Advanced Suspension Mods

[Potta]

Ok this thread was music to my ears regarding specs and setup. Thank you very much for doing such a thorough write up . I'll begin to start ordering my bits tomorrow night.

[Advancedynamix]

working on something for you to try, Charlie. (actualy, JesterATC is modeling an add on, and if the prototype goes as planned, you should be able to re-create it in your shop).

it should complement the pictured suspention components nicely, that's all i'll say.

Very intrigued!

[FestYboy]

working on something for you to try, Charlie. (actualy, JesterATC is modeling an add on, and if the prototype goes as planned, you should be able to re-create it in your shop).

it should complement the pictured suspention components nicely, that's all i'll say.

[Prafeston]

Those look awesome. Love the army green paint job!

[Advancedynamix]

I forgot to update this thread with my latest shocks. These are 36mm Monotube Bilstein coilovers for the festiva. I currently have 180lb springs on them and they are on my bone stock 89L. The dampening is a bit much for stock, but boy is this thing on rails! Lol.

[Advancedynamix]

The only difference I have seen with miata bushings is that they are more readily available. Thet may be identical.

[moz]

Moz,

That Teflon will probably work, but I would retain the factory shock bushings (I use miata bushings in my car). This is because the upper shock mount is a pivot point, and it must remain that way or you'll have bending and binding issues with your shocks. As the rear suspension moves throughout it's range, the shock attitude changes. You may want to back the Teflon up with some thick fender washers like movin suggested. Teflon is a very resilient material, but it will distort more than steel.

Roger that.
I'll ask the guys if they can make the same out of metal as adding washers will limit the amount of thread protruding up top.

How are the miata bushings different? Rubber density or geometry?

I'll start off with stock aspire ones and take it from there.

I'm working on the engine conversion atm (very slowly as I have my fingers in too many pies) but as soon as I've got the conversion done, I'll re do the rears and install the front.

I have everything but the front brakes. I bought 01 Kia Rio ones thinking they were the same as the auto aspire ones. Turns out not to be the case.

[Bert]

Poor mans report: In doing my first Aspire swap I also put on Rio tops hats 2 1/2 years ago. This did require some fussing with nylon bushings, wrapped sheet metal sleeves, adapted dock washers and metal spacers in order to get the Aspire shocks to ride on the bearing surfaces of the Rio hats. That 'ease of steering' modification was wonderful but at the very same time I made the mistake of installing FMS 'sport' springs (car then sat way too low for me) and then had to stack a bunch of custom-reamed washers on top of the shock in order to get at least 1/2" more height out of the springs. Two salty winters have passed and I am pleased to report that all those Jerry-rigged parts held up perfectly. But now I'm now riding on stock Aspire springs (with one coil cut off) and there are no more stacked washers etc and the car rides nice again.

[Advancedynamix]

Moz,

That Teflon will probably work, but I would retain the factory shock bushings (I use miata bushings in my car). This is because the upper shock mount is a pivot point, and it must remain that way or you'll have bending and binding issues with your shocks. As the rear suspension moves throughout it's range, the shock attitude changes. You may want to back the Teflon up with some thick fender washers like movin suggested. Teflon is a very resilient material, but it will distort more than steel.

[sketchman]

Yeah, those guys are awesome. Just watched Pt 3 this morning.

[moz]

Hahaha... how funny was that episode??!!
The guy somewhat resembles Yoda with that cape on.
Turbo Yoda.... lol

[sketchman]

Watched a mighty car mods video the other day and it made me think of this. OP needs to get "Suspension Yoda" under his name.

[greywolf200]

I wonder if this might be something those of us without Dave's experience could use...

http://www.quicktrickalignment.com/

[Movin]

I had to put a steel backer between the teflon and the rubber, the spring will warp the heck out of the teflon. If you are not using the high settings consider a wrap of some sort to prevent spring rattle on the adjuster.

[moz]

To fit, I've used a 10mm (3/8" ) thick rubber disc directly on top of that top hat and removed the stock rubber that goes under the shock tower. Just to have even weight distribution.

I'm in unchartered territory here (as far as my own experience goes). Not sure how well this will work.