Suspension Strut Bar
#52
I just installed the VIP strut bar and the NM torque arm inserts in my 12 all4s. Strut bar took 7 minutes a 13mm & 15mm wrench. If you can install an air filter you can do this install. The inserts took about 30 minutes including getting the car in the air. The direction say you need an 18mm & 19mm sockets\wrench , mine took the 18mm but the other was a 16mm. Getting the arm out was easy, getting back into place with the inserts was easy. Getting both bolt holes to line up took a bit of persuasion with a pry bar. I can feel the difference both additions made. Now for the rear sway bar.
#53
I found a pic on FB of the NM Strut bar prototype and commented on when it would be ready. Couple other folks piped in to ask the same. Jerry responded it'd be ready soon but I went back to check that post after a few weeks and the entire post, picture and all had disappeared. It's a shame because the strut bar looked incredible.
#58
#59
#60
Anyone ever get the Chromiumtech unit (http://www.chromiumtech.co.uk/produc...pID=321&cID=16)?
Was curious how it compared to the VIP unit.
Not overly jazzed that the VIP unit does not encompass the entire top of the strut tower like the Chromiumtech. However, getting it from the UK kinda sucks.
Was curious how it compared to the VIP unit.
Not overly jazzed that the VIP unit does not encompass the entire top of the strut tower like the Chromiumtech. However, getting it from the UK kinda sucks.
#62
http://www.chromiumtech.co.uk/img/pr...4/sb-r60-1.jpg Just installed....love it!
#64
threads like these make me want to remove and reinstall this piece - I frankly didn't notice anything - maybe a tiiiny bit of increased stiffness - running the OEM JCW Bar:
http://r56hs.com/2013/11/11/jcw-stru...brace-install/
http://r56hs.com/2013/11/11/jcw-stru...brace-install/
#65
This one from M7 looks leGIT... And it better for $330!
http://www.m7tuning.com/m7-r60-r61-s...brace-kit.html
http://www.m7tuning.com/m7-r60-r61-s...brace-kit.html
#66
I just ordered the chromiumtech strut bar. Their website says it's currently out of stock but I got mine from their amazon account and they currently have 4 left. The final cost including shipping (to South Jersey) was $359 USD. It's a few dollars cheaper than previously posted but not much. It should be here around the 21st I'll post pictures after install.
#67
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I just ordered the chromiumtech strut bar. Their website says it's currently out of stock but I got mine from their amazon account and they currently have 4 left. The final cost including shipping (to South Jersey) was $359 USD. It's a few dollars cheaper than previously posted but not much. It should be here around the 21st I'll post pictures after install.Video Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/2010-Countryman-Aluminum-Front-Strut/dp/B009LPAUPU
#68
I installed it and LOVE it. At first I was a little sceptical that such an easy upgrade would make a difference but the handling is just what people rave about. The instal was extremely simple. There was only 2 issues with the fitting. The first was on my driver side tower there was a small "stud" like thing sticking out the top which was bent a little far to go into the holes on the brace. I just convinced it with a hammer and it fit perfectly. The second issue is there are 2 nuts (one on each side) under the hood gasket that have a plastic covering/flare to them. This edge makes it so the tower brace won't sit square on the top so I just used a dremel tool and squared off the one edge and it fit perfectly. In the one picture I moved the gasket and you can see the top of the nut just above the tower cap.
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dkdzyn (10-08-2018)
#69
Interesting...I have the same bar but didn't have any figment issues. The plates are also large enough to help with potential "mushrooming" if that is still an issue in today's Mini.
Beyond the improved stability, it virtually eliminates all interior plastic squeaks.
I probably would have gone with the M7 had it been available just to support a local sponsor and I believe made in USA product.
Beyond the improved stability, it virtually eliminates all interior plastic squeaks.
I probably would have gone with the M7 had it been available just to support a local sponsor and I believe made in USA product.
#70
#71
Do you have to take off the strut bar when you go to the dealer to avoid warranty issues?
Also, am i asking for suspension issues if i install a strut bar? I have to drive about 2 miles of washboard dirt every day. I have standard suspension with the 18in wheels, ALL4 S
Also, am i asking for suspension issues if i install a strut bar? I have to drive about 2 miles of washboard dirt every day. I have standard suspension with the 18in wheels, ALL4 S
#73
#74
#75
Took my mechanic 2-1/2 hours. $250 for just the rear sway bar. I installed the strut bar myself, took 15 minutes. I used the middle setting on the VIP sway bar and it is AWESOME. stays noticeably flatter in the corners. Almost feels like my old hardtop cooper s!!