FM testimonials

Here's what our customers had to say about part 13-16650.

This setup is as balanced as I could have asked for.
Background: In May 2009 I purchased my 1994 M Edition with 55,000 miles and had immediate plans to change out the current suspension (KYB AGX, FCM 54mm bumpstops, stock springs, and stock sway bars) and modifying it futher. Luckily the little voice in the back of my head kept refusing to allow my finger to click the purchase button on any bits before I was completely sure that was what I wanted.

I decided to do some research and so I began reading this forum and asking the members of the local Miata club what they were using. All I can say is that if you are contemplating any suspension upgrade it is of HUGE help to read this forum and ask around. Both are great ways to educate yourself on a massive amount of knowledge and advice that others already have spend the time to learn themselves.

Goal: My personal goal was to have a fun, composed daily driver which wouldn't be too harsh and loosen all the bolts - yet have the ability in the future to take it to an autocross with some competitiveness at around $1,000. The issue I was having was that the AGX's I was riding on were feeling a bit too mushy and vague. The car also had too much body roll on cornering and just led to some unpredictability and white knuckling at times. Now there are many ways to get there with different configurations and brands. Just sway bars? Stiffer springs? New shocks? Or try to go for all three?

Decision: After consulting many local club members (This was huge and getting to take test drives can really help steer you right) and collecting wisdom from the forum I decided that the Flyin' Miata stage 2.5 was the choice. What sold me was that I had seen and heard nothing but praise about the products FM sells, not to mention the proven test of time of this combination. It seemed perfect - a combination that would lower, stiffen, and provide a more poised ride for the car without giving a bone jarring ride.

Installation: The worst part of this was the weather. Forecast said PM showers yet it decided to rain hard. A Miata on jackstands in the pouring rain meant this job was extended from 4 hours to 6. The long bolt method was used and due to the low mileage - dare I say almost too easy to remove bolts? Actually the worst and most annoying part was removing the front undertray and navigating the front sway bar around the AC lines. Compressing the rear FM springs so that the FM upper mounts could be assembled proved to be a minor hiccup but had just enough compression to attach a nut for assembly. Other than that, things went smooth right into the relatively easy installation of the upgraded sway bars (boy these things really are solid and heavy!). The FM upper rear mounts are also almost too pretty to put under the car (notice I said almost).

Test Drive: The rain subsided at this point in the afternoon so I was off and away for a top down test drive. WOW! Not much more else to say other than that. Even though it was not fully alligned yet and hadn't "settled" the feel was hugely noticeable. This car puts a grin on my face each time I drive it, but I don't think it has ever been so big as it was from this drive. I did not measure the height of my car befoe but I noticed visually a drop of about an inch or so. Off to go pick up pizza for the crew and I found two downsides - 1) that I couldn't drive it aggressively back unless we wanted a lopsided pizza, and 2) with my front R lip I have to be more careful when approaching slopes I otherwise would not scrape on. The last one is one I will have to keep an eye out for and report if it continues to be an issue.

Alignment: Took it in for a precision "Lanny" alignment and was able to get it to match up perfectly. This made a huge improvement in feel and tracking in driving the car. The best part about the alignment was knowing that my driving experience would be much better now that the car would be neutral.

Result: Actually that emoticon doesn't do it justice, it is more like double that or more. Immediately upon taking the first corner I knew that this was an amazingly balanced setup. The complete amount of steering control gained from these upgrades and the lack of body roll was imminent and I just knew that I had to take the long way home.

In fact the long way home was a trip of 183 miles (!) that led to places which I would have never explored before. Yet corner after corner of ear-to-ear grin inducing driving I kept driving and soon enough I had almost run out of gas and was lost. This meant I had to pull my GPS out of my trunk to find out where I was and find a gas station - the first time I have ever truely been lost. Never have I been so focused on finding a new twisty and apex to hit that I lost track of where I was.

This car handles like it's on rails - literally! Almost every corner I took I would have my floor planted on the throttle and I would forget I was driving a car and not a go kart. Now before the Miata felt fast to me in corners when going on spirited club drives albeit a bit uneasy at times, but this feels as composed as can be. No amount of understeer as felt beforehand, but only a hint of oversteer - just the right amount to beg you to push it harder in the next corner.

Corner after corner this continued and I could not believe that you could have this much fun per dollar. The car repeatedly performed every task thrown at it and exceeded each one with a great amount of poise and composure each and every time.

The ride was really improved and I couldn't be happier with the increase in driver feel and response. With the stiffer springs and Illuminas on 3 front /2 rear and I noticed no increase in the amount of rough patches rattling either the car or me. I can only imagine how hooked up this car really would be with some sticky summer tires as opposed to the Falken Ziex currently riding on it. Previously I had lost grip on my tires but this setup definitely helps me think it was not just the tires but the lack of having a balanced setup. Even with the Ziex's this car just hooks up in tight corners and has the perfect amount of grip throughout the entrance and exit. This is the closest to a rollercoaster I have experienced, only better because I am not hanging on for the ride and instead I have full control of where I want to go. This car is as easy to drive aggressively as it is for someone using a point and shoot camera for the first time, simply aim the nose for where you want to go and it just does it - no squirming, squealing, or white knuckling.

I feel spoiled that I get to drive this day in and day out. Today alone, I went out for 3 separate drives just to ensure that I wasn't dreaming and had to pinch myself to make sure that it was for real. I put on 245 miles and don't know where they all went.

Final Comments: This setup is as balanced as I could have asked for. I wish I could explain how each part works in essence with one another, but I cannot. Instead of replacing one component at a time I can just explain the transformation of the ride. If you are on the fence about this setup, I urge you to give it a try and find someones car with it. I now fully understand why they have been selling this setup for years and why it's so highly regarded and recommended. I am very glad I made this choice for my suspension and am glad that I can give another thumbs up in support of this product and setup. I think I'm getting another urge to go out and drive again which means it'll continue to get dirtier because there are roads to be driven.

(posted on Miataforum) 
The Joker 
2010-06-21

FM suspension magic
My car is a '92 with 204k miles. I replaced the stock springs and KYB AGX's with just over 100k miles. I installed the FM sways several years ago and was satisfied with the handling characteristics of my car, until I kept reading about how much better the FM springs/Tokico shocks would be on my old car. The frame rail braces were given high praise as well, so it was a no brainer to add those whilst doing the suspension mods. My car now feels nearly as solid as my co-worker's 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata.

The difference is incredible. With the shocks set on 3f/2r and the sways set on the intial FM recommendations, the car corners as if it's on rails. Body roll is very minimal. Steering feel is enhanced and razor sharp. The car rides remarkably well and bumps in the road are soaked up effortlessly.

I took a familiar route the night after completing the install. There is one sweeping turn that I could comfortably take at 70 with the old set up. I took the turn the first time at 70 with the new set up. It was if the curve didn't exist. Subsequent passes were made, with the last being at 85 and still without a hint of body roll, loss of adhesion, etc. The car just arc'd through the turn as if glued to the road. It's hard to believe these simple modifications could make a 17 year old car feel this good.

I am excited to test out the car at the Tail of the Dragon (only a couple of hours from home). There are numerous other great twisties near home and I plan to explore as time permits.

Thanks for making such great products for the Miata community and thanks for superb customer service. 
Scott Bowman 
2009-12-09

FM suspension improvements
Good morning from Virginia! I haven’t had time to write you guys but I figured I’d write this morning. Anyways, over the “off season” (winter time) the wife and I purchased a set of FM springs and swaybars for our 94 track toy. Well, for my birthday I received the FM frame rails too. We installed the parts and started to have fun as the season of track days began. Immediately after installing the frame rails my wife noticed a difference just driving to work as to how much stiffer and quieter the car was. The suspension made a drastic difference too.
After doing a few track days we only have positive experiences with the set up. Every instructor that rides in the car is astonished as to how well balanced the car is. I receive compliments from everyone that rides in it. My wife who now rides instructorless with NASA in HPDE3 loves the way the car handles and “It does what it’s supposed to do now.” I love the ride on my 52 mile one way commute as it’s not harsh or upsetting. My wife works in Old Town Winchester which contains old roads with brick and large bumps and the suspension is still comfortable and compliant. I’m so glad we went with your springs instead of a stiffer coil over sleeve type setup. It’s really a truly great compromise and all of the parts really do work well together like a well sorted suspension should.
We live in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley and the car is a blast to have fun running the twisties. Never has the car seemed out of control or on the ragged edge, partly because I am on public roads and partly because the setup is just great. It’s even not too bad on gravel. My wife enjoys taking the car to her weekend summer job at an orchard/farmers market because she gets some back roads fun. I proudly rock the “Flyin’ Miata” sticker on my motorsports fender because I can and do honestly recommend this setup to anyone in my situation; weekend track car and a daily driver. The setup really will do it all.
Just a letter from a very pleased enthusiast. 
Joey Zarrella 
2009-12-09