Best First Suspension Mod?

[Shadoobie]

Hello folks, I've done extensive engine work, but in my time with my Spider I've become more interested in the handling aspect of performance. I'd like to start out small and try to get the best bang for my buck. I already got a really nice set of Hankook tires, so I'm looking at actual suspension components now. I have my eyes on the sway bar set that Midwest-bayless has for sale and the Koni shocks they have as well. My question is, which is the best to start with? Or should I be looking at something else entirely?

[joelittel]

I can't say which upgrade is "the best" but I can tell you that Koni shocks make a difference.

I don't have progressive springs but the folks who do seem to love them.

I installed a rear sway bar rather than upgrading the front, with the idea that the front would come later.

My vote for the "best bang for my dollars spent" would have to go to the Konis.

[azruss]

First thing is to get rid of those "tall" springs and get the car back down on the ground like it was originally designed. The parts houses sell progressives that I've heard good things about. If you don't want to spend the rubles, you can cut your existing springs. lots on this subject on this forum. Or, like me, you can get a set of springs from a pre-74 car. fancy shocks and sway bars are a waste of time until you lower the car.

[Shadoobie]

First thing is to get rid of those "tall" springs and get the car back down on the ground like it was originally designed. The parts houses sell progressives that I've heard good things about. If you don't want to spend the rubles, you can cut your existing springs. lots on this subject on this forum. Or, like me, you can get a set of springs from a pre-74 car. fancy shocks and sway bars are a waste of time until you lower the car.

I would certainly agree about the springs. However, I daily my Spider and I'm worried about ground clearance. I'd definitely be in the market for progressive springs. Vick's sells a set of springs with hydrasport shocks for a very reasonable price. Does anyone have any experience with these? I've found that my small purchases from there can be hit or miss, but I've heard good things about the big stuff.

[geospider]

Progressive springs from AR and I got my Konis from Tire rack. listed at 104.00 per.
that was the best deal I saw
what a change
just using stock sway bar in front.
some info on here regarding sway bars: add in the rear, be careful going bigger in front. can get too stiff.

[ORFORD2004]

http://www.lmperformance.com/shop.asp?make=fiat
$99 the best I found

[geospider]

Great price. go get em. When I got mine, was lucky enough to be during Koni's rebate: $50 back.
you'll love the combo with the springs: drops about an inch. No sway bar in the back yet and the rear end grabbed great in the corners.

[DieselSpider]

First thing is to get rid of those "tall" springs and get the car back down on the ground like it was originally designed. The parts houses sell progressives that I've heard good things about. If you don't want to spend the rubles, you can cut your existing springs. lots on this subject on this forum. Or, like me, you can get a set of springs from a pre-74 car. fancy shocks and sway bars are a waste of time until you lower the car.

I would certainly agree about the springs. However, I daily my Spider and I'm worried about ground clearance.

My concern too. Folks I work with that have lowered their Miata's and other roadsters usually raise them back up after bottoming out on the traffic calming devices and when going over the flood control gutters at intersections. A lot of cars get really torn up by those things around here.

[lglade]

I think all of our trusty vendors are selling similar springs (progressive springs with nearly identical spring rates), so I don't think you can make a mistake. I replaced mine and have had no issues whatsoever. I make sure to take speed bumps with respect, but otherwise drive the car like it was meant to be driven.

[JohnMc]

I have AR's progressive springs with Vicks shocks. Really like them.
Did not go with Vicks progressive springs because they talked about adjusting them by cutting off a coil. I did not and do not like the idea of adjusting them that way - and they are not simple to take off the rear ones.
Not that I should, but I have hit a speed table at full speed - popped right over it. But I do have all new rubber on everything in suspension including the sway bar.
It is a little hard, but my trips are not normally over 1.5 hours and always am happy after driving.

[JohnMc]

But to add - I would love to try out Koni's. Just do not want to spend the extra coins - but i can imagine they would be better.

[bluespider262]

If the front control arm bushings look cracked at all replace them. You need a solid foundation to work from.

[KevAndAndi]

http://www.lmperformance.com/shop.asp?make=fiat
$99 the best I found

Thanks for the heads up! After a couple of years of hemming and hawing, I pulled the trigger at that vendor's price. I have a new winter project. Now, off to AR for the progressive springs...

[ORFORD2004]

Don't forget your rebate of $50 until October 31.

[michaelj]

A bit late but I am also just getting into suspension. I have 13" tires. If i go to the 15", and install the progressive springs, wouldnt it be a wash? The bigger tire will raise the car an inch and fill up the well better, but the suspension will drop it back down. Eh?