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So I'm about to order new wheels for my car and now after looking through the lowered MINI's thread I'm thinking about doing coil overs just to get it done and not deal with lowering springs and then coil overs later down the road. I figure just one shot. So here are my questions
Whats the best to go with?
Camber plates, what are they and what are they used for. A friend said to make sure to get a set with camber plates or get a set anyways?
What else will I need? Sway bars, rear control arms....
Suspensions on a MINI are new to me. Give me an early 90's jeep I can point out every part of the suspension and put a lift on it in my driveway. The MINI suspension is confusing to me. HELP!!!!
jic cross or kw v2 coilovers,swaybar endlinks, adjustable rear arms, if you go kw coilover get camberplates and rear shock bushings, no need to buy bushings or camber plates with the jic cross as they are included with kit.
There are lots of options. I just spent the last month reading from several forums for the same upgrade. I wanted to do 2 upgrades, suspensions and brake so I had to share the funds between both. If all the money was going to the suspension only then I may have gone with a different coilover. After all the research and for my needs, I decided on the BC coilovers, H Sport 19mm rear sway bar and H Sport adjustable lower rear control arms. BC has the adjustable camber plates and damping. And with the price of the BC's I was able to get the JCW Brembo brake kit. Waiting on the brake kit to arrive, then I will have everything installed and post the results.
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Don & Rosemary Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often
jic cross or kw v2 coilovers,swaybar endlinks, adjustable rear arms, if you go kw coilover get camberplates and rear shock bushings, no need to buy bushings or camber plates with the jic cross as they are included with kit.
stock swaybars are the way to go for street .
Stig, why would you need the rear shock bushings? I am saving money for a set of KW´s and already have camber plates. Thanks for your help.
Loved my KW V1's on my RSX, but I had to put 1K lighter rear springs in them. They came more for smooth roads we don't see in Maryland. If their Mini setup is as good, it would be a winner.
If I put on V2's I would still be adjusting. V1's you just get to go and drive!
jic cross or kw v2 coilovers,swaybar endlinks, adjustable rear arms, if you go kw coilover get camberplates and rear shock bushings, no need to buy bushings or camber plates with the jic cross as they are included with kit.
stock swaybars are the way to go for street .
Stock? 09 S. Feels like it could use a tad more rear bar, but that is with everything stock.
I am guessing the camber plates would function as tower reinforcement as well?
I'm looking myself. I have experience with KW's on a few rides and was very nice for street use. Tad stiffer than stock suspension (this was on an LX SRT-8, so stock suspension was pretty sporty) yet still road very good and liveable for road use. Don't see why the conclusion would be different on a MINI.
I have to say I'd do coil-overs over springs myself cause it gives you everything you need for the drop as far as springs and struts. And it gives you the adjustability to get your ride sittin' exactly how you want it and your fenders huggin' yer rims just as you want it, whether it be 18's or 17's or even 16's. That, to me, is worth all the money, let alone the gains it driving.
Stig, why do you say stock sway bars are good for street? Are the sways that come on a JCW different than an S?
If i had a track only setup i would go with a 27/28 mm front bar and a 22mm rear,for the street i find the stock non sportsuspension bars are fine ,neutral up to the limit with the safety of slight understeer once the limit has been reached.
There are lots of options. I just spent the last month reading from several forums for the same upgrade. I wanted to do 2 upgrades, suspensions and brake so I had to share the funds between both. If all the money was going to the suspension only then I may have gone with a different coilover. After all the research and for my needs, I decided on the BC coilovers, H Sport 19mm rear sway bar and H Sport adjustable lower rear control arms. BC has the adjustable camber plates and damping. And with the price of the BC's I was able to get the JCW Brembo brake kit. Waiting on the brake kit to arrive, then I will have everything installed and post the results.
Mike wrote:
What would have been your first choice of coil overs. I am interested in getting one. It would be mainly for street driving and sometimes for the track.
Just installed some H&R's, and just back home after 120 mile trip. I thoroughly enjoy them. Prolly ran a total of over 200 miles on them now, and it's so much better than stock IMO. Just sits flat on the road, no more swaying unless you really push it, and of course, love the slammed look.
The ride is stiffer than stock, the lowered car feel is there, and I'm a fan of it. I've broken my back in the past, so when I say even on a choppy road, it rides pretty good, doesn't bang you up at all IMO.
__________________ Installed: m7 Super AGS - m7 T/IC boost tube - ALTA FMIC - AccessPORT -reso delete - H&R RSS coil overs - ALTA rear lower control arms - m7 oil catch can - m7 heat shield - m7 CF Vortex 2 hood scoop - 17x7 gold Konig Feathers w/ 205/40-17's Waiting to be installed: ALTA s/shifter
I had JIC Cross on my 996 turbo, hated it so much, I got rid of it within a month, noise from upper pillow mount from every single bump, bottom bolt kept loosen. Most uncomfortable suspension I ever had.... people told me i needed an alignment which i did after 2 weeks, didn't improve anything... I even spent $500 for corner weight.... total waste of money. Yes! I am a hater for JIC cross.
PSS10s were ok interms of comfort, but the rear were way too soft soft... esspecially with 500hp on the tap.
Nothing compared to KW V2s I had for my B6 A4, lowered it 2", more comfortable then stock. Plus inox body keeps it from rust during winter here in Toronto.
I am about to order TSW KWs with match valving, should be awesome on the R56 stiff chassis.
JIC is junk, and the Subaru crowd ditched them along time ago. At least people who are fast did. Horrible valving, shoddy build quality. I'd like to see the shock dyno for the Mini sets to see if they're any better. Some of the most uncomfortable shocks i've been on for Subaru and i've been on a lot.
,bilstein pss9
and cross
on assorted cars over the past 5 years and all have good and bad.
for the jcw !
