MX5Ireland

I got a set of shocks and springs from a member in Cork, only thing is - the rears are Bilsteins, the fronts are OEM.

Do the Bilsteins use lower than standard springs? I need to replace the whole lot, with the minimum of expense. The Ohlins on it are in need of a rebuild, and I can't afford the £80 per shock to have that done at the mo.

Well the spring sits 5-10mm lower on the bilstein suspension as the spring pearch is lower down the shock body. The main problem you will find using bilstein shocks at one end is they are a lot firmer and as such make the rebound rates front to rear significantly different. I would think this could lead to some strange handeling (I'm thinking arse out a lot if the rear is a lot firmer than the front)
I'm not 100% sure but i stand to be corrected.
Ash

Cheers Ash, didn't even think of that, was just considering Ride height, good point though, what I'm looking at is seeing what the ride height is like on them, and if it's reasonable, I'll get a set of Bilsteins for the front too. Just checking what springs I'll have to get to match them, from what you said, looks like standard ones are the way to go.

I presume the top-mounts used are the same also then.

If so, brilliant, all I need is a set of Bilstein fornts and I'm good to go.

Yeah std springs will sit the car (i think) 5mm lower due to the spring perch. I guess std springs were fitted one the specials along with the Bilsteins so all should be good. Not to low, fairly firm ride but well controlled.
Good luck with it
Ash