2008.12.20 - Installed Tein Flex Coilovers
- Installed Tein Flex coilovers
- Checked tire air pressure and added air as needed
This job took a lot longer than it should have, but it was my first time replacing the shocks on a Miata so I was taking it slow to make sure that I didn't screw anything up. Most of the bolts weren't too bad to remove, but of course the two top hat bolts on the left rear corner--which are the hardest to access--were the most reluctant to loosen up. The most time consuming part was probably preparing the coilovers to the proper pre-load and height settings suggested in the Tein documentation. The install went pretty smoothly (though slowly), but I believe that the left rear lower sway bar endlink bushing bolt stripped out when I was torquing it down. (¬_¬)* I hope I don't have to cut it off later. I will try to unscrew it and replace it some time this coming week.
The car is definitely lower--approximately a 1.25" lower in the front and 1.5" in the rear--but I will probably raise it back up a little bit after I've driven around for a bit and let everything settle. The ride at #8 (middle firmness - 8 clicks counter-clockwise from full stiff) setting all around was noticeably firmer than stock and felt very responsive and confidence inspiring. You could easily feel the road beneath you, but it was not particularly uncomfortable. At the #0 setting (softest), it feels very similar to stock (slightly firmer when cornering though).
Ride Height Notes:
Before (Original Equipment)
LF - 14.00" | RF - 14.00"
LR - 14.25" | RR - 14.25"
After (approximate--I was too tired to try and ensure an accurate measurement)
LF - 12.80" | RF - 12.75"
LR - 12.98" | RR - 12.75"
$1,330.00 - Tein Flex Coilovers w/ additional 8K front springs (purchased from CR.net member "Belacyrf")
On another note... I think I need a new tire pump.
- Checked tire air pressure and added air as needed
This job took a lot longer than it should have, but it was my first time replacing the shocks on a Miata so I was taking it slow to make sure that I didn't screw anything up. Most of the bolts weren't too bad to remove, but of course the two top hat bolts on the left rear corner--which are the hardest to access--were the most reluctant to loosen up. The most time consuming part was probably preparing the coilovers to the proper pre-load and height settings suggested in the Tein documentation. The install went pretty smoothly (though slowly), but I believe that the left rear lower sway bar endlink bushing bolt stripped out when I was torquing it down. (¬_¬)* I hope I don't have to cut it off later. I will try to unscrew it and replace it some time this coming week.
The car is definitely lower--approximately a 1.25" lower in the front and 1.5" in the rear--but I will probably raise it back up a little bit after I've driven around for a bit and let everything settle. The ride at #8 (middle firmness - 8 clicks counter-clockwise from full stiff) setting all around was noticeably firmer than stock and felt very responsive and confidence inspiring. You could easily feel the road beneath you, but it was not particularly uncomfortable. At the #0 setting (softest), it feels very similar to stock (slightly firmer when cornering though).
Ride Height Notes:
Before (Original Equipment)
LF - 14.00" | RF - 14.00"
LR - 14.25" | RR - 14.25"
After (approximate--I was too tired to try and ensure an accurate measurement)
LF - 12.80" | RF - 12.75"
LR - 12.98" | RR - 12.75"
$1,330.00 - Tein Flex Coilovers w/ additional 8K front springs (purchased from CR.net member "Belacyrf")
On another note... I think I need a new tire pump.