Lower or to not lower?

"daender" (daender) 07/20/2014 at 12:42 • Filed to: None

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I'm thinking of buying a set of barely-used (600 miles) Eibach Pro Kit for a steal of a deal ($100) that would lightly firm up the ride (Miatas love stiffer springs) and lower the car 1.3 inches in all corners. Anyone have experience with Eibach springs, or lightly lowering their Miata?

I'm running the original 65k mile springs and 3k mile knockoff-KYB struts. As you can see, this gives my NB a "4x4 stance" that doesn't complement its sport handling and sound. I estimate there's about 2-3 inches alone between the top of the tire and the top of the wheel arch on all four corners, all the 16" wheels are tucked in pretty well with their +40 offset so no worries about rubbing.

This wallpaper would be a close estimate to how my Miata would sit with an inch out of its ride height. Mine's not running any chin spoilers, body kits, or low-hanging exhaust (but dat Roadster Sport tho). My driving mostly consists of general in-town mixed in with highway-like country roads. It'll go back to college with me and while there is a semi-steep approach to the parking lot for my apartment, I think I'll be able to clear without any scraping, especially not damaging the fragile mud flaps.

heliochrome85 > daender 07/20/2014 at 12:51

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love the contrast roof.

The World of Vee > daender 07/20/2014 at 12:55

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1.3 isn't too much. I think you'll like the overall look and handling much better too

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > daender 07/20/2014 at 12:58

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I think a 1.3 inch drop would look great and still be pretty useable. I'd read up on owners experience with them handling wise first but if they genuinely improve handling sounds like a good buy. I've noticed stock miatas have a tendency to lean a little that would benefit from stiffer springs.

Nerd-Vol > daender 07/20/2014 at 16:13

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let us know if you do! A set of springs and shocks is on my list for my NA. Eibach makes quality stuff.

Orange Exige > daender 07/20/2014 at 16:52

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Definitely a great idea for a great price.

When I had my Miata I was actually just planning to get cheap coilovers rather than just get new lowering springs on the old stock shocks but sounds like you'd have a decent setup for just swapping in those lowering springs.

AM3R > daender 07/20/2014 at 18:45

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Eibach springs are really great. I'm planning on getting a set for my E90 328i.

Eibachs give you great performance and probably the most comfortable ride out of most springs while providing a mild drop.

Go H&R if you want to go LOW, Go eibach if you want a little low.

Also, supposedly Eibach springs are made to be used with stock shocks if you go with the pro kit.

daender > AM3R 07/20/2014 at 19:31

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I looked further into Eibach through the Miata forums, apparently they're not good for Miatas, low spring rates leading to riding the bump-stops. Not sure I want to compromise my car for 100$. Hopefully they do a better job for BMWs!

AM3R > daender 07/20/2014 at 19:44

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I was even planning on running E36 M3 bump stops. Wow, didn't know they were no good for Miatas. You could always buy them and sell them for more! If you track I'd just go for coilovers.

daender > AM3R 07/20/2014 at 19:50

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Not planning on turning this Miata into a track rat just yet since I haven't come to terms on whether or not to sell it after college. If I take it too far with modifications, then I lose potential buyers who might view that car as an abused/hoon'd ride or too uncomfortable/modified beyond factory reliability. This car will probably see autox events and the seasonal mountain run near TotD.

AM3R > daender 07/20/2014 at 19:56

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in that case, I'd pick up some lightly used coilovers and keep the stock suspension for when you decide to sell. You can sell the used coilovers for good money down the road. Because they can be rebuilt, they hold value pretty well.