Calgary, Alberta
96 BRG/tan