I was toying with buying one to improve high speed cornering even more when I found a sway bar in place already. -Jeffy.

 

No, the base MC doesn't come stock with a rear sway bar--it was added aftermarket.

 

Hey,

Indeed, our non S Coopers do come from the factory with both front and rear swaybars. I do not recall the difference in the bar diameter, but they do feature different bars. For example, the Cooper S (w/sport pkg) has a bigger bar than a Cooper (base).

I installed a Cooper S (sport pkg) rear bar on my car; the difference was noticable and the price was right (free). An aftermarket bar will add more smiles to cornering and according to most is one of the first mods to consider.

B

 

Wrong.

Stock Front Bar:
Cooper with SS 22.5mm
Cooper or MCS with SS+ 24mm

Stock Rear Bar:
Cooper with SS 16mm
Cooper or MCS with SS+ 17mm

 

Ya beat me to it Dave.

By the way, I love the Team JUSTACOOPER in your sig. Can I join?

 

Absolutely!

Click the logo

 

I took out the stock rear sway bar on my MC and installed an Alta 19mm antisway bar and set it on the second hole. Great handling improvement. If you have a cabrio expect a 5th bolt in the center holding the rear sub frame.

 

To improve high speed cornering-
Larger rear sway bar- least expensive option is swap an MC rear bar for an MCS rear bar. Do the install yourself.

Next, add a larger adjustable rear sway bar. 19mm is a good place to start for MC or MCS alike and try the softest setting or middle setting.

For the MC the optional adjustable 22mm bar is a bit too stiff unless you upgrade suspension.

Adding Koni FSD shocks would be a nice addition.

Using lighter rims than stock and adding sticky wide tires helps alot- but high performance tires will wear out faster than all season tires. Both MC and MCS will benefit from non runflat tires. Check out the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 and see if it comes in your size for the wheels you have.

Finally don't forget to drive with skill or rather learn how to do it right with a driving school event. Instructors will guide you through the process of picking the right line, being in gear and off the clutch before the turn, braking early but smoothly, and accelerating out of the turn once you straighten your wheels enough. Most people don't drive corners correctly to get the most out of a stock MINI let alone do upgrades to improve cornering.

 

I agree with the recommendation for a 19 mm adjustable bar for the MC. Minihune is also right on target about the tires and rims. I did these mods separately and each time saw a substantial increase in handling.

 

My MC's underbelly for visual proof.
http://www.chadhoc.com/MiniBelly/MiniBelly.html

 

ProfessorDave,
Is your RSB the 19mm tubular H&R? Is that rated the same as a solid 19mm?

 

[quote=minihune;1298665]To improve high speed cornering-
Larger rear sway bar- least expensive option is swap an MC rear bar for an MCS rear bar. Do the install yourself.

I have an '02 Cooper and have read of the benefits of upgrading the rear sway bar. I don't desire much more performance so installing the "S" rear sounds like the best alternative, especially if it's a do-it-yourself job. It would appear that many "S" owners are upgrading also, so is there a source for stock "S" bars, would any fit my '02, and is it a straight-forward "take the stock one off and bolt the new one on" job? Thanks!

 

Hi,

My 04 MINI ONE don't come with a rear sway bar. How easy it is to install MCS rear bar onto my ONE? Will it fit? Pls advice.

 

i have a stock S rear sway bar if anyones interusted $10 plus actual shipping

 

For those that don't have an MCS you can definitely add a rear swaybar.

The stock MCS rear bar is fine and you can find it at:
Any local MINI club event- just look for the modded MCS and ask the drivers about their old stock rear swaybars.
Any MINI tuning shop in your area- they might have some or know some owners
Any local MINI club website for used parts for sale
Some online MINI vendors- most of the big ones might sell you one just call
see
http://helix13.com/mini/products/used
Used rear MC or MCS bars are about $25 each plus shipping.

For DIY install of the rear bar-
http://store.webbmotorsports.com/for...topic.php?t=14
Takes about 90-120 minutes the first time. Can be done with floor jacks and jack stands. Easier with two people or with a lift. A big pry bar is helpful.

 

I'm not sure how true is my friend, as he said for "MINI ONE will need some modification on the chasis to fit the bar" ... I'm not sure what modification he means as I'm a dummy on car.. sigh.

Can anyone confirm this?