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Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 2:34 pm
by Curves
I am cross shopping between a new NC and a used S2000. The NC with "sport" suspension was too soft.

What suspension setup on an NC would make it corner as flat as an S2000? I am looking at a starting point so I can figure out how much factors into the cost of the NC. Of course if I end up with an NC I may go beyond the starting point :D

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:04 pm
by Brian
Fun question. The stock suspension on the S2000 is stiffer, though the chassis design is much older, heavier than NC. Thus, though NC comes with silly soft springs and sways, you can get equal 'flatness' with less serious rates on the lighter NC. The Eibach Pro Kit or Progress springs and any of our sway bar kits will get you past a stock S2000 in the corners. Give equal mods to the S2000 and the competition stays close....really close (the NC and S2000 compete head to head in SCCA STR class and the competition results have been incredibly tight). Both great roadsters and you can't go wrong with either.

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 11:37 pm
by Curves
Thanks Brian. Looking at those goodies in your store, the MX-5 really is cheap to upgrade compared to the Boxster I had in 2001-2005. Something that weighs heavily in favor of an NC that is for sure!

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:38 am
by rpmchris
Is this flat enough for you? Vail pic is at about 35mph; 2011 Solo Nats pic below is at about 55mph. Street suspension can do almost this well and not be as "firm" as the race suspension on my car!

Image
Vail National Tour, early August 2009 by rpmchris, on Flickr
Image
Day 2, 2011 SCCA Solo Nationals by rpmchris, on Flickr

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:21 am
by Brian
Thanks for the pics Chris, like the stance on the big rubber, your MX5 looks great!

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:04 pm
by Dubcity
Hey rpmchris,is that the oem appearance package on your car?

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:08 pm
by skeeler
I considered an S2000 CR before I bought my '09 NC2 Touring. I went with the Miata in part because it was cheaper to buy, modify, repair, insure, fuel, and put tires on. Plus, I prefer my cars small.

But, as you say, the NC's shortcoming is ridiculously soft stock suspension. I'd definitely include dampers and springs and possibly sway bars in your budget. Fortunately, the NC response very well to these changes; the car is transformed with by a not-too-expensive suspension swap.

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:33 pm
by rpmchris
Dubcity wrote:Hey rpmchris,is that the oem appearance package on your car?
Yep. The Appearance Package (then and now) consists of a new front airdam, side sill extensions, and rear skirt. I also have the rear lip spoiler. LOVE the look, but the weight must come off.

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:16 am
by MX-5 Track Dog
rpmchris wrote:Is this flat enough for you? Vail pic is at about 35mph; 2011 Solo Nats pic below is at about 55mph. Street suspension can do almost this well and not be as "firm" as the race suspension on my car!

Image
Vail National Tour, early August 2009 by rpmchris, on Flickr
Image
Day 2, 2011 SCCA Solo Nationals by rpmchris, on Flickr
Brian,

This has probably been asked before but, what wheels and tires are/were you running in these pics? The car looks great.

Re: Making an NC corner as flat as an S2000

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:47 am
by Brian
MX-5 Track Dog wrote:
rpmchris wrote:Is this flat enough for you? Vail pic is at about 35mph; 2011 Solo Nats pic below is at about 55mph. Street suspension can do almost this well and not be as "firm" as the race suspension on my car!

Image
Vail National Tour, early August 2009 by rpmchris, on Flickr
Image
Day 2, 2011 SCCA Solo Nationals by rpmchris, on Flickr
Brian,

This has probably been asked before but, what wheels and tires are/were you running in these pics? The car looks great.
That is not my NC above. We will need to let Chris chime in on that combo in that picture, I know that he has changed a few times.

Ours uses our 38mm 18x10.5 Enkei PFO1 and I also have several sets of our 18x10 RPF1 38mm. My guess is that Chris is using the 18x9.5 45mm RPF1 in the front, and 38mm 18x10 RPF1 in the rear in these pictures.