It is time to replace the shocks in my MX-5. I already have RacingBeat street springs. My question is what shock would be good for the money. DD ride quality is not an issue. I have only read bad reviews of the KYB GR-2 shocks but I still think it is a good bang for the buck. My next choice is the Tokico HP shock for a little more money. Any other suggestions?
Never get Tokico HP (blue) shocks.. You are (I'm not kidding) better off using worn out original 100k+ mile shocks. They are the worst pieces of crap, and they will blow out on you. I watched it happen to a Miata right in front of me on a track. All of a sudden, the right-rear corner is bouncing everywhere in turns. He comes back in and thought he'd busted a brake line, because there was fluid all over his wheel.
I've heard decent things about the GR-2. I'd buy those as an OE replacement... for stock springs.
If you're running stiffer springs, get a set of Bilsteins, Tokico Illumina, or Koni Sport. KYB-AGX are... okay. They'd probably do decently with those springs, but aren't good for much more spring than what Flyin' Miata sells.
I was leaning towards the KYB GR-2's because of the price. I have original shocks with 160k on them and they still do ok so anything would be an improvement. With stiffer springs GR-2 is out of the question?
I wouldn't use GR-2s with anything much stiffer than stock. They won't work right, and you'll have just wasted your money.
Your best budget option will probably be Bilstein HD.
Thanks Salanis for the advice. By the way love your M coupe and miata, my two favorite cars!
It seems like buying cheaper shocks is almost always false economy. When they blow out 2 years from now, you're gonna buy bilstein or Koni's. Might as well save yourself the trouble. Save up for a few months and get the better parts.
The GR2 is essentially the AGX set on "2", according to what I've been told by KYB. About 15% stiffer than stock. They seem to be reliable, definitely better than the HP.
Talk to Shaikh at Fat Cat. Tell him what you're running, what your intentions are for the car, how much you have to spend.
Or you can ask Keith here, who will quite understandably point you toward the FM parts in your budget.
We don't have any stock replacement shocks, our low-end shock is the Illumina. Great shock. We used to sell the GR2 which is why I know a few things about them. Feel free to give us a call at 800 359 6957 and we can figure something out.
The Racing Beat springs are actually a bit of a concern. They're short and soft, which makes for some bad ride and handling behavior. A new set of bumpstops (from either FM or Fat Cat) would make a big difference.
I looked at the Bilstein HD and also the Koni STR.T, both in my budget. The Konis are cheap at $75 each. These should handle my lower, stiffer springs.
I planned on getting a bump stop kit by Powerflex, comes with new shock boots too.
I'm not familiar with the Powerflex stops, but there can be quite a difference. Not all bumpstops are created equal.
I'm running RB springs and Koni STR-T's and it seems to be a good combo. It was made excellent by the addition of some FM sways (I used Ground Control bumpstops, no boots). Handles as well as another Auto-Xer's R-model with new Bilsteins.
FWIW I have not heard good things about the Powerflex stops.
I have to ask though, have you put the RB springs on your car yet? With my set up it lowered the car more than anticipated and the tires rubbed in the front (205/50/15).
I ended up rolling the fenders to solve that problem.
Heres a thread from 2 months ago of me asking the same question you're asking.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/another-spend-my-money-thread-miata-shocks/12544/page1/
I would never put in my experience Tokico shocks on a miata. I did install GR-2 on my wife's garage queen but it is stock ride height. AG-X will work until you go to really stiff/short springs. Best buy for the money.
My wifes is all stock, except for a set of gr2 shocks, 102k miles, in good shape. Mine is a little different, with new bushings thoughout, rb street springs, agx and rb sway bars. With a set of grippy tires and on a road like deals gap the cars feel suprisingly similar. I like the gr2s on hers, and may actually put a set on mine with fm springs when the time comes. The rb springs had the paint all flake off. The are all rusty and look terrible. This is on a car that is not driven in the winter either.
Joey
I have not installed my RB street springs. I have considered selling them because of bad reviews, but they were purchased recently and RB claimed to have redesign them. I will hate them if they flake and rust! I should have searched the threads if this topic was started before....sorry. I think I am going to buy the FM stage 2 kit and be done with it.
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