My 2002 Miata came with Flyin Miata's V-Maxx stage one suspension, which is good for track and autocross but not for my desired use as a street car.
I have the original Bilsteins and springs with ~60K - pic attached. The shock hats (and more) are on the car with the V-Maxx.
My current plan is get a set of those parts, assemble another suspension, and install that to see how I like it.
Would the OEM Bilsteins be okay?
How about the stock springs?
Anyone have any NB suspension pieces they'd like to sell?
Shoot, anyone got a whole extra suspension? (Ship to 80503 in Colorado)
Any other ideas?
Thanks for the help!
Surprised that there have been no opinions yet.
Everyone has their favorite Miata setup, right?
I honestly rarely like Bilsteins in any application. I find they are overdamped for cars. I'm about to try some on my truck because there aren't many other options.
I do love Koni's on cars. I am about to do FM springs and Koni's on my 2000 Miata. I think Koni's with your springs of choice are a great choice in most cases. Once you are there you can evaluate if you need more sway bar, try different alignments, etc.
I'm interested in this topic.
Especially since you're in their home state, contact Flyin Miata. No better customer service or source of information around.
I'm biased - but I also have the ability to actually sign off on these things, so if I don't think something's good I can change it.
Most times, Bilsteins on Miatas are the wrong choice. There are a couple of exceptions (the factory 2013-15 Club and 2018+ Club suspensions work well) but generally I find them unsettled and jittery. But they'll last forever, so you'll have that ride quality forever :)
I really like the FM springs and Koni shocks for a street car. They just work. I've been driving them myself on my own cars, unless I have something else on there for evaluation purposes.
BTW, this is what you need if you want to complete those stock springs and shocks. Or you transfer the parts over from the V-Maxx, being aware that there's a lower washer that is different. Check the condition of the bumpstops if you decide to install the Bilsteins, the NB2 cars had a red one that tended to turn into dust over time. I would replace them proactively if they're not already disintegrated.
https://flyinmiata.com/products/nb-shock-conversion-kit
Floating Doc - you are absolutely correct! Flyin Miata is the very best and have been for decades.
Keith - many thanks for chiming in! If it's not too much hubris, I agree with you the Konis and FMs are likely my best bet. Looking at the FM website, they do not appear to include the shock hats, etc. Is this correct?
I was quite surprised to see the KYB AGXs still available! Those were the second hot ticket for street cars 15 years ago when the hot ticket was Tokico Illuminas. Any thoughts on the AGXs?
Alas, the shock conversion kit you mentioned shows as Sold Out with no expected inventory date. Can you share any updates? Is it better if I just call FM next week?
I may look into Mazda Team Support for the stock NB shock tops and stuff.
Correct, the NB Konis don't include upper mounts because all NBs come with a free set :) The only advantage to having a new set is that it makes the actual swap a little faster, but you still have to assemble them at some time so it's not really an overall time savings.
The AGX enjoyed popularity for a while, mostly because it was cheaper and had more numbers on the dial than the Illumina. It's a harsher ride, though, the valving isn't as good as the Koni. It has fallen out of favor.
The upper mount kit is in stock but the website needs to be updated. Hmm. I'll make that happen so there should be three sets in stock within a few minutes. Note that FM is closed until Jan 2 starting tomorrow.
Team Support is definitely a great source for getting stock parts like this. It's where I bought the factory bushings I needed for my 1990, for example.
May all the good angels at Flyin Miata enjoy joyful holidays with friends and family and have too much fun and rest!
Talk with you all in 2023!
Cool, glad you found a setup. Thanks, everyone.
