Miata Mailing List: February 2000, Message #9

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I was just perusing some rules regarding shocks for stock Miata's and just
want to make sure I understand what I'm reading. From what I am
understanding (or misunderstanding), according to 13.5B, Koni's would be
legal in stock, since all you have to do is enlarge the mounting hole, as
long as the spring perch is put on to maintain the "stock" ride height (the
highest perch if I remember from reading all the Koni questions, but I might
be confused :) Pretty much, I'm going to try and attend every local event
possible, and if I'm doing good in the points (which I highly doubt), I
don't want to jeopardize it by putting on Koni's, although my original
intent was to put them on w/ the lowest perch (part g says suspension
geometry can't be changed) , so I may just hold off anyway. It's late, and
maybe I'm just confused :) Thanks!
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13.5 Shock Absorbers
A.
The make of shock absorber may be substituted providing that the number,
type, (e.g., tube, lever, etc.) system of attachment and attachment points
are not altered.
B.
The mounting hardware shall be the original type.  To facilitate the
installation of commonly available aftermarket shock absorbers, struts, or
strut inserts whose shaft is larger than the center hole of an upper mount
assembly, that hole may be enlarged by the minimum amount necessary to
accommodate the shock shaft size, provided the following restrictions are
met:
the enlarged hole must remain concentric with that of the original
configuration;
the enlargement of the hole does not require modification of a bearing (as
opposed to a washer, plate, or sleeve);
neither the hole enlargement nor the location of the shock shaft changes any
alignment parameter.
C.
The use of any shock absorber bushing material, including metal, is
permitted.  This does not permit the use of an offset shock absorber
bushing.
D.
The interchange of gas and hydraulic shock absorbers is permitted.
Electronically controlled shocks may not be used on vehicles not originally
equipped with such units. Vehicles originally equipped with electronically
controlled shocks may use non-electronically controlled alternatives subject
to all requirements of 13.5.
E.
Shock absorbers with adjustable spring perches which have been welded in the
stock position on the shock absorber are permitted.
F.
The dimensional characteristics of the shock and relative placement of the
spring must remain as stock. If the spring perch on an aftermarket
shock/strut is a small amount (e.g. 1/4") lower than the standard part, but
the shock/strut otherwise complies with the requirements of this Section, a
shim may be added to the spring perch to raise the spring base to the
correct height. This shim must be permanently attached to the perch.
G.
Suspension geometry and range of travel may not be altered.
H.
The bushing attaching the end of the strut to the body or frame on a strut
type suspension is a suspension bushing, not a shock absorber bushing.
Suspension bushings, including but not limited to those which carry the
weight of the car and determine ride height, may not be replaced with
bushings of a different material or dimension.
I.
Non standard electronically controlled active shocks are not allowed.

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Jeff & Bomber
91 A
VP - Gateway Miata Club
St. Charles, Mo.
www.geocities.com/gatewaymiata