GP Talk (2006) Discussion of the limited edition, MINI Cooper S (R53)-based, John Cooper Works GP.

Anyone Changing their GP's Rear Sway Bar?

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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 12:02 AM
  #1  
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Anyone Changing their GP's Rear Sway Bar?

It seemed that whenever you read a thread regarding modifying the MCS, one of the first (and most frequent) modifications mentioned was changing out the rear sway bar to a "heavier" (stiffer) unit. Most owners would opt to install an H Sport or Alta, or similar 22 mm rear bar, reducing understeer.

Amazingly, I haven't seen many posts about GP owners rushing out to change the rear bar.

Is the handling for the GP that much different than that of a 06 JCW with a JCW suspension that it isn't necessary? From the various magazine reviews, the GP does have some understeer.

I've got an 04 MCS with JCW, but it has the stock suspension, save for a 22 mm rear sway bar. It's very neutral, and much better in twisties than my wife's bone stock MCS.

Not having had a chance to wring out a GP, I can't compare the handling between the two; but the MCS does seem more neutral than the GP.

Anyone already replaced their GP's rear bar, or planning to soon?

Charlie
 
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 06:34 AM
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In my opinion that is one of the things the GP needs and one of the only mods we are doing to ours.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Fireballed Brian
In my opinion that is one of the things the GP needs and one of the only mods we are doing to ours.
Which style bar are you going to use? Solid 22mm; or hollow bar with a 22mm equivalency? Brand? (If Sponsor commitments don't prevent you from saying)
 
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 09:25 AM
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This is a great question - I had the 22mm Alta on my 05' MCS... along with some springs and control arms... anyway, In my short time with the GeePee I have not experienced any ill handling (i.e. under steer)- I feel it is set-up better than my last car right out of the box. Maybe I'll wait until the first AutoX to see what it needs - but so far I'm not touching this car.

Curious - what is the stock sway bar size on the GeePee? (is it 17mm?_)
 
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 09:42 AM
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As far as I know, there's no difference in suspension components from the 06 MCS JCW (with Brakes and coil overs) , save for the aluminum trailing arms. The sway bars should be the same. Don't know if they used different bushings.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 10:28 AM
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I along with I bet many of us GP owners would -love- to know more about the mods you have done, are doing, are contemplating with your GP!
Originally Posted by Fireballed Brian
In my opinion that is one of the things the GP needs and one of the only mods we are doing to ours.
 
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