"R" Springs vs Stock Springs

[curvluver]

Will the "R-package" springs improve the handling of an NA over stock springs and lower the car as well?

I am being told that there is a significant difference between the springs so I figured someone in the MX5Atlanta community have have hands on experience.

Feedback welcome!

[scandmx5]

ask Don miata.net mod :lol:

[matredd]

I imagine it would be a bit difficult to find some decent R springs. There's plenty of inexpensive aftermarket stuff out there that will handle better than any OEM stuff...

[metalman]

R springs coupled with the R shocks...Bilsteins...are quite different then standard stock units. The R also untilizes some other different components. The springs alone? I wouldnt waste my time. To be honest, I wouldnt waste my time with R stuff either...unless I competed in some autox class where only stock items were permitted. Too many good aftermarket solutions that ride and handle better. Don however believes the R suspension is the best ever offered on a motor vehicle. :lol: But this is the same guy who says shocks dont affect ride quality. hahahaha

[RotorNutFD3S]

I honestly think the Bilstein struts made more of an impact on handling than the springs did. As Matt said, there's too much aftermarket stuff out there. I love my "R" Bilsteins with H&R springs, and it's inexpensive.

[FE3tMX5]

I had a set on my car and it sat about an inch lower than the stock 90 springs. Of course those had over a 100k on them - and I swapped the R bilsteins in with the springs. But it was definitely an improvement over the stock spring/shock and for cheap.

[blk95r]

I have them on my car, springs & shocks, they ride better than plain shocks and springs, but not worth seeking them out considering all the good aftermarket ones. They didn't appear to make my car sit any lower.

[wildfire0310]

The R package is said to be 3/4 of inch lower then the stock.

The only reason to swap out stock for R is either your racing in a class were non-stock suspension will bump you classes or if you was free and you have a free weekend. Otherwise you may as well get something better.

[metalman]

The R package is said to be 3/4 of inch lower then the stock.



I think that depends on year model.
If its a 96 or 97 it may be 4 inches lower then 4wd stock. :lol:
On early models it doesnt make much (if any) difference.

[curvluver]

Thanks for the replys!!

Another question (related) what is the difference between Bilstein HD and Sport Shocks?

[blk95r]

I think in the case of the NA there is only one type of Bilstein shock. I think there are different models in the NB platform.

FWIW I put the R package springs/shocks from my '95 onto my '90 model and didn't notice any difference in ride height.

[wildfire0310]

I think that depends on year model.
If its a 96 or 97 it may be 4 inches lower then 4wd stock. :lol:
On early models it doesnt make much (if any) difference.

haha. All I know is that my knoi have three heights.. Stock, R-package which is 3/4 of an inch lower and then then 1.5" drop.

But really.. with how old most of the stock suspension the crappy stock springs have most likely sagged enough to match the R ride height. lol