17\" Wheels - jumpy ride

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

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bark
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17\" Wheels - jumpy ride

Postby bark » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:27 pm

Hi All,

I recently purchased some 17\" wheels, charcoal grey with a nice polished lip. Since installing them I have not liked the ride, as the car feels to be jumping over bumps rather than riding over them. Tyre pressure was 40 but I have recently lowered them down to 35, which has made a difference.

What other changes can or should I make to the car to get a better ride?

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roddclarke
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Postby roddclarke » Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:12 pm

What modle MX do oyu have?? i have 17\" on mine, and yes it is a lot harsher than the standard 16\"
i run my tyres at 36PSI .. but if you go to about 32-34 it will be a lot softer ride... but i like the feel and handleing at 36..

allso i have PSS9's on mine and that did change the way it felt.. :)
"If your in 5th, your not having fun"
1:13.26 at Wakefield, 52.92 at OP south, 1:25.97 at OP GP, 1:56.78 at EC.
previously 2002 Supreme Blue... now 2001 Crystal Blue...

bark
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Posts: 195
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2005 1:44 pm
Vehicle: NA6 - Turbo
Location: Adelaide

Postby bark » Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:08 am

I have a 89 MX5 (import). The wheels are Osaka brand and from memory they were heavier than the standard wheels. I will try to weigh one tomorrow.

I do intend to hold onto the wheels. Anyone know where I can source cheap koni yellows from? What sort of springs should I be looking for? If I change the springs and shocks will this most likely cure my problem?

I will try to post a pic of the rims later today.

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JBT
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Re:

Postby JBT » Fri Oct 06, 2006 10:46 pm

bark wrote:I have a 89 MX5 (import).

The car (NA) was never designed around 17" wheels and 40/45 series tyres. It's any one's guess what appropriate spring/damper combination would suit.
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bark
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Location: Adelaide

Postby bark » Tue Dec 26, 2006 1:54 pm

An update...

I ended up purchasing some D2 street adjustable suspension from NZ - however they never arrived as NZ Post lost them!!! So now I begin the fun task of being reimbursed for their stuff up...

On a better note, I ended up purchasing some HKS Hipermax 2 suspension from Forced Fives (thanks) and have just finished installing them and WOW what a difference they have made. I feel much more comfortable in the car and the steering feels much more direct. The ride quality is absolutely superb.

So thanks to everyone who posted a reply above, I am really happy that I invested in some suspension. Next up will be beefing up the brakes...

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zoomzoom
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Postby zoomzoom » Tue Dec 26, 2006 6:23 pm

When I was looking at adjustable shocks I couldnt go past kyb. At the time I was looking at getting koni, but Boags put me onto these. For half the price it made the choice easy. They feel great but the only drawback is they are noisyer than std and many others, which doesn't bother me at all, but that may be a personal thing.

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MasterZ
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Postby MasterZ » Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:38 pm

i have 17's on my car and i don't think its bumpy at all
1992 Mazda MX5 Turbo | 2004 VW Golf GTI | 2010.5 VW R36 Passat Wagon | 1985 Mazda HBES 929 13b Turbo | 1987 Mazda RX7 FC3S Turbo | KE20 Corolla Coupe

bark
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Posts: 195
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2005 1:44 pm
Vehicle: NA6 - Turbo
Location: Adelaide

Postby bark » Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:52 pm

I am running 205/40/17 on the Osaka rims. Tyre pressure was 40 psi when fitted but I reduced this down to 35 psi.


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