What are you all lowered on? I'm curious. I know the whole springs/stock struts won't hold up, and coilovers seem too extreme for me, so I'm curious to know what everyone is riding on.

 

I have TSW KW V2 -- Coilover do not need to be extreme.

There are good values sets such as Vmaxx -- They have a good reputation for daily drivers.

Ryephile did a review in the Alliance Magazine in which this suspension pro gave pretty good reviews for an inexpensive setup.

http://www.stratmosphere.com/mini_drivetrain.htm

 

I have H&R Sport springs, I wanted to change the ride height but didn't want to spend the money for coilovers, so I am going to run that until I have enough money for coilovers.

 

MachV on otherwise factory sport suspension.

 

slammed on Vmaxx coilovers.

 

vmaxx coilovers so far so good
no complaints

 

Aztec WOW you have your's really slammed compared to mine. But I have different and probably bigger rims, so I had to raise mine up. have you had any kind of noises?

 

had squeaking what i did was moved the bump stops down and used lithium grease spray to lube the coilovers

 

How long does it take and how hard is it to do a coilover job on a MINI?

 

drew it takes forever! jk It all depends on which ones you get. Some you have to use a little of the OEM shocks with them. Also it depends on what tools you have. Luckily the auto shop on base has a spring compressor and made it easier for me to do the work. total it took me about 3 hours but I had to adjust them again after I put the wheels on for the right height.

 

you can do it at home all you need is jack stands
a low profile jack
torque wrench
and a few tools
took my time and set aside a friday
once you complete one of the rears and one of the fronts gets easier

also download the kw dintallation manual
and the m7 install

 

It is not to hard -- there several good "how to-s" around.

Coilovers will be slightly easier as they come pre-assembled and no spring compressor is needed.

The first time is probably an all day job - so if you can find a buddy that has done it before.

 

Ron I beg to differ with you. not all coilovers do come "pre-assembled" and if you have to use the parts from the OEM shocks you will need a spring compressor. Take the Vmaxx coilovers you have to use some parts from the factory shocks.

 

No spring compressor needed just make sure you leave the tightening collars loose
once installed work your way up to your liking

 

Anyone on just lowering springs and stock shocks?



Did you guys have to do any other mods to like adjust the camber and so?

 

BC Coilovers here.

 

I am. Just H&R springs. At 39K, im now looking into coilovers as im certain the stock struts are on thier last leg... And I want to lower it a bit more, and raise it for winter.

I had an alignment done after, but I dont think it was too far off.

 

^Geeeesh seeing the aero kit always makes me regret not getting it, especially when I see it on an S. I'm definitely getting coilovers, but do you bottom out a lot with lowering springs?

 

I'm on Mach V springs and stock struts. Had a 4 wheel alignment done afterward. I also added the 22mm NM rear swaybar when I had it up.

I've got about 10k on it since lowering it and can't complain at all.

 

Like bumpers to driveways?...or suspension?

Those little air dam things in front of the front wheels always always rubbed and made a nice scraping sound...Ive cut them off (after one broke off) and nothing since.

Suspension...only once or twice...I didnt see the 'speed hump' in the road. The tire just buzzed the fender well , which is more likely because of the higher offeset rims (et38 + 1/2" wider vs stock 45ish).

I drive winters too, and while it'd be nice to raise her back up, its no biggie clearing 4-5" snow here and there

 

I have heard that the Mach V and TSW springs run very well with OEM struts, and may even have a good longevity to them. My shocks/struts have no leaks and great compression on my R50 with TSW springs and I have had the springs for about 40K!!!

 

Has anyone installed S shock absorbers on a non S car? I have this opportunity and have already done the rears since they are easier but hesitate to do the fronts, since a realignment will be needed. Any real change for the better?

 

NM engineering springs and stock shocks. 3 years later no problems.