Bilstein is just a brand. Valving is everything. Most shock makers can make valving that will ride like a Buick and valving that will ride like a shopping cart. Most don't put in the effort to redesign the product for every individual application, but rather slap a mediocre generic valving into a design that will fit many different cars and driving requirements. Therefore saying you've tried Bilstein on another car is like saying you've tried chewing gum once and weren't a fan even though the only chewing gum you had ever tried was Wrigley's Juicy Fruit. Does that make sense? Bubbalicious?

The damping rates in the MSM shock and the "Hard S" shock are far different than the standard off the shelf Bilstein that will fit a Miata. The Hard S are between $90 and $120 apiece new depending upon where you acquire them.

Summit Racing has 2.5x7 inch springs in any rate you need for $37 apiece. 400/300 is a good match for the Miata and those shocks for a good handling backroads car. 550/350 for a 75% track car. But frankly, those shocks are great for a more controlled ride on the stock springs, too, but you give up height adjustability with the stockers.

A set of four coilover adjusters is $50-60 on ebay with a full set of springs (they will be incorrect rates for a Miata but you can resell them for $60 and end up with the adjusters for free).

 

You already have a couple with my choice... Flyin Miata's VMaxx Extreme (or at least the regular VMaxx if you don't want to spring for the adjustable extreme coilovers). IF driving is going to be mainly STREET, make sure you order the VMaxx coilovers with the STREET springs... NOT the TRACK springs (Cost is the same). Put them on my 1992, Fantastic ride quality,, handling was close enough to some real expensive Racing coilovers which PO had on the car.... could not tell the difference. FYI.. way cheaper than OEM shocks and springs,,,, FYI #2- Get the 'B' Conversion for the VMax,, best money you can spend if you're going to drive your Miata..