Miata NA/NB Shocks

What is involved in putting NB shocks on an NA Miata? Miata.net does not have that information readily available. Do you just need the upper mounts out of an NB, and then they'll go in fine? I've already got Fat Cat mounts.

I'm thinking I'd like to get Bilstein Sport shocks. My understanding is they are more aggressively damped and have shorter bodies (for more travel) than the HDs. But they don't make them for the NA, only for the NB.

I'm figuring those shocks, with Fat Cat mounts, and some Ground Control (or equivalent) coil sleeves will meet my suspension needs well, for cheap.

I think GRM did this (or something similar) with their project Miata.

Fatcat mounts should already be modified NB mounts. I'm not sure what the difference is myself, but i think you would use the normal NB stuff with them.

The FCM mounts came with a special nut that fills the space between the bolt threads on the piston rod, and the hole of the bushing. I'm guessing, all I'll need is a different bolt.

I'm 95% sure it will work, just wanted to throw it out in case there is any better advice.

We just finished doing some Miata suspension testing for an upcoming article in the magazine. One of the setups we tried was an aftermarket system designed for an NB; we only needed to use OEM Mazda NB mounts to make it fit. (We had to re-drill a couple of the bushing retainers to fit the shock shaft, though.) You can get the mounts from a variety of vendors, or even your local dealer.

Look for an upcoming story in GRM to see our test results, but let me say that I'm VERY happy with our current setup for the Turbo car. Rides better, handles better, no compromise.

If you're already considering Bilstein shocks and FCM mounts, it's worth calling FCM for a consultation. Whether you buy his stuff or not, he's been very helpful in gaining insight into what works well and what doesn't. Better yet, he can explain why and support his arguments with crazy amounts of test data.

Tom Heath wrote: If you're already considering Bilstein shocks and FCM mounts, it's worth calling FCM for a consultation. Whether you buy his stuff or not, he's been very helpful in gaining insight into what works well and what doesn't. Better yet, he can explain why and support his arguments with crazy amounts of test data.

I hadn't been planning to do that, because I feel weird calling a vendor for advice, if I'm not planning to buy. But then, I already have gotten mounts and bumpstops from him, and I suppose it's perfectly reasonable to ask about what else the mounts are compatible with.

All you need to run NB shocks/springs on an NA is the top mounts. I have that set up on mine with FCM bumpstops and AGX shocks with FM springs and I love it.

Oh and I have new rear top mounts from ISC racing to get back the travel I lost from lowering.

thatsnowinnebago wrote: All you need to run NB shocks/springs on an NA is the top mounts. I have that set up on mine with FCM bumpstops and AGX shocks with FM springs and I love it.

Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but the Fat Cat mounts are just NB mounts with bushings made from the same material as their bump stops, as opposed to rubber, right? So I should have all the pieces I need, except maybe some different top-nuts that aren't shimmed. Maybe a different washer on the bottom of the setup.

I have known Shaikh at FCM since before there was an FCM. I have asked him plenty of questions. Call or email him. I doubt he will be bothered.

Regarding Tom comment on test data, I believe he is physicist by training. I know will go as far any technical rabbit hole as you have time and interest for.