r56mini: We used to a few years ago, then after we moved to our newer facilities, we don't. Good news is that we will be opening a full service installation facility in the coming months.

curtis0407: i am an excellent example of a non-sports owner that used just H&R springs and have been VERY happy! Let me know if I can help further.

 

No alignment, no adjustments? Just a spring swap? And that gives you 1.4" drop both front and rear? Aren't you riding on the bump stops with that?

 

No it has a proper alignment (sorry.) But nothing else is changed. Not riding on the bump stops. Still has travel!

adam@altaminiperformance.com

 

You have to get an alignment anytime you do ANY suspension work.


The bumpstop issue is why I'm completely undecided on whether or not to drop my MINI. I hate the factory wheel well gap more than anything, but I really don't want to be riding on my bumpstops with NO suspension travel.

I also really like my front bumper/air dam, and would like to keep it in one piece. I worry that dropping my MINI an inch and a half will result in scraping EVERYTHING. I previously owned a GMC Sonoma that was dropped 6 inches in the front, and 7 inches in the back, so I've done the scraping thing. It's played out.

I'm considering going with the JCW kit to get the VERY mild drop, and then move up to a 215/45/17 tire. That should get rid of enough gap to make me happy for a while.

Any word on how often "Howard" scrapes stuff Adam???

 

How soon will that be and where? Any idea on installation rate($$$)?

 

Was just about to ask the same. If it won't be in too long and the rates are right then I'll just wait and get my parts installed directly with you guys. I don't really care where it will be as I'm always ready for a road trip. Especially one where my MINI will be faster going back then it was coming.

 

rattmobbins: I run a 215/45/17 on those springs. I VERY rarely LIGHTLY touch the rubber thingy up front on the HUGE speed humps near my neighborhood. Otherwise since the front overhang is so short rarely any opportunity to hit, I haven't hit anything else either. There is still travel. Rides very nice!

Installation rate have yet TBD but expect to see flat rates more often than hourly for this type of work. Expect early Spring 2008. Also, we will then help with pickup and delivery for clients located across the country.

Thanks again!

adam@altaminiperformance.com

 

Wow, very nice! I really HATE scraping! Especially in a brand new $30k car!

On a side note, my shop here wants $250 to install the H&Rs. Doesn't sound too shabby to me, but I was hoping I could get the opinion of someone "in the know".

 

Seem like a really good rate compared to what I got quoted.
GPI was going to charge me 4 hours of labor...(close to $100/hour).
I sold my springs to Masterd78 as I felt I didn't need them and didn't want to pay so much for the install and then alignment.

I will most likely wait until Alta offers installations at their facilities for some better rates

 

SEAL6: Sorry that was so expensive! Yikes. I would expect to pay right around $200 for the labor and $80 for the alignment. Hope to help you in the future!

 

Same rate for the coil-overs and rear swaybar at the same time?
Do coil-overs stay at the same height once you set them, like regular non-height adjustable ones? Or do they budge a little over time? I am asking because I don't want 1.5" drop but I want more than 10mm drop (as in JCW kit). Thanks!

 

I was reading somewhere on this forum that they do change over time and require some sort of maintenance too. Adam?

 

I installed the H & R s on mine, along with 215/45-17s. Minor scrapping once in a great while. Ride is better then stock( partly due to the non-runflats I'm sure),and it is not riding on the bumpstops. If the $250.00 includes an alignment, the price is good. All four springs should be able to be installed in less then two hours by someone who has done the job already. Good luck.

 

I believe in H&R quality.
I used to have H&R on my 95 Eclipse and it handled unbelieveably. It was before I started going to the track. I wish I knew about the tracks back then... At 60 mph, I could change lanes within 1.5 seconds. It had a lot of torque steer but it was a fun car to drive. However, I got tired of leaving the car running for a minute before shutting it down.
That car also had Mcpherson multilink suspension similar to MINI, I think... ah... I miss that car. It was my first new car that was over $20G.

 

I can't believe a few days ago, I would never have considered just geting a set of springs for my car to make it look better. Curse you guys for posting pictures of your nicely lowered MCS's. AAAAAARGH!!!!

 

Nice work on those painted wheel arches, looks awesome.

 

The HyperSport package compliments the pepper white beautifully. Springs and wheels really bring everything together!

 

Think I need to point the wife unit to the order page after seeing this

Question for snkbte: Whats the offset on those wheels?

I have WedsSport TC-005s with 215/45/17s in a 42 offset. Hoping I wont rub.

 

I have more in stock, so we can ship as early as today! you will really enjoy them! Thanks again! adam@altaminiperformance.com

 

SD Mike. Mine are also42 offset. Perfect fit! I will be installing 5mm spacers on the rear(bought from another Forum member last week)to move the tires outboard a touch more.
Thanks Candyman and Adam.

 

Do you need to use the offset when you lower the car with the H & R sport springs?

 

hi adam got a ? for you. i live in puerto rico where temps are in the 80 most of the time. so im looking for way to make my mini run cooler. i saw that jsc has a thermotec turbo insulating kit. will this and a water injection kit help me out or will it do more harm than good?

 

I have K&N air filter oil in an aerosol and was wondering if I can use that oil to re-oil my filter when I clean it?.......or should I just get the kind you guys sell since it's meant for that filter?

 

K&N filter oil is light and meant for a reusable gauze filter.

Alta filter is foam so use an oil meant for a foam filter which would be more tacky. Unifilter kit is good or go to a motorcycle shop and look for PJ1 Foam filter spray- motorcycle air filters are foam.

 

hey adam i live in puerto rico and temps are always hot. i was wondering if thermal wraping my turbo and headers would help my motor or harm it. also what is it that a water injection kit actually does. a friend of mine said that would help make power too.