somebody got a set of them lying around? I've got a new set of Bilstein Sports sitting at home, and I don't know if I cna resist much longer. :devillook

I don't think any of us (the "regulars" at least) have one. I borrowed Reids once, but even those were borrowed and Reid is of course, in Japan now. You might try the rental-all place on Beretania.

I don't think any of us (the "regulars" at least) have one. I borrowed Reids once, but even those were borrowed and Reid is of course, in Japan now. You might try the rental-all place on Beretania.
Ah ok, I'll check with the miata club too. I know there are a few sets around. They're not that expensive, but stuff keeps piling up.
I just like avoiding the constrictions of renting stuff.

I have one of those if you need it.
Only thing I'm not sure when I'll be home, and I live on the Eastside of Honolulu.

Eh, since when did you have a spring compressor?

I got a set you can use. I'll bring them to work tomorrow. email sent.

I got a set you can use. I'll bring them to work tomorrow. email sent.

whoa, hey Leonard! so ya found me here? Damn, thats a good deal if I get free tool rentals with the Bilsteins!:) :buttrock

I already know where you are, so that'd be easier. If you're ever around after 6pm, I could pick them up sometime, or just this Saturday.
I may go ahead and do the rears one night this week. I don't think I need the compressors for them, and I'd rather get things squared away with the loose mounts we talked about. Then just pop the fronts in this weekend, and swap the springs later.
Hopefully it's a breeze, as it looks way easier than changin the shocks on a miata (and I've done that way too many times).

Who's Leonard?

I don't know what you're talking about. :shifty

That's more like it.

Be careful when using the basic type spring compressors that you screw down both sides. There's an incredible amount of energy in those compressed springs and you want to make sure the clamps don't slip. The better ones have a securing type of clamp.
If I'm not mistaken, the Sport Bilsteins also have an internal spring that prevents the shock from fully extending like a "regular" shock will so you'll have to get the spring REALLY compressed.
Main thing is to be very careful.

safety? I was gonna try whacking it with a 2x4 to see if I could knock a mynah bird out of the tree next door. :devillook

but nahh, yeah I've done it plenty of times before. I haven't seen any mention of an internal spring on the documentation for the Bilsteins, but apparently they do have some kinda internal bumpstop.
With the 2002 atleast it looks like I can compress the spring off of the car. With miatas one of the easiest ways to get the front shock out of the car is to compress it while its still on the car, to allow you the room to slide the shock out. Thats a whole lot of fun to slowly screw those clamps down while your head is inside the wheel well. :shifty

Eh, since when did you have a spring compressor?
For quit sometime now. I purchased a Craftsman MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor about 2 years ago. We just never did any springs in our DIYs.

Thanks much man, still trying to get it done. I did the rears Saturday, then picked up the compressors, but then had other festivities to take care of that night. I wanted to do the fronts Sunday, but Saturday night lasted a bit longer than I planned. :shifty
I may try and do a front tonight if I feel like it.

Any chance you can translate some of Alf's comments for me? I thought he was telling me the car was running 'turbo,' hahahah.
I know things aren't quite right with the motor yet. I'm hoping new jetting and mating the carb up better will solve some of the problems. As for any other leak, I don't know where to start. It looks like most everything is sealed off. New intake manifold gaskets and I plugged any holes I could find.
I tried spraying some carb cleaner around it, and it made the motor run a little quicker in some spots, but maybe just because it was going in the air filter. I couldn't feel any suction anywhere.
The car feels strong enough once it gets going, but I've got no idea how a 2002 is supposed to run if its in top condition. I also don't know how much noise its supposed to make idling.
I'm just happy it runs at all, but it'd be nice if I could make it better. Maybe the electronic ignition would smooth things out a bit....
Oh, and I also need a starter if you got any ideas. :shifty
Mine is getting worn down pretty bad, and now the solenoid is definitely shot.