The Not-A-Project Miata Project

[Kshader]

Do they make sway bars that are softer than factory? If not, then springs could also be the answer, but may affect dailability.

Also wouldn’t be allowed for stock class though. I think I’m one of the few Miata drivers who enjoy having a rear sway bar. But I remember with stock springs the car definitely had a tendency for oversteer. Removing the rear bar sounds like the quick and easy solution.

[Evil MS3]

Do they make sway bars that are softer than factory? If not, then springs could also be the answer, but may affect dailability.

Also wouldn’t be allowed for stock class though. I think I’m one of the few Miata drivers who enjoy having a rear sway bar. But I remember with stock springs the car definitely had a tendency for oversteer. Removing the rear bar sounds like the quick and easy solution.

I also like mine with the stock rear bar and my RB FSB on full stiff. I'm on stock suspension and have found it to be easier to adapt how I drive with the RSB. I do have an open rear diff tho, which lessens the amount of oversteer I get.

[Loren]

I've got a Flyin' Miata front bar, and when it was full stiff, the car understeered. I also wasn't crazy about the steering feel. Call me crazy, but I like to feel the suspension react at least a little bit to my inputs!

Anyhow... with the FM bar on full soft, I think dropping the rear bar might be the trick. Easy enough to test.

Daniel, nobody makes a smaller-than-stock swaybar for a Miata. Though there are several stock ones to choose from. The front can be 19 or 20... and I think 21. (the FM is 25mm solid) The rear can be 11 or 12, or 14 for the Mazdaspeed.

An 11mm bar is REALLY tiny. It's literally only about a 50# spring rate.

[jev61]

Daniel, nobody makes a smaller-than-stock swaybar for a Miata. Though there are several stock ones to choose from. The front can be 19 or 20... and I think 21. (the FM is 25mm solid) The rear can be 11 or 12, or 14 for the Mazdaspeed.

An 11mm bar is REALLY tiny. It's literally only about a 50# spring rate.

An NB Miata came with a 22mm front bar, a MSM came with a 23mm front bar. Rear was 11mm; 12mm for a Hard S car, MSM was 14mm. Sara's red Miata came with 22mm front, 11mm rear. She now has a 23mm front with the orginal 11mm rear. Car is a little bit lively.

[Loren]

I used to remember all the which Miata came with what stuff... then I forgot.

So, I should have a 12mm rear bar. If removing it is too much, I could find an 11.

[jev61]

I used to remember all the which Miata came with what stuff... then I forgot.

So, I should have a 12mm rear bar. If removing it is too much, I could find an 11.

I have three NBs to help me remember NBs. I should have a 11, I will look this afternoon.

[BrilloHeadBen]

I always found the car to still have a tad too much oversteer even with the FM bar at full stiff until I unbolted an endlink for the rear bar. That made the car acceptably neutral to me. But at this point, it's hardly the same car anymore. Oh, the rear camber was -1.8 IIRC unless you've already changed that too.

[Loren]

Disconnected rear bar for the Enduro. Absolutely loved it! The car felt pretty good on the test laps with the bar on, but couldn't put power down like I wanted to coming out of the turn-arounds. With the bar off, it was MUCH better. Wasn't enough to bring the balance to understeer, but definitely lest oversteer. Very controllable, too.

In other news: I finally ordered the window regulator on December 25. Got an email within a few days telling me that it was not in stock and would take some time to get, do I want to cancel? Fine. I need it. Nobody else has it, either. Send it when you get it!

It arrived today. Wrong damned part. Part number is one digit off. They sent me the left side rather than the right side.

[Loren]

Correct window regulator received and installed! Finally got the interior back together with no vice grips holding the window up!

Also got the speed sensor swapped to match the diff so that my speedometer reads more accurately. (was reading 5 mph slower than actual)

And went ahead and removed the rear swaybar that I'd previously disconnected.

Slow progress toward making this Miata both a better street car AND a better autocross car!