Last Saturday my MCS 17" perf, and my buddies BMW M-Coupe (modified) tore up some country roads down in the Texas Hill country. We went from Wimberley to Fredricksberg, all for a beer. Made good time there, and great time back -- not to mention we found some hella good roads along the way.

The first thing I have to say is that Texas Hill country roads are not So. California canyon roads. I found myself taking it easy, always expecting a hair pin around the next bend. A much higher average speed than I was used to. All said though we had a good time and I was able to put my MCS through her paces.

I have to admit I was happy with the power, sure it could have been better but it was a good ride. I did notice a slip in the rear at high speeds, I am curious about what other have experienced.

Now that I know that I want to modify suspension, what do y'all feel as the best of suspension mods?

I think it's time for me to play in a large parking lot -- maybe some autox

Cheers,
-Eric

 

MINI-Madness rear sway on the firm setting should be the first thing on your list.

R

 

madpoet,

WELCOME to MCO!

It all depends on the use of your car. Are you going to just do spirited street driving, street and autocross, street and track, track only, etc.

For most people, I would say a set of the H&R or KW springs with the Madness rear sway would be fine - it even works well on the track.

For a step up, you could go with the H&R coilovers. They have ride height adjustability only, but are more sporting than the stock struts, and allow you to fine tune your ride height. Price is $1210 plus shipping. These are enroute for evalutaion, so stay tuned on the difference this set-up makes.



The swaybars available are also being evaluated, and should be here in mid-February. These are hollow, multi-position units for the front and rear, and would allow you to run even flatter, or run softer springs and still maintain excellent turn-in characterisitics.



For even more trick suspension, I have developed a relationship with LEDA, a leading race technology strut. These come in three different variations, all according to what prupose you have for the car. In each of those variations, the strut and spring is fully customized to your application. That includes strut height depending on how low the car will be - to take full advantage of the entire shock travel, strut rebound and bump is set according to your needs, spring rates are customized based on swaybar and driving requirements, and of course ride height is fully adjustable. That is for all of the LEDA struts in the coilover system. Here is a preview of what may be available after the evaluation:

Stage 1
Fully customized oil struts ride height adjustable with specialized springs
Price will be $1260 plus shipping

Stage 2
Fully customized gas struts ride height adjustable, 24 position bump and rebound adjustable with specialized springs
Price will be $2170 plus shipping

Stage 3
Fully customized remote reservoir gas struts ride height adjustable with 24 position bump and independent 24 adjustable rebound settings with specialized springs. This is a race application only!
Price will be $3536 plus shipping

I am extremely excited about these systems! LEDA has been in most of the winning Porsches for some time, as well as F1, CART, IMSA, FIA, and SCCA. The springs on these systems are Hypercoil, who has the best reputation in the racing circles. The springs have no settling, which makes for a one time corner balance.







The research on these for installation and rubbing, as well as track evaluation will be coming soon. After that period, they will be offered through MINI-Motorsport.

Hope that helps, and if you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail or call me.

Randy
720-841-1002
randy@mini-motorsport.com

_________________

Click It!

 

Randy,

Thanks for the advice. I think I may hang back a bit longer and see what comes out in the next couple of months.

I am looking for street/autox -- and just fun in the hills -- modifications. You've answered my questions well (in this thread as well as a few others I read after I posted my question), thank you again.

All this extra coddling will get you extra business -- at least from me.

Cheers,
-Eric
metroplexMINI.com -- the new DFW area MINI club.

 

Thanks Eric!

I would probably recommend either the H&R coilovers, the LEDA Stage 1 coilovers, or the H&R springs, all with the Madness rear bar. The difference is in cost, adjustability, and quality.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Randy