PROJECT ND: Parts Development, Testing, Measurements, DYNO

[Brian]

This is a prototype set. RS-R (originally Toa Auto) is based in Osaka Japan and has specialized in suspension since the late 60s. They told me likely 3 to 4 months before production items come stateside and likely around 2k retail. High quality monotube construction made in Japan, each set hand assembled in Osaka, choice of urethane bushing laser cut top mount or spherical bearing version top mount, 36 way adjustable damping (one knob both compression and rebound). Nice attention to detail with some interesting differences from other coilovers, zero pre-load design uses high density rubber pads for interface between top of springs and top mounts to prevent any chance of spring clang noise, and super light Ti2000 titanium springs.

[jboemler]

Just curious, where does the license plate mount on the ND? Is it going to block airflow, and/or look like hell?

[Brian]

Much the same as NC, upper part of the 'mouth' which is again not functional.

But I think it would still look like hell and I won't be doing it.

[Brian]

Mount under the plastic cover for removeable hard top.

[Brian]

Our Second ND arrived Today!

This will be our 'ND Race' and the Red ND will be "ND Street".

This one goes today for clearbra on entire front half of the car and then to roll bar production.

[ronbauer]

Darn you, Brian! You get both of yours before I even get mine. Not fair!!!!!

Ron

[Brian]

Darn you, Brian! You get both of yours before I even get mine. Not fair!!!!!

Ron

I had to give up on our CLUB order and go for "any manual"...but we could not wait any longer, need Moti at Blackbird Fabworx to get busy for a few weeks on the roll protection so we have an ND to drive around the big Laguna event.

[__vladster__]

Brian, since you are already working on suspension component testing - how long do you think it will be until the first aftermarket ARB's (anti-roll bars) are designed and produced for this car?

[Brian]

You can order aftermarket sways today from japan if you don't mind paying about double the cost because of the distance.

I expect sways available here by SEMA show in the fall.

[__vladster__]

You can order aftermarket sways today from japan if you don't mind paying about double the cost because of the distance.

I expect sways available here by SEMA show in the fall.

Thanks for the info. I didn't think about the Japanese aftermarket being months ahead of us. =)

Do you have any idea how much effort is involved in replacing the anti-roll bar? Somewhere on the Miata.net forum it was noted that replacing it required putting the car on a lift.