Let's face the fact; my MX-5's suspension is stock. Yes, I have done some improvements and installed a couple of upgrades but neither Koni Sports Kit nor a set of H&R anti roll bars really mean it's race ready. The car is drivable and pretty fast by all means and the whole package is in balance on the track. Obviously I have learned to adjust my driving style according my current setup. I could benefit from having 100 extra horses under the hood, but after that current balance would be gone. Further engine mods have to wait for a while then.
The best single handling mod so far has been my current tires. That was no surprise! Before that it was racing inspired wheel alignment and before that Koni’s sport suspension.
Real need for further upgrades came along with stickier tires. My current Yokohama AD08s offer a lot more grip compared to Toyo T1Rs. Higher grip has resulted in increased compliance of the suspension. Increased roll and change of the tire alignment in fast corners are the symptoms. T1Rs in the front wore evenly but AD08s are starting to take the heat more on the outside of the tread. So, what is happening here? Obviously 22 years old stock bushes are starting to give in and my camber angles are “dialing in”.
The other issue is decreased chassis rigidity. Front and rear are starting to feel even more detached than before. When a pot hole or a kerb on track is hit, a horrible wobble occurs. If car is jacked up from only one point the flex can be seen with bare eye when the door seams are not in line anymore.
Here is what I am planning to do. First I am going to get the front and rear attached again by installing door bars. After that polyurethane bushes and some sort of coil over solution have their turn. Stiffer bushing and springs won’t have their full effect without increased chassis rigidity. I want my suspension to do the work instead of the chassis.
