Choosing the Right BC Racing Coilovers for Your Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a beloved sports car, known for its lightweight design and exceptional handling. But if you're looking to take your Miata's performance to the next level, upgrading to BC Racing coilovers is a smart move. With several series to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one best suits your driving needs. In this blog, we'll break down the different BC Racing coilover variants available for the MX-5, helping you make an informed decision.
BC Racing BR Series: The Balanced Performer
The BC Racing BR Series is the go-to choice for many Miata enthusiasts. These coilovers offer a perfect balance between performance and comfort, making them ideal for daily driving and weekend track days. The BR Series features a monotube design with 30 levels of damping adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your preference.
BR-RH vs. BR-RS: Top Mount Options
One of the key considerations within the BR Series is the choice between BR-RH and BR-RS variants, which differ in their top mounts:
- BR-RH (Rubber Top Mount): This variant is equipped with rubber top mounts, which are designed to absorb road vibrations and provide a smoother, quieter ride. If you prioritize comfort and a more refined driving experience, especially for daily driving, the BR-RH is the way to go.
- BR-RS (Pillowball Top Mount): For those who seek a more direct and connected feel, the BR-RS comes with pillowball top mounts. These provide sharper handling and more precise feedback but may result in a slightly harsher ride. For drivers who prioritize performance and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of comfort, The BR-RS is a solid choice, literally!
BC Racing DS Series: Comfort Meets Performance
The BC Racing DS Series features digressive valving, offering a smooth ride for daily driving and firm control during aggressive driving. It’s designed to balance comfort and performance, making it ideal for those who want improved handling without sacrificing ride quality.
With 30 levels of damping adjustment and a monotube design, the DS Series provides precise control and consistency. Just like the BR series these are available with either pillowball or rubber top mounts, it’s a versatile option for both street and track use. In our opinion the DS series are the best option when driving both on the street and on track.
BR and DS seem pretty similar. Which one should I go with?
The BR and DS Series are indeed quite similar, and the right choice depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
BR Series:
- Versatility: The BR Series is designed to offer a middle ground between daily driving comfort and performance. It’s a great all-around option for those who do mostly street driving but want the capability for occasional track days.
- Track-Capable, Not Track-Focused: The BR Series can handle track days, but it’s not specifically tuned for heavy track use. It’s more of a street-performance coilover that can also perform well when pushed hard.
- Linear Valving: The BR Series uses linear valving, providing consistent damping across different speeds.
DS Series:
- Comfort and Performance Balance with a Focus on Handling: The DS Series, with its digressive valving, offers better ride comfort on the street while delivering sharper control under high loads. It’s more adaptable than the BR Series.
- Better for Mixed Driving: If you do both street and track driving but, the DS Series is generally the better choice. It has an edge over the BR Series when it comes to overall ride quality and performance balance.
- Digressive Valving: The DS Series uses digressive valving, which means it offers a softer, more comfortable ride at low speeds but firms up quickly under higher forces (like during cornering or braking). This makes it more adaptable to varying driving conditions.
BC Racing ER Series: Track-Ready Precision
For serious track enthusiasts, the BC Racing ER Series offers enhanced adjustability and performance. These coilovers feature external reservoirs that allow for independent adjustment of compression and rebound damping, giving you precise control over your Miata's suspension setup. The ER Series is perfect for those who frequently take their car to the track but still want to drive it on the street.
BC Racing ZR Series: The Ultimate in Performance
The ZR Series is BC Racing's top-tier offering, designed for professional-level performance. With three-way damping adjustment (high-speed compression, low-speed compression, and rebound), these coilovers allow for maximum tuning capability. The ZR Series is the best choice for dedicated track cars and racing enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance from their suspension.
BC Racing V1 Series: Entry-Level Options
The V1 Series provides an entry-level option for those new to coilovers or looking for a budget-friendly upgrade. With a focus on street performance, the V1 series offers three variants:
- V1-VA: Tuned for a balanced street performance, offering a stiffer ride without being too harsh.
- V1-VH: Designed for a more aggressive setup with higher spring rates, perfect for spirited driving and occasional track use.
- V1-VS: Focuses on comfort with softer spring rates, ideal for daily driving while still offering improved handling.
Which BC Racing Coilovers Are Right for You?
Choosing the right coilover setup for your Mazda MX-5 Miata depends on how you use your car. For those who enjoy daily driving with the occasional track day, the BR Series is a versatile and popular choice. If you're looking for more comfort, the DS Series provides a great mix of smoothness and performance. Track enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced adjustability of the ER and ZR Series.
And don’t forget the top mount options! If comfort is your priority, the rubber top mounts of the BR-RH variant might be your best bet. But if you want sharper, more responsive handling, the BR-RS with pillowball mounts could be the perfect match.
No matter which series you choose, upgrading to BC Racing coilovers will undoubtedly upgrade your Miata's performance and driving enjoyment.