NC Ohlins Coilovers

[almazing]

I am looking at picking up a set of Ohlins coilovers for my NC. I understand that the rear shocks must re-use the factory top mounts. I have already placed an order for a spare set specifically for the Ohlins. But is that all that's needed for the install? No additional hardware besides the rear top mounts right?

[OttoW026]

Though I have a different set of Coilovers I may be able to help.

Re-using the factory top mount on the rear is easy but you will need a set of spring compressors. By ordering a new set of top mounts you may still need a spring compressor unless they come already installed on your coilovers, which I doubt they will be. No other parts are needed.

[almazing]

I have already ordered a set of rear top mounts. I didn't know if there were any other hardware I needed to order or needed to transfer from stock to the coilovers. I have been hearing different things on the matter. Some people have told me I need some rubber spacers, shims, etc. from the stock rear shocks. I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't any other factory hardware needed to complete the installation. Thank you.

[Brian]

Yes, you need the rubber bits and washers from the top of the factory assembly which form a sandwich of rubber above and below those top hats.

[almazing]

Yes, you need the rubber bits and washers from the top of the factory assembly which form a sandwich of rubber above and below those top hats.

So does that mean I would still need to disassemble the stock rear shock assembly to get those rubber bits and washers?

[OttoW026]

I stand corrected.

It has been a long time since I changed over to coilovers. As I think about it I now recall mine came with new rubbers, but mine were not part of the original set, they were shipped in addition to it.

I'm sure Brian will come along and answer your question better but I would guess you will either need to reuse yours or order new ones.

[almazing]

I just got my top hats in the mail. NO rubber bits, or washers included. JUST the top hats. Fortunately for me, I ordered the rubber bits, spacers, and washers the following day. I wish this was more clear in the install instructions. I understand that this may be easily overlooked by those who are experienced, but ordering JUST the top hats(like it says in the instructions) via part number from Mazda will only give you the top hat, and not the rubber, washers, and spacers needed to complete the install with spare parts.

I got the parts here. Just look through the diagram and order 2 of each(one left, one right) of 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15

http://onlinemazdaparts.com/parts/2012/MAZDA/MX-5%20MIATA/GRAND%20TOURING/?siteid=214264&vehicleid=1502586&diagram=5427760

Hopefully this will help out those wanting to use a spare set of top hats and components without having to disassemble the rear shock assembly.

[projectrally]

Thanks for this almazing.

The last two times I've swapped the suspensions on the NC, I've just disassembled the rear suspension and reused those parts. Because I pull the coilovers and swap back to the factory Bilsteins at the end of performance driving season here in Maine (mostly for corrosion protection), I've been thinking a lot about just buying a second set of top hats and all the ancillary parts for the rear. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the parts, and did you just order them from your local Mazda dealer, or through an online vendor?

[OttoW026]

I wish this was more clear in the install instructions.

Try looking at http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=421480

It's a PDF file I made when I changed to coilovers. I have a few spelling errors but the pictures might give you a good idea of what will happen.

There are some good write ups on changing the suspension but most lack enough pictures to help those first timers, which is why I added a bunch.

Hope it helps.

[almazing]

Thanks for this almazing.

The last two times I've swapped the suspensions on the NC, I've just disassembled the rear suspension and reused those parts. Because I pull the coilovers and swap back to the factory Bilsteins at the end of performance driving season here in Maine (mostly for corrosion protection), I've been thinking a lot about just buying a second set of top hats and all the ancillary parts for the rear. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the parts, and did you just order them from your local Mazda dealer, or through an online vendor?

It was about 160 for the top hats, and another 30-40 for the other needed parts. I ordered them online(link is on my last post) since it's faster and less expensive than going to the dealer. It gets to me in about 2 days from NC to CA.