How to Dial in Miata Coilovers: Fine-tuning Camber, Caster, and Ride Height

by

Coilovers are a popular upgrade for Mazda Miatas, providing enhanced handling and adjustability. Properly dialing in your coilovers can significantly improve your vehicle’s performance on the track or the street. This guide will walk you through the essential adjustments: camber, caster, and ride height.

Understanding Coilovers

Coilovers combine shock absorbers and springs into a single unit, allowing for adjustable ride height and suspension stiffness. They are essential for tuning your Miata’s handling characteristics.

Tools Needed

  • Torque wrench
  • Alignment tools
  • Suspension spring compressor
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Camber gauge

Setting Ride Height

Adjusting ride height is crucial for both aesthetics and performance. A lower ride height can improve handling but may sacrifice comfort. Follow these steps to set your Miata’s ride height:

  • Start with the vehicle on a flat surface.
  • Measure the current ride height from the ground to the wheel arch.
  • Use a spring compressor to adjust the coilover height.
  • Recheck the height after adjustments.
  • Ensure both sides are even for balanced handling.

Fine-Tuning Camber

Camber refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the ground. Negative camber can improve cornering grip but may lead to uneven tire wear. Here’s how to adjust camber:

  • Loosen the camber adjustment bolts on the coilovers.
  • Use a camber gauge to measure the angle.
  • Adjust the camber to your desired specification.
  • Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
  • Street use: -0.5 to -1.0 degrees
  • Track use: -1.5 to -3.0 degrees

Adjusting Caster

Caster affects steering feel and stability. A positive caster angle enhances straight-line stability but can make steering heavier. Adjust caster by following these steps:

  • Locate the caster adjustment bolts on the lower control arm.
  • Loosen the bolts without removing them.
  • Adjust the caster angle using a caster gauge.
  • Tighten the bolts securely.
  • Street use: 4.0 to 5.0 degrees
  • Track use: 5.0 to 7.0 degrees

Final Alignment

After adjusting ride height, camber, and caster, it’s essential to perform a full alignment. This ensures all settings are correct and the vehicle handles as intended:

  • Take your Miata to a professional alignment shop.
  • Provide them with your desired specifications.
  • Confirm the alignment settings match your adjustments.

Testing Your Setup

Once all adjustments are made, it’s time to test your Miata. Take it for a drive to evaluate handling and comfort:

  • Test on a variety of road conditions.
  • Pay attention to steering response and stability.
  • Monitor tire wear over time to ensure settings are optimal.

Conclusion

Dialing in your Miata coilovers is a rewarding process that can greatly enhance your driving experience. By carefully adjusting ride height, camber, and caster, you can achieve a setup that suits your driving style, whether on the street or the track.