I know this discussion has already been beat to death as there are limitless discussions on the issue. I've searched and searched, but still can't come to a conclusion whether to spec the sport suspension, opt for JCW (available 7/1 supposedly), or go aftermarket. I'm going w/ 16" bridge-spokes for now for rideability, with the possible upgrade of 17" lightweight aftermarket rims later.

Cost
SS: $500
JCW kit: ($895) plus 4 springs ($100 each) = $1295 + install
Aftermarket: ~$500 for springs only, $1k-2k for coilovers.

What I'm looking for: Superb handling, lowered aggressive stance a definite plus.

What I'm concerned about:

1) Camber: I'm currently driving a 96 Integra w/ coilovers, and despite having a camber kit, camber is still -0.9. I hate having to replace the tires so often due to wear on inside. It's not like my ride is slammed...it's lowered about 1" - w/ 17" rims & low profile tires, there's about a 1 1/2 finger gap between the tire and wheel well. What does this have to do w/ the Mini? I would like even tire wear. Since the SS doesn't lower the car, would camber remain intact? Are there camber adjustments for the Mini to bring it to stock for more even tire wear if going w/ the JCW kit or aftermarket?

2) Bottoming Out: How low is the Mini already with the Stock or Sport Suspension? Even thought it looks high, there's some that have mentioned they already get some bottoming out without the car being lowered.

About me: I'm a street enthusiast, haven't tried auto-x, but want to take the Mini to the track once it arrives and is broken in. Live in Bay Area, CA and enjoy the windy roads to Santa Cruz or La Honda/Half Moon Bay. Mini to be used as daily driver and for weekend excusions.

Anyone know the cost of a front and rear swaybars that are better than what you get w/ the SS?

Thx for reading, and for your input.

 

My car has the factory sport suspension with H&R springs. It has -.7 f and -2.1 r camber. I have it set so far because I drive like a hooligan. I have alta rear lower control arms so I can dial the camber to 0 in the back if I so desire. I say go for sport suspension with springs, endlinks ,and a rear lca. I'm so happy with my setup!

 

I have Sport suspension with H&R lowering springs. I would recomment that set up, or going with a full aftermarket coilover set up where you can adjust ride heaight and not loose suspension travel.

The JCW stuff will be great. But it's pricey IMO and the JCW springs barely drop the car at all (1/4-1/2 inch!?! Please!).

 

I'd get the sport suspension for the bigger anti-sway bars, but I'd go aftermarket for springs.

MINIs tend to have some negative camber in the rear from the factory. My car, with camber plates up front, is running -2 deg front and -1.2 deg rear, and my tire wear is fine.

 

You should check your Toe settings on your teg, your tire wear is not caused by camber probably due to too much toe out that happens when you lower the car. Wishbone suspension like a Teg will gain almost 1degree of negative camber per inch of suspension displacment. The softer the springs the less camber you need on those cars. I used to run -1.5 front and -1 on my track toy ITR and never have wear issues on the R comps or on my street tires, I would get 3 years on them.

Since the mini and other McPherson strut cars do not gain dynamic camber in order to get good contact with the road in hard cornering you have to run lots of static camber. So you should try to get 1.5 on the mini at least for streets in the front and maybe -1 in the rear, of couse this depends gratley on your Caster settings.