MK2 suspension guide on mk1

[SaahilD]

Hi all,

I’m doing research so I know how much to save up when my suspension needs an overhaul.

I’ve heard mk2 topmounts add 15mm of travel effectively lowering the car 15mm. Is that fair and accurate?

Additionally the mk2 Bilsteins are much better than mk1 and also 10mm lower?

So between the 2 if I put mk2 Bilsteins on my mk1, all new shocks springs and topmounts from mx5parts or similar would I expect my car to be 25mm lower than an early mk1 1.6 with stock suspension?

[blackyb]

I fitted stock mk2 suspension to my mk1.

It didn't alter the ride height but did give a softer ride.

True they were not billies but it's my understanding that the ride height remains almost the same.

If you really want to up the handling the general consensus is got for a set of Meister coil overs.

I swapped back to my stock mk1 suspension to get the feel of a harder sharper ride.

When finances allow then I will be going down the Miester route myself.

[Mazda Mender]

Fitting Mk2 suspension units to a Mk1 will not lower it...fitting Mk 2/2.5 billies to a Mk1 will not lower it on a Mk 1 but will make it sit higher...fitting Mk2.5 suspension units to a Mk1 will make it sit like an off roader as the Mk 2.5 springs have a higher tension rate...
M-m

[SaahilD]

So then what is the actual advantage of MX2 suspension on MK1? Am I totally misremembering stuff from half a decade ago because I remember wanting to do that at one point, at least the MK2 top mounts for more suspension travel? Please tell me I'm not going crazy!

[Mazda Mender]

A smother softer ride without killing handling and character..
M-m

[GlennyGills]

Hi for info, this is what mine looked like after fitting a Mk2 Suspension.
I was assured that I bought a Mk2 suspension and I just painted the spring.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1824&start=30#p52453


In the end I took them off and fitted the MeisterR coilovers never looked back.

[SaahilD]

Thank you for the reference pics!

So if I'm going aftermarket not standard, there really isn't an advantage of mk2 suspension on a mk1 then.

Something like the Jass top mounts would do the same of getting that travel back in the rear.

[Mazda Mender]

The best advantage of fitting MK 2 units to a MK 1 is that it it makes the ride smoother and comfier with the pot holes, with the Mk1 at the same height and does not lose anything with handling...
Now if you want lowered for form but it is also about function,,,have a look at fitting Meister R fully adjustable suspension units, you have full control to set them to your own style of driving.
All ours have them bar one ,which is a Mk 1 with Mk 2 units..
M-m

[SaahilD]

Ideal, thank you that makes sense.

I fitted new tyres on 15s and the car desperately needs to be lower than it is now.

[Mazda Mender]

Meister r CRD's fully adjustables or the new road just height adjustable only..but are spot on...
M-m