MINI Cooper MINI Cooper specs
MINI Cooper MINI Cooper Forums MINI Cooper Pictures
Mark Forums Read MINI Cooper radio MINI Cooper latest news
 

Go Back   North American Motoring > 2nd Generation MINIs > Modifications > Suspension
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Welcome to North American Motoring !
Welcome to North American Motoring,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


» Latest Main Topics
Go to first new post R56 Modified Intake
17 Replies, 801 Views
Go to first new post "Those Waiting for a 2012"...
by Vapok
1,975 Replies, 53,517 Views
Go to first new post OK we all own MINIs but...
by airmini
1,179 Replies, 58,610 Views
Advertisement

Reply
 
 
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #276  
Old 01-02-2009, 11:40 AM
black roadie black roadie is offline
1st Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: El Dorado Hills, CA
Posts: 27
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by melman8r View Post
Amen... Well said.
I guess lowering springs are a religous experience to some...
Reply With Quote
  #277  
Old 01-02-2009, 12:31 PM
old81 old81 is offline
M6
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisville, Colorado
Posts: 6,497
Gallery
update

It has been a few miles and weeks since putting on the R56 TSW springs.

I had to sort out a couple of issues, but those are resolved, for some reason my springs wanted to squeak, but that was resolved with a liberal application of german high-end industrial spray lube, the rubber seats on my MINI were very dry.

TSW has been very good about working out some tolerance items, they are good folks to have in our vendor community.

Overall I like the ride is better than my base R56 suspension and the lowering aspect is what I wanted (subtle, inch or less). My MCS has a tight ride and is not harsh. I have been playing with my 19mm rear sway, I'm currently back to the middle setting.

I still have to put on my 17s when it warms up for some pictures and get some track time.

My fronts are still settling, so I will take some pictures after a few hundred more miles and post a before and after image. If the road I want to use is clear of snow.
__________________
Don Suiter - PRESIDENT MINI5280 - Colorado
Scooter
--- MMC #569 DSOC#228 07 DS/W MCSa, Mods-Yes
RocketDog
--- Countryman ALL4 S Oxford Green/White - finish: 11/8/2010:(Jan. 3 at the dealer, dlvr on Jan. 5, 2011) picasa pics
Reply With Quote
  #278  
Old 01-21-2009, 06:45 PM
old81 old81 is offline
M6
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisville, Colorado
Posts: 6,497
Gallery
Warm spell

Warmed up in Colorado, so I took the MINI out for a picture or two.

This is the front and side view of my MCSa with the TSW R56 springs after 500 miles. I really do like the ride.

I currently have my Hotchkiss 19mm set in the middle setting, flat and firm ride, much better than stock.

My Ziex 912s 205/50/16 are about at the end useful life, they have become noisy but have some good usage left as my M&S. I will switch to my 205/50/16 Eagle F1 GS-D3s in a few weeks on these wheels.



That is a motorola k1zr below the damn, about a finger width of gap between phone a damn.



Side view with 205/50/16s. My winter tires, but I have put them on the track.

My 17s will fill in the gap a bit more, nice subtle drop and great ride.
__________________
Don Suiter - PRESIDENT MINI5280 - Colorado
Scooter
--- MMC #569 DSOC#228 07 DS/W MCSa, Mods-Yes
RocketDog
--- Countryman ALL4 S Oxford Green/White - finish: 11/8/2010:(Jan. 3 at the dealer, dlvr on Jan. 5, 2011) picasa pics
Reply With Quote
  #279  
Old 01-21-2009, 08:10 PM
e30r56 e30r56 is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lanham, MD
Posts: 542
Gallery
Is the rear lower than the front, or is it just me?
__________________
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...i/103_4284.jpg
LiB/B r56 S w/ zhp, zpp, lsd, 6mt, cloth.
86 Bmw 325es lowered, cammed, exhausted, gutted.
Reply With Quote
  #280  
Old 01-21-2009, 08:20 PM
old81 old81 is offline
M6
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisville, Colorado
Posts: 6,497
Gallery
Are you talking gap visual? I really must measure the lower rim to arch and see what it tells me.

Look at the public album in my picasa area for some other views.
__________________
Don Suiter - PRESIDENT MINI5280 - Colorado
Scooter
--- MMC #569 DSOC#228 07 DS/W MCSa, Mods-Yes
RocketDog
--- Countryman ALL4 S Oxford Green/White - finish: 11/8/2010:(Jan. 3 at the dealer, dlvr on Jan. 5, 2011) picasa pics
Reply With Quote
  #281  
Old 01-21-2009, 08:22 PM
ricbow's Avatar
ricbow ricbow is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: nor cal
Posts: 559
Gallery
tsw, i know your springs are what i'm looking for. will you be doing installs at motd this year
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #282  
Old 01-21-2009, 11:33 PM
MoxieMini MoxieMini is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,274
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by e30r56 View Post
Is the rear lower than the front, or is it just me?
Yeah it looks a bit lower in the back. Maybe the front needs a little more settling time.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #283  
Old 01-22-2009, 06:13 AM
etalj etalj is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,802
Gallery
how's the torque steer? any better?
__________________
Factory built 08/08 MINI JCW: JCW Aerokit, M7 C-Wing, Bilstein PSS10, Vorshlag camber plates, RennSport Racing Rear Upper and Lower Control Arms, Howerton Engineering HFS-3 w/ Race Tank, Whiteline 20mm RSB, RMW Tune, Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z1, DoS CAI, Evolve FMIC, BSH OCC + Dual Boost Port, NM SSK, etalj-spec torque arm ;), Goodridge SS Brake Lines, Endless RF-650 fluid, Carbotech XP12s, ALTA PSRS, Powergrid adjustable endlinks, Challenge Decals
Reply With Quote
  #284  
Old 01-23-2009, 05:16 PM
old81 old81 is offline
M6
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisville, Colorado
Posts: 6,497
Gallery
torque steer is minimal, better I would say.

I still have not measured the front and rear height, but the rear looks higher in real life. I like the stance as it has settled.

Perhaps a 200 more miles and I will take pictures again. We are getting a little snow today.
__________________
Don Suiter - PRESIDENT MINI5280 - Colorado
Scooter
--- MMC #569 DSOC#228 07 DS/W MCSa, Mods-Yes
RocketDog
--- Countryman ALL4 S Oxford Green/White - finish: 11/8/2010:(Jan. 3 at the dealer, dlvr on Jan. 5, 2011) picasa pics
Reply With Quote
  #285  
Old 01-23-2009, 08:47 PM
e30r56 e30r56 is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lanham, MD
Posts: 542
Gallery
Ok thanks.
__________________
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...i/103_4284.jpg
LiB/B r56 S w/ zhp, zpp, lsd, 6mt, cloth.
86 Bmw 325es lowered, cammed, exhausted, gutted.
Reply With Quote
  #286  
Old 02-03-2009, 04:46 PM
old81 old81 is offline
M6
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisville, Colorado
Posts: 6,497
Gallery
on more pic

Ok, for those curious, I took another picture today after the 250 mile run up the Front Range and through our great mountain roads.

I measured under the side trim just before and after the f/r jack points.

Currently sitting at 7 inches in back and 5 3/4 inches in the front. Total miles on the springs near 800. No issues, I like in the mountain twisties.

Somebody go measure your 07/08/09 MCS sitting on stock springs. I would like to know what stock is supposed to be without running down to the dealer, 45 miles away.

__________________
Don Suiter - PRESIDENT MINI5280 - Colorado
Scooter
--- MMC #569 DSOC#228 07 DS/W MCSa, Mods-Yes
RocketDog
--- Countryman ALL4 S Oxford Green/White - finish: 11/8/2010:(Jan. 3 at the dealer, dlvr on Jan. 5, 2011) picasa pics
Reply With Quote
  #287  
Old 02-03-2009, 05:12 PM
MoxieMini MoxieMini is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,274
Gallery
^^Looking good man! I'm getting excited about putting these on in March!
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #288  
Old 02-03-2009, 05:39 PM
melman8r melman8r is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NY
Posts: 131
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by old81 View Post
Somebody go measure your 07/08/09 MCS sitting on stock springs. I would like to know what stock is supposed to be without running down to the dealer, 45 miles away.

Front Axle/RearAxle:
15" = 560/542 mm
16" = 573/554 mm
17" = 588/570 mm

That's measuring from middle bottom of rim flange to middle of wheel trim arch
Reply With Quote
  #289  
Old 02-03-2009, 10:56 PM
dwf137 dwf137 is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 872
Gallery
i'm liking the sound of these...

bookmarked for when I get my tax return in....
__________________

SOLD

new car, 09 wrx.
Reply With Quote
  #290  
Old 02-06-2009, 01:17 PM
Affliction35's Avatar
Affliction35 Affliction35 is offline
1st Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Little Elm, TX
Posts: 30
Gallery
We installed the TSW R56 springs on my wifes R56S last Sat at approximately 8am. Installed at a DIY event in Dallas, Scott from TSW was present and helped with the install. We did four sets that day. After the install my wife and I left the DIY event and drove straight through from Dallas to Michigan 15 hours 1100 miles. Stayed in Michigan for three days and then came back to Dallas. All I can say is that the TSW's rule! 2200 miles in four days! We hit every kind of surface that you can think of smooth as glass, rough, rough and bumpy, the one big bump every 20 feet for a hundred miles, Chicago's craters of asphalt, and Michigan's ice and snow. The springs are amazing, the ride is smooth , and the handling is great. We have the black 18" JCW wheels with Yoko S-Drives 205-40-18. The car now has the stance of a stock R53, virtually no gap in between the wheel wells and the tires. Every one at the DIY event noticed the stance and complemented on how much better the car looked. When we arrived in Michigan I found that the springs had settled and man the car looks mean. We hit every bump you could think of and the tires never rubbed. All I can say is that if you want to lower your R56 go with the TSW's, great product and thanks again to Scott for the help and the great product.

2200 miles and approximately 2 miles from being back at the house we hit something BIG on the road with the drivers front wheel. Pulled it into the garage and found a huge 4" long dent with a 5" tear in the wheel and, the side wall of the tire has a bubble. Lucky we sprung for the road hazard from Mini and, the road hazard from Discount Tire. Contacted both and, both are replacing wheel and tire for no coast.
__________________
[SIGPIC]2004 MCS JB/JB, 2005 JCW engine upgrade, full Orciari body kit, full H-Sport Comp suspension system, 17" BBS, Euro style JCW Sparco seats, red/charcoal Italian leather interior and, much more.
Reply With Quote
  #291  
Old 02-06-2009, 10:21 PM
steinkrieg steinkrieg is offline
1st Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Posts: 19
Gallery
I keep looking to see if there is word on how the springs will work with a clubman, but there does not seem to be word on this yet... Anyone know more?
Reply With Quote
  #292  
Old 02-08-2009, 02:14 PM
ulrichd's Avatar
ulrichd ulrichd is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: houston
Posts: 130
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Affliction35 View Post
The springs are amazing, the ride is smooth , and the handling is great. We have the black 18" JCW wheels with Yoko S-Drives 205-40-18. The car now has the stance of a stock R53, virtually no gap in between the wheel wells and the tires. Every one at the DIY event noticed the stance and complemented on how much better the car looked. When we arrived in Michigan I found that the springs had settled and man the car looks mean.
How about a pic of your car?
Reply With Quote
  #293  
Old 02-08-2009, 02:55 PM
Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose's Avatar
Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 654
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by steinkrieg View Post
I keep looking to see if there is word on how the springs will work with a clubman, but there does not seem to be word on this yet... Anyone know more?
I traded email with TSW the other day and they are still working on the Clubman version. I am not sure there would be any reason the R56 version would not work just as well on the Clubman. Any thoughts?
__________________
Don & Rosemary
Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often
Reply With Quote
  #294  
Old 02-08-2009, 10:43 PM
rasputinj's Avatar
rasputinj rasputinj is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 490
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose View Post
I traded email with TSW the other day and they are still working on the Clubman version. I am not sure there would be any reason the R56 version would not work just as well on the Clubman. Any thoughts?

I am assuming it has to do with weight.
__________________
Rasputinj
09' Mini Cooper Clubman S Manual Pepper
Doug Daniel Quad Bamboo Fly Rods
Reply With Quote
  #295  
Old 02-09-2009, 06:41 AM
IzzyG IzzyG is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 653
Gallery
It has to do with weight.
Reply With Quote
  #296  
Old 02-09-2009, 07:34 AM
Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose's Avatar
Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 654
Gallery
Would 230 lbs make that much difference? The weight distribution is closer to even on the Clubman.
__________________
Don & Rosemary
Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often
Reply With Quote
  #297  
Old 02-09-2009, 01:36 PM
BostonR56S BostonR56S is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 635
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Affliction35 View Post
We installed the TSW R56 springs on my wifes R56S last Sat at approximately 8am. Installed at a DIY event in Dallas, Scott from TSW was present and helped with the install. We did four sets that day. After the install my wife and I left the DIY event and drove straight through from Dallas to Michigan 15 hours 1100 miles. Stayed in Michigan for three days and then came back to Dallas. All I can say is that the TSW's rule! 2200 miles in four days! We hit every kind of surface that you can think of smooth as glass, rough, rough and bumpy, the one big bump every 20 feet for a hundred miles, Chicago's craters of asphalt, and Michigan's ice and snow. The springs are amazing, the ride is smooth , and the handling is great. We have the black 18" JCW wheels with Yoko S-Drives 205-40-18. The car now has the stance of a stock R53, virtually no gap in between the wheel wells and the tires. Every one at the DIY event noticed the stance and complemented on how much better the car looked. When we arrived in Michigan I found that the springs had settled and man the car looks mean. We hit every bump you could think of and the tires never rubbed. All I can say is that if you want to lower your R56 go with the TSW's, great product and thanks again to Scott for the help and the great product.

2200 miles and approximately 2 miles from being back at the house we hit something BIG on the road with the drivers front wheel. Pulled it into the garage and found a huge 4" long dent with a 5" tear in the wheel and, the side wall of the tire has a bubble. Lucky we sprung for the road hazard from Mini and, the road hazard from Discount Tire. Contacted both and, both are replacing wheel and tire for no coast.
I'm really considering the TSWs... and you have the same black JCW 18's (R105's) it seems... you say theres no gap... from the 16's and 17's in the pics ive seen, there still seems to be a good amount of gap... just curious if you have any pics (i know you're probably getting the tire/wheel repaired soon, so maybe after if you could snap a few from far and upclose of the wheel gap, that'd be awesome! Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #298  
Old 02-09-2009, 03:29 PM
ulrichd's Avatar
ulrichd ulrichd is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: houston
Posts: 130
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lil Blue Coop/Mini Rose View Post
I traded email with TSW the other day and they are still working on the Clubman version. I am not sure there would be any reason the R56 version would not work just as well on the Clubman. Any thoughts?
Came across these for the Clubbie:
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/G2.../InvDetail.cfm
Reply With Quote
  #299  
Old 02-10-2009, 12:25 PM
BlackSapphire's Avatar
BlackSapphire BlackSapphire is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 238
Gallery
I'm seriously interested in these springs. I'm just waiting on Jeff to reply to some of my questions and I'll be good to go. If so, I'll compare the H&R to them and post results (with pics of each).
__________________

BlackSapphire~
2009 MCS ~ KW Coilovers, Konig Feathers, Whalen SM, Alta CAI, Alta LCAs, Alta Endlinks, Alta Sway Bar, a partridge in a pear tree.
Reply With Quote
  #300  
Old 03-12-2009, 08:30 PM
MoxieMini MoxieMini is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,274
Gallery
Got my TSW's on this past weekend. Here are some poor quality iPhone pics. This is about 300 miles into settling. From what I've read it'll be completely settled in another 300-700 miles.

Before:



After:

__________________
Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2009, 08:30 PM
 
 
 
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Forum Jump


MINI CooperMINI Cooper PrivacyMINI Cooper Terms of UseMINI Cooper Guidelines MINI Cooper Advertising The North American MINI Cooper Community
  MINI Cooper news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of the North American MINI Cooper
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:04 AM.
 Copyright © 2002-2008 North American Motoring. All Rights Reserved.     Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:04 AM.


Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.
North American Motoring is an independently operated web site supporting MINI owners and enthusiastsworldwide. As such it has no official relationship with MINI USA, BMW AG, or BMW of North America.All original artwork and design is Copyright © 2002-2004 North American Motoring.
Admin Account Passwords

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2