well, let me go ahead and say something real quick. This is largely a suspension discussion so I don't want to veer too far off track here, but the MSM setup already has bilstein shocks (which are arguably better or equal in quality to the H&R bilsteins). So you payed $300 for an oddly setup set of springs and perches...

consider this: You could have bought adjustable perches from allstar motorspors for $34 or ISC for $44.50 per shock, then picked out the spring rates you want at a cost ranging from $35-$75 depending on the quality you are looking for. If you got QA1 springs at $38, I have no doubt you would have better quality springs for less money than the H&R kit. you get what I am getting at here right?

Anyways, what matters most is you like your suspension. I think with a bit of swaybar tweeking, you will have a well balanced setup. Just try the no rear bar idea and test it out at your next autocross or track event. You will gain some extra grip in the process too, so you can get on the power earlier.

Its not unheard of to have higher spring rates in the rear over the front in a car, we had a discussion/arguement/dick measuring contest over this at CR.net recently. As a matter of fact, my wheel rates will be almost identical with 550/450 rates. I think there is no more of a difference than 10 lb/in.

 

Who? Linky?

 

http://www.allstarperformance.com/product.htm?prod=872

Sorry they are $38. You can send them a request for a local dealer, and they will get back to you with-in 24 hours.

 

I hear your points and while very valid points, I'm happy with my decision.

Trust me I highly considered using my msm setup and modifying it to my likes but the fact that Shake @ FCM wanted me to buy new shocks from him rather than revalving, turned me off, he told me he doesn't revalve used setups anymore even with my low mileage setup. I wouldn't want higher spring rates with the OEM dampening.

Believe it or not, my current set up is more comfy and with the progressive rates it tightens up very fast once you compress them hard, it's the best of both worlds for a DD to me.


Quick Q though Track, you said the msm bilsteins are better than H&R bilsteins, they're both monotube. What other differences are there?

 

I didn't say they were better, I said they are equal OR better. and the better is only a reference to the valving done on the shocks. the MSM bilstein valving is 100% without a doubt setup for the miata. H&R bilsteins probably have the generic HD valving.

 

Gotcha, call me crazy but my butt shock dyno says the H&R's are how the msm should of felt

 

it certainly pretty close. tbh at 58% for the msm and 63% for the NB, we aren't really neutral handling anymore...we are much more understeer biased than anything.

 

I'm surprised no one started a progressive vs linear spring discussion in here.

 

I'd love to try them back to back.

 

I've had both on different cars, but I never autocrossed my protege with progressive springs (eibach + twin tube tokico illumina). The ride quality is definitely better than my miata (monotube + linear hyperco). But the difference wasn't huge, but of course not a fair comparison.