I’ve been reading a lot of forums trying to get a better idea what’s right for me. I’m clear on the difference but not what I’m looking for on the clubman, as a family hauler with some spirited drives. Half the year it’s winter and mostly poorly paved roads.

I’m putting on Schnitzer lowering springs. I would put on a RSB at the same time or not at all, so I won’t have the chance to test the feeling of the spring rate separately. I definitely don’t want to sacrifice ride comfort as a daily driver.

The cravenspeed big brace seems like a low risk alternative that solves a different problem, but from I read will help improve the body flex in normal driving and should be the first complement to test after springs and before an anti-sway bar.

Can someone help?

 

I can say the rear sway bar is one of the biggest changes I made on the mini. Last year, running stock RSB, there where a few corners on the Dragon, that the rear wanted to push me into the turn. This year, I’m running the biggest hotchkins hollow RSB they make set on the middle setting of 3, and the rear was following me into the turn. When it was set on its lowest setting it felt stock. All of these runs where made on the same set of tires, I’m swapping to re71r’s in a 215 vs 205 here in April pre MOTD, so it will be interesting to see that change.

 

I have the Cravenspeed brace, and it definitely makes a difference - I immediately noticed a tighter feel in chassis and better lines through corners. I have not tried the sway bar, but my guess is it would have a somewhat greater impact, though I obviously can't say how much. The deciding factor for me was cost and effort - the Cravenspeed brace is relatively cheap and very easy to install. That gave me a high rate of return on investment. If you're handy and have the tools and time, I'm sure the sway bar would provide a great return, but the expense in both cost and effort would definitely be greater as well.

 

I’m sure the difference in the chassis or feel from the old clubman to new. I appreciate the feedback, Jason. I’m told the RSB is a big improvement but, that’s always a subjective rating which is why I was trying to frame my circumstances. The car is going to be apart to install springs so that the time to do the RSB. Doubling up on labor makes the proposition much less attractive. Removing it because my car feels like there is an I-beam installed between the rear wheels is the only less attractive proposal.

The safe upgrade seems to be the big pair. Cost wise is very close to the RSB in my case but risk/reward seems higher on the brace.

 

I added the Cravenspeed Big Pair. Can’t really say it was noticeable. My one issue with it is one of the braces their system replaces is a quite massive factory steel brace. I have my doubts their aluminum piece is any stronger or stiffer than the steel piece that’s already there.

I’d like to see someone make an F54 tunnel brace that connects to the rear subframe, like the Genuine MINI piece on the new MINI GP.

I have a NM Eng 25mm RSB ready to go in this summer (plus Bilstein B8s and AST springs). I’m confident the RSB will make a bigger difference than the Big Pair braces.

*MINI also added a factory strut tower brace and front underbody braces to the 2020+ Clubman JCW, might be worth looking into.

 

The RSB will reduce understeer it will not affect the ride of the car on bumps like the lowering springs will (they'll make it harsher for sure). I never had a chassis brace but from what I've read a lot of people don't notice much difference either way. The bar I had installed on my 2007 MCS was only $300 including labor (Way Motorworks) I noticed the difference in turns right away.

 

I’ve read a number of reviews that said the big pair chassis brace was a big improvement, and none say it was a complete waste of money. Relatively speaking, it’s expensive, but the install is simple

Most people rave about the improvement of the RSB on understeer, but some complain about the effect on ride comfort over uneven surfaces, which is most of what I do. Since the wheels are tethered with the stiffer bar, mechanically it makes a lot of sense how it can be a detriment when rolling down most city streets. The cost for the install on the clubman is pretty high if I do it at a different time than my springs.

Either way, moot point since nm is out of stock for 6+ weeks and the only other bar available is VIP, and they are not very responsive by phone or email. Apparently it’s in stock but I get one reply to every 4 messages so that never bodes well. I feel like a collection agent. My springs go on in a couple weeks so I went with the big pair to start. If there’s no improvement I’ll try a RSB.

Thanks for all your help.

 

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...bman/year/2016

i will be helping install one of these on Sunday. We are hoping the install will be about the same as the R’s.

 

I’ve heard from the Subaru community that whiteline makes great parts, but none listed for newer mini models 🤷🏽

 

I have the NM rear sway bar and the Chassis Bones chassis braces. I also have the Dynamic Dampers, stock springs, and the Sport Package. While I like the look of a lowered car, I didn't want to lose the ride height as I do head off-road to a cabin in WV that with a lowered car would never make it up the mountain without losing undercoating .

My experience has been that the RSB is a great addition to balancing out the handling. The chassis braces sharpened the corning, especially in quick tight corners.

 

I’ve been so reluctant to lower my car, I just can’t handle seeing so much wheel well anymore. Springs will drop it 25mm which is 15mm more than the JCW Clubman is stock. That’s as thick as a deck of cards.

With the thickness of the chassis brace, that may be the lowest point on the car when I’m done. Hopefully it won’t bottom out on speed bumps.

 

I put on the chassis bones brace for cost savings over the cravenspeed big pair and did notice a difference in handling right away. I also put on the powerflex lower engine mount bushing and liked the effect on shifting. There was minimal change in vibration. I bought the yellow one and had it installed with the insert in. I would like a RSB at some point, but with the installation and endlinks it is around $1000.

 

Jesus that’s a rip off. I’ll let you know how bad it is after tomorrow. I’m helping on an f series, I’ll let you know the model as I’m not to sure myself.

 

If you go with nm, it’s $530 in parts alone. From what I read from this thread, they did it in 2 hours. If you’re at dealer rate and after tax for parts and labor, about $1000 sounds right.

(https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-sway-bar.html)

 

Yup, That's why I opted for the chassis bones and a few other upgrades first. I figure if I am doing the RSB, I might as well do the endlinks. I will get around to the RSB at some point, but will likely do new tires and brakes and maybe a CAI first.