AboutMp2 Expertise I prefer to answer questions relating to the Miata since this has been my area of specific
expertise since 1991. I can answer questions relating to the other Mazda models however
some limitation of expertise may reduce my accuracy.
Experience Mazda technician since 1987, shop owner and specialty are regarding the Miata since 1991 covering mechanical, electrical, trim and body. Specializing specifically in drivability concerns.GKHS 1985, BVC 1987, MNA 1989, ASE Master Technician Mechanical 1995, ASE Master Body/Paint/Collision 1996
Education/Credentials GKHS 1985, BVC 1987, MNA 1989, ASE Master Technician Mechanical 1995, ASE Master Body/Paint/Collision 1996
Question QUESTION: hi ron again; what would you reccomend for replacement in the form of springs and shocks for my 2007 sv.i really just want to get a little better handling and steering responce without my kidneys falling out. my car is a every day driver and i dont drive it hard. also how difficult is it to install springs and shocks on my car. i dont want to lower the car just basically firm up the car a little. or would just changing one of these components make a difference? im open to your expert opinion. - thanks ron
ANSWER: The set up that works well is the Racing Beat spring set 54086 ($185) and the Tokico HTS ($725 set roughly). You will loose .5" ride height which compliments the car well actually because they ride so high to begin with.
The ultimate in street and street performance is the Bilstein PSS10 coil over set up ($2100). Variable ride height and full dampening adjustment. Expensive but, well engineered. You will loose .75" in ride height on the maximum height setting, again it compliments the car from the stock ride height so quite acceptable finished product.
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QUESTION: could i just change the springs and see some benefit? i really dont feel like spending 750.00 for shocks. and then the price to install all the equipment. im decent with cars but i dont think i could do this myself.
ANSWER: Your best to just wait and get more use until your ready as opposed to making piecemeal changes now. Shocks and springs wear at comparable rates so changing one and not the other is likened to eating off the same plate night after night with out washing it.
Get the alignment trued and play with air pressure for now. Save up for the big change. Shocks and springs bring wow factor.
Shock and springs are not a task recommended for the average DIY'r, specific tools required and safety issues to contend with.
service@miatashop.com
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QUESTION: how about mazda speed shocks or kyb(agx)shocks i seen them online and were about 250bucks cheaper than the tokico brand. im trying to keep costs down a little because i also want to put oem shock tower brace. i was looking at a 2009 with the brace just to see how it mounts on the firewall and it looks like i have that bracket on my car. just not the brace. could i have that bracket? if not theres no way that i could put that bracket in without taking half the car apart. theres a good mechcanic that i know were i work and he said the same thing you did. if your going to change just one component it wouldn"t make sense because you have to take both of them out anyway just to change one piece. plus he said he could do the job no problem at a great price because we do business with each other. so whats your final thought on this. by the way thanks for all your time and knowledge on this: your ans are always right on the money!!!!!! RON
Answer With the 3rd gen Miata you do not yet have many shock options. Koni, Bilstein (same as Mazdaspeed), Tokcio then the coil over variants which will price you out. KYB does not yet have an application for the car.
Shocks and springs as a set when you do change them. Really, if you are under 45k then wait a year or so more options will come available.
Not sure about the brace, I have yet to see a 2009 come through here. Production began in late April they are just hitting the market state side.
