Upgrading the suspension on an NC Miata is one of the best ways to transform your car from a daily driver to a track-ready machine. Whether you’re aiming for faster lap times or simply looking to improve overall handling, a suspension overhaul can dramatically enhance your car’s performance. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of upgrading an NC Miata’s stock suspension, which has become worn out and inadequate for high-performance driving.
The goal of this project is to overhaul the suspension system to improve lap times and overall performance. This includes installing new coilovers, replacing critical suspension parts like ball joints and links, and ensuring everything is properly aligned. The parts we’ll be using, such as the Meister R coilovers sourced from Good-Win Racing, are specifically chosen for their ability to handle track conditions without compromising everyday drivability.
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If you’re serious about track driving, you might want to look into rebuilding the suspension, especially if your Miata has many miles on its belt. The old components, including the links, ball joints, and bushings, might all be in dire need of replacement. Torn bushings and loose ball joints made the car’s rear end feel unpredictable, so replacing these was critical for both safety and performance.
The first step was to remove the old suspension components. Everything came out, including the worn links, ball joints, and bushings, which were all way past their prime. With the old parts removed, install new suspension components, starting with fresh links, ball joints, and bushings. These parts restore the structural integrity of the suspension and are vital for achieving smooth, predictable handling.
Halfway through the rebuild, replace three of the five suspension links. The remaining two—one of which was the toe control link—still needed to be swapped out. At this stage, it’s important to note that you should only torque the bushings once the car is on the ground. Torquing them while the suspension is unloaded can cause the bushings to twist when the car’s weight is applied, leading to misalignment and premature wear.
Proper installation is key. Incorrect torque settings or poorly installed components can cause major issues down the line, like poor ride quality or even suspension failure. So, take your time and make sure everything is tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The first step in upgrading the suspension is installing the Meister R Club Race Coilovers on the front of the vehicle. Before starting, it’s important to set the car up safely. Ideally, you should use a lift, but if that’s not available, high-quality jack stands will do the job. To begin, disconnect the brake line to avoid any damage while removing the stock front suspension. Once that was out of the way, it was time to unbolt and remove the worn-out stock coilovers. These had served their purpose but were no longer capable of delivering the performance needed, especially on the track. With the old suspension out, install the new Meister R coilovers, which are designed to improve both comfort and performance, thanks to their fully adjustable settings.
One of the key benefits of these new coilovers is the ability to lower the ride height. The stock NC Miata sits way too high for serious performance driving, often referred to as “Safari height.” After installation, the Miata sat significantly lower, reducing the fender gap and lowering the car’s center of gravity, which is essential for better handling. The car’s new stance not only looks more aggressive but also provides a solid foundation for improved cornering and stability.
With the rear suspension rebuild complete, the next step was installing the rear coilovers. Like the front, this process involved removing the old stock suspension and replacing it with the new Meister R coilovers. The rear coilovers were installed to complement the front suspension, allowing the Miata to sit lower all around, creating a balanced stance. The lowered ride height not only improves the car’s aesthetics but also enhances its handling by reducing the center of gravity.
After installing the rear coilovers, adjust the ride height to match the front. The car’s overall stance was now much lower and more aggressive, which is perfect for track use. With the suspension overhaul nearly complete, the Miata was starting to look and feel like a whole new car.
While the Meister R Club Race Coilovers are an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier track performance, they’re certainly not the only option for upgrading your NC Miata’s suspension. Depending on your driving style, budget, and how you plan to use your Miata, there are numerous other coilover setups available that might be better suited to your specific needs. Whether you prioritize street comfort, a balance between daily driving and track use, or a more budget-conscious option, there’s a solution for everyone. Below, we’ll explore some popular coilover alternatives across different platforms.
For those looking for a dual-purpose setup that excels on both the track and the street, KW Variant 3 Coilovers are a fantastic option. KW is known for producing high-quality suspension components that offer adjustable compression and rebound, giving you a wide range of tuning capabilities. This adjustability allows you to fine-tune your Miata’s handling for track days, while still keeping things comfortable for daily driving. Though they’re on the higher end of the price spectrum, the KW Variant 3s deliver excellent performance, combining sharp handling with a surprisingly smooth ride. They’re ideal for drivers who want premium performance without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re looking for performance on a budget, the BC Racing BR Series Coilovers are hard to beat. These coilovers are a popular choice among Miata owners because they offer excellent adjustability at an affordable price point. With 30 levels of damping adjustment and the ability to adjust ride height independently of spring preload, they provide a lot of control over how your car handles. BC Racing coilovers are perfect for drivers who want to improve their car’s handling for both street and track use, without breaking the bank. Durability and solid build quality make them a great mid-range option that balances cost and performance effectively.
If budget is a primary concern but you still want to upgrade your suspension, the Flyin’ Miata V-Maxx Classic Coilovers are an affordable option that offers great value. Flyin’ Miata is a brand that specializes in Miata performance parts, and their V-Maxx coilovers are designed to improve handling without breaking the bank. These coilovers don’t have as many adjustability features as some of the more expensive options, but they’re perfect for drivers who want a firmer, sportier feel compared to the stock suspension. They’re particularly well-suited for autocross or spirited street driving, making them a great entry-level choice for those looking to improve their car’s handling on a budget.
With the installation finished, The Miata went for a test drive to evaluate the new suspension. Right away, the improved ride height was noticeable. The Miata no longer had that “off-road” look, and the lower stance made the car feel much more stable and connected to the road. Lowering the center of gravity is key for better cornering and overall handling, and it made an immediate difference in how the car responded to inputs.
The most dramatic improvement was the reduction in body roll. Thanks to the stiffer coilovers and rebuilt suspension, the car stayed flat through corners, which is crucial for maintaining grip on the track. The Miata felt much more predictable and stable, even when pushing it through sharp turns.
Despite the stiffer setup, the ride quality was surprisingly smooth. The fresh bushings and ball joints in the rear suspension likely played a big role in this, as they absorbed a lot of the harshness that typically comes with stiff track setups. Overall, the handling was far sharper, and the car felt more responsive under braking, acceleration, and cornering. The feedback from the road was much better, making the Miata feel more like a precision tool than ever before.
While the suspension overhaul made a huge difference, a few final steps are needed to fully optimize the Miata’s performance. First, the current tires are old and worn, so the next step is to install a set of 200 treadwear tires, which will offer better grip on both the track and the street. This upgrade will allow me to take full advantage of the suspension improvements and further improve lap times.
After installing new tires, a proper alignment is crucial. The coilover installation has altered the car’s suspension geometry, and an alignment will ensure that the car handles optimally and that tire wear remains even. Without an alignment, even the best suspension setup will result in poor handling and rapid tire wear.
Lastly, the brake line rubbing issue needs to be fixed before taking the car back to the track. This will likely involve repositioning the brake line to avoid any contact with the suspension components.
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