I just purchased some H&R coilovers and cannot wait to get them installed. However, after looking at installation costs, I realized I would much rather invest that money on myself and some tools! I've gone through NAM and MU and read numerous times various threads on installing these things, and so far (in my head at least) I feel 80% confident.

I am looking for someone in the MD area who may also be in this position. I propose that we meet and work together for the install. The reason for this is because I know I will run into trouble and I lack some of the fine tuning skills when it comes to suspension work. Two heads are better than one.

I love working on cars but I can't say I am a professional (otherwise why would I be willing to meet with complete strangers?) I do my own oil changes, made a custom air intake, and removed my front bumper. I have a variety of tools (Torque wrench 20ft lbs to 200ft lbs, torx wrench, a floor jack and 2 jack stands). Id be willing to purchase some of the necessary tools (although it would be reassuring if one brought their own sets of tools), and provide the workspace (a very basic 2 car garage but doesn't have to be at my place) pizza (if need be) and beer (a need be)! I DO NOT HAVE spring compressor, or an air ratchet, impact gun, or the Hazet nut.

All I ask is that you have more confidence than I do and know the ins and outs of this install, and the same, if not more determination to save money and lower your car. I'd be willing to provide as much input as I can offer. I believe this can be a great learning experience. I have been a member of NAM for some time and with a few exception of sketchy buyers on the NAM market, I feel meeting other mini owners on NAM is far less sketchy than the strictly platonic section on craigslist .

Please PM me

I am currently waiting on shock bushings, so if you've been hesitant on those springs/coilover, now is the time to order!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-how-to.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...bolt-size.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s-install.html

BTW... if meeting random people for an extended period of time is not your thing, Id be willing to meet just to chat so no surprises!

 

I don't have the experience nor the confidence right now to help you but I propose that if you do find someone to help out, I'll provide the pizza if I can watch the process.

 

Ha! Thanks SidSwiftsteel. More incentive to everybody else! I cant be the only marylander that wants his mini lowered... we have the 2nd largest mini dealership in the world!
Represent (via lowering your car and helping me out at the same time)!

 

I am in Bowie. I did my suspension. If the parts fit, it does not take very long. PM or e-mail me. I don't have a lift, so it is garage floor and stands. I have air and most every tool. Alignment the old way: string. Good enough to get you home. The only thing that is a risk is the rear trailing arm bolt hole stripping. I do not have heilicoils if that happens. Mine were fine, but Murphy was an optimist!

What is the HAZET nut?

tvrgeek@yahoo.com

 

i might be interested in coming along to watch/learn. I've done many suspension installs, just not on a mini.

Plus i need an excuse to ride in tvrgeeks car.

- Andrew

 

If it is not raining I'll stop by the shop after work Friday.

 

cool. i'll PM you my number.

 

Hey, I want a ride too! You can strap me to the spare tire

 

Maybe we should do this at my place. I've got a lift and tools...BBQ and beer, does it get much better than that?

 

Oh man so much support! and I thought all the NAMers are from cali. To all that responded, both TVRgeek and Splattj has kindly offered their help. Richardsperry! If and when I get my sway bar, Ill pm'ing you!

 

Once again like to thank tvrgeek and splattj for offering their help. Ended up using Splattj's help and things went great. Had I known what was involved, it probably would have dropped my confidence level to 50%.

Just knowing what parts you keep, what parts you dont need was beyond me. Install took about 4.5 hours, including pizza break. Had a bit of trouble getting that top nut/allen key torqued down for the front suspension, but nothing like a little clamp and two people that cant do the trick.

All in all great experience. Given the proper tools, Im still not sure if I could do it by myself. Regardless, Splattj is a great guy and thanks to all!

 

May not look like a lot... but im on 225/40/18 tires. Could drop a tad bit more but I guess ill wait till it settles.

 

Well what do you think of the coilovers?

- Andrew

 

I took it out for a drive today. There is this one on ramp that I tend to take pretty aggressively ever since getting new tires. I know exactly how fast I can go before the tires start to just barely slip. I took it a bit faster today without any problems.

I didn't know what to expect in terms of harshness but this wasn't as bad as I thought. Lastly, its definitely more bumpy but no surprise there. Very happy

 

Did you get a complete alignment? It gets even better.

 

Darn, looks like I'm late to this party. I've done 3 suspensions in mini's so far and 2 sway bars.

I'd like to know how those street coilovers feel, as I may go that way next year. I'll eventually ask for a ride.

 

Regarding the alignment... Should I wait till it settles or just get it asap.

 

Called the people who mounted/balanced my wheels/tires. I asked them if they would align my lowered mini.

What did he say?
"HELL NO. All you guys do is come back and want one more degree that, or one more degree that! I wont touch your car. Id love to do business with you and dont take this personally, but you guys are the biggest whiners and complainers. Sorry I can't do it."

wow... and for someone who isn't picky at all about their camber/toe and probably couldn't tell the difference, this was a shock!

Regardless, I called up another store and they quoted me $150.00. Now this is more than I paid when I first got my tires mounted on new wheels. Is this a reasonable price?

 

Try IAG Performance in Westminster, MD. Nice and cheap and they do a great job.

- Andrew

 

just called them. And yes they are cheaper! Thanks andyroo

 

Np, enjoy!

 

My local shop ( Chaney Tire) gives me no problems. Of course, they consider it "custom work" and I pay the hourly rate, not the flat rate. When it takes 2 hours to fiddle with it, I have no problem paying the two hours.

 

You are truly a suspension guru... Good to know you live in MD!

 

Don't go back to those idiots

 

+1 Some people don't deserve to have your money!