[lightning bug]

Doesn't come into play??? Think about it. Whether it be 1" or 5", you're that much closer to the ground (lower center of gravity). F1 or autocross it DOES matter. Why do FIA rally navigators sit literally on the floor??--- Lower center of gravity. Why are all roadrace cars from SCCA to LMS lower to the ground? Not for looks. You want to lower center of gravity for more roll resistance. This keeps your sticky tires on the track. Therefore, more traction and faster corner speeds and faster lap times. Springs are also VERY important in roadracing for balancing corner weights. The car won't dive only under braking. It will roll and dive making a turn especially off camber. Another point... you don't want to lower too much as to have your car bottom out. you're defeating your purpose then. Shocks are for rebound. They prevent the suspension from bouncing. Its a damper that slows down the reaction of everything else. Equally important. Every component of your suspension should work with one another. Eg.-- stiff springs and stock shocks you'll have poor rebound and the car will bounce all over. Swaybars aren't the only thing that controls body roll..... springs do too. BTW- A Miata is balanced 50/50 from the factory. Its an excellent handling car to begin with. Another point... Don't just buy parts because they're available. Research and see what is working. For instance.... My Rabbit GTI has numerous swaybars and braces and everything else available. I have found that a stock front and larger rear works best as far as swaybars go. My point again... Don't just buy it b/c its available.