My 1.8 Eunos doesn't have a rear brace bar fitted ??? and before I fork out for some shiny roll bars I was wondering what to expect , noise/ bumps wise, from fitting such as these . (2/00)
In defence of the roll bar, If you are able and inclined to do so, A four point roll bar will greatly reduce chassis flex even more so than a brace bar but the brace bar is a definate plus if you have no desire for the roll bar concept. (2/00)

Aside from the current wear issues, I want better suspension. Not harder, not lowered or necessarily adjustable, just more capable. I run 205/16" wheels (which I'm reluctant to give up), but it's too crashy and gets knocked off course on bumpy twisty roads. Ideally I'd like slightly softer, better damped suspension, which should give a better ride, greater road contact, no more body roll than I have at the moment and would reduce the apparent scuttle shake. With a budget of maybe 1000-1500 quid, what are my options?

If I can find a way to sort the generic suspension out, I'll consider upping the power with forced induction or a V8 (maybe not on the current car though). I like my 5 and I don't want to feel forced into buying a Z3M or Boxster just to get better suspension! (2/00)

. suspension .. go back to what nature/Mazda intended ... 195/50-15 .. better ride, less tramlining, less crashing, lighter etc... and then get aftermarket anti-roll bars .. works great on Mk1s .. so go to Italy for the wheels... with Bridgestone S02s at 44 GBP each .. and 200 GBP for the anti-roll bars .. just about covers your 800 GBP ... maybe get Konis if you want a stock + more adjustable ride to harder .. not sure if DA do FM springs for the '99 but they are an option .. lower and so less travel .. not so good but comfortable compared to the other so called aftermarket planks. (2/00)

I bought a P reg (1997) 1.6i Monza two weeks ago. The car is really nice but since the first day I have the feeling the suspension is too harsh (maybe too hard damping setting or maybe spring rate and damping together). Today I drove a 1.8iS (N reg) and I was surprised how smooth the driving was when compared with mine. Even my friend (1.8is owner) has the same oppinon. Mazda dealers say the car is in perfect conditions and I think the same.

Does anybody knows if the later models (1997) or in this case the Monza version have uprated suspension? I am even thinking to change it to the usual 1.6i model if that is the case. (4/00)

Maybe it's to do with the size of the wheels and the amount of give in the tyre walls. Standard wheels on a Monza are 15", and those on a 1.8iS are 14". Presumably both cars still have the standard wheels?

I am even thinking to change it to the usual 1.6i model if that is the case.

...or change to 14" wheels - but that would be expensive 'cos you'd need a new set of tyres as well. Maybe you'll get used to it - you must have thought it was OK when you test drove it... (4/00)

AFAIK, the spring / damper settings are the same. It could be something as simple as tyre pressures.... have you checked 'em ?

Another option is that the previous owner changed either the springs and/or dampers. Have a look and compare the dampers and ride height against a known standard car. (4/00)

The 1.6i Monza has 14" wheels as well.

I think is really related with the suspension setting. If you pull the two cars down the 1.8iS is softer. However its damping must still be OK as it does not bounces. It stabilises the body movement very quickly like my 1.6i does.

Any idea about if they have different suspension characteristics? (4/00)

I have verified the tyre pressure of both cars. Both cars have similar ride height. I cannot see any other reason except damping or spring rate. The car weight is similar so ride performance should be equal if the suspension has equal characteristics. If anybody has any other idea please tell me. (4/00)
AFAIK the Monza had a standard suspension setup. However a lot of people change things on their cars. This is what I know. On my P-reg all the stock suspension components are black. All the after-market ones are different colours (red, yellow, blue, etc.) Some after market shocks are adjustable (so you may be able to get a smooth ride back without changing things.) Does the previous owner (the one before the dealer you bought it from) know anything? Does he have the original components in his garage? (4/00)
http://www.earthnet.net/~pk2pkmc/springs.html has all the stock spring colours and types .. so look for the coloured stripes on the black stock springs .. different years had different colours so they must have changed something .. but if the springs/shocks look stock .. look at the tyres.. they can make a big difference .. and the 4 wheel alignment. (4/00)