I'm looking to do a few basic upgrades to my Mini before I move back to the states in 2 months or so. (Might have to ship her in the next couple of weeks )

I want to work one some of the basics starting with the suspension. A buddy of mine told me that I should get an adjusta ride set (just to clarify so I don't confuse anyone.. they look like a medal cone connected to a pole metal cylinder). I'm looking at them and they don't seem badly priced from what I can tell at a mere $160 bucks. But it also says that I need the compression tool which is another 100 bucks!!! Do I need that??! I will be working on my (or if all else fails, having them installed for about 20 euro) at a local hobby shop. Is there a work around?

Also, do you guys have a preference in shocks? I kind of want some adjustable one because of the roads here in italy.. I just don't know what will be the perfect setting.. am I being a girl about this and should go with the regular stock type or is the adjustable shock a good route? (no offense to the ladies that more than likely have 2342834 x more mechanical know how than I do =P)

Another concern I have is whether this whole setup will last me into future changes in my car. I plan on getting atleast front discs and some wider wheels/lp tires. Will those have any impact on what I should buy now? Kind of don't want to buy stuff twice. If it can't be avoided Ill just opt to cheap out for now..

One more thing, there is a "smootha ride" suspension kit in this years mini sport catalogue. For approx $700, you get F/R suspension cones, F/R suspension units, 1 set of rear negative camber and tracking brackets, F/R shocks (non adjustable). Is that worth it?!? sounds kinda steep.

God this post keeps going but I just don't know so thanks for continuing to read.

Coil over springs/Coil over conversions.. thoughts? Like I said, I will eventually have all that gear plus a body kit so is this something worth having?

That's all for now (HAH!).. thanks guys/gals!

 

I would like to start with a better ride.. the italian roads are unforgiving and though she tries to take it like a champ, my back can't!! lol not that bad but for a really cheap, quick improvement.. that seems like a great place to start.

My timeline is going to be of course the suspension first, then move to DC, over the period of a month disassemble EVERYTHING. I'm kind of debating whether or not to have the rust repaired and primed once everything is removed. Not sure if I want to throw the new engine (+ everything else) in before or after the paint process. That can be decided later. Once the car is painted, bring back to the pad, throw the new motor in and build up from there. then interior. I think it's important to focus on the engine first but I plan on not having this car for awhile while i'm restoring/"pimping" (for lack of a better word lol) it out. I have quoted a couple of trailers plus there might be someone in the mini group i might be joining that would have one. I have already planned on buying another vehicle; truck if i get my own trailer, gas saver if not. I think having my own trailer would be a huge benefit so who knows.

I'm going all out on this.. no half *** jobs. Paint WILL be perfect or somebody's *** is mine if I'm paying that much. I'm single, i just got a huge per diem check, and i'm reenlisting for some good money. I can budget to do this thing right.. i just need help along the way

Thanks for the tips!

I will probably end up going with 13 inch rims.. I know i'm going to have to cut some of the fender to get this done but the body kit will cover that. There is a bunch of rust.. rain gutter, a panels, bottoms of doors.. you name it, it's there.

Also, got quoted the other day for 600 euro (approx $700) for full leather interior redone. also include side panels, top, doors, all seats with new padding, and that little spot behind the back seat. What do you think? The only thing holding me back is A) Not sure what the final color will be B) kinda steep but all things considered if it save me a grand from back in the states it might be worth sucking it up and going with a neutral color.

 

Sounds like you're unhappy with the ride. I'd suggest stock rubber cones, and replace suspension bushings and knuckle joints if needed. I'd use GAZ, GMAX or KYB Gas Adjust dampers.

The rest of the stuff (hi-los, adj tie rods, camber brackets and neg lower arms) all depend on what you want to do with the car? Autocross? Max out adjustability & handling? If you got the cash, then the time to do it is with cone replacement.

You DO need a spring compressor. Altho, one can be made with quality threaded rod, nuts, and heavy washers, I wouldn't suggest you tackle it as a novice. If labor is cheap in IT, have it done.

You need disc brakes with a 1275 & increased HP, or if you autox. 8.4" don't fit inside a 10" rim but are okay for 13" rims and cheaper than the 7.5" Cooper S brake setup.