Just installed NM Springs and Rear Stabilizer. Completely different ride than the stock factory JCW setup. Definately feels more planted and reactive. Excellent first choice for mods.

 

NM Springs installed-undercarriage.

 

Nice - How long was the install?
I have the springs and bar in the garage now and just waiting for the time to complete it. Thanks

 

How complicated is the install, and does one need any "special" tools. Thanks!

 

I usually do everything myself but when it came to this I just didn't have the right setup (tools, hoist, etc) to do it. And being an engineer I know one thing, whenever I mess with a Spring there's trouble.

Took it to the local guy that I know and it took him about 3 hours to do it all. He owns the shop and has his own R53 track car so I trusted him.

Good Luck.

 

Here is a basic how-to I wrote some time ago. Essentially the same for any brand of springs.

Let me know if I can help!

CLICK HERE FOR MY SPRING HOW TO

 

Thanks! It doesn't seem to be that bad. I just dont wanna get whacked in the face with a spring or any other projectile


OP: your car looks great! Sorry to hijack the thread.

 

Totally understand your concerns. Taking appropriate measures to keep yourself safe should always be a top priority. Safety glasses, etc. But nothing in this installation should stump the average home mechanic.

Let me know if I can help with any specifics of the installation!

 

Hey rod I was wondering if you could do me a favour and take a pic from a couple car lengths back, on a minimal incline.

I ask this because I don't like the look of the rear lower control arms being so visible

Also, what is your front lip's ground clearance?

 

Here's the boot of my Clubman with a set of H&R's for comparison!

 

Here is also a link to a lowered R56 with H&R's. http://www.flickr.com/photos/3146829...7609082271586/

 

The car is actually at the Alignment Shop at the moment but I will take some Pics when I get it back.
You can't see the rear stabilizer unless you are underneath the car period. In fact, I couldn't find it when just looking underneath from the back, I had to actually get on my back and slide under the car.
Let's hope we never have to worry about anyone seeing it from that angle, eh?

thanks,

 

I agree, but unless you have a Laser Alignment machine at home you might want to have this outsourced.

 

And there is a different setup for the camber whether Street or Track. this matters due to more aggressive setup (track) more tire wear.

 

LOL

 

Thanks buddy.

I'm not worried about seeing the rear stabilizer bar, it's the lower control arms that I don't like, the two diagonal bars that are highly visible on r56s due to the lack of two mufflers hiding them, like they did on the R53. You have exactly the same car as me, CR/B R56 JCW with JCW aerokit, and I'm thinking of chucking some springs on and I wanna see what it looks like at the rear from a distance...

Thanks again!

 

Ok, my bad on that one. I'm with you on that, they're were quite noticeable prior to lowering, one of the first things I noticed when I bought the car and took a look at the rear setup. I would think lowering it would hide that a bit.

I'll get some pics on asap.

thanks,

 

you're a champ...thanks heaps, don't rush or anything!

 

I'm thinking Flat Black powder coat would be best for these Rear Control Arms. Or just even Flat Black spray paint, anything to help them blend in a bit better.

 

The Flat Black paint idea is GREAT to make them less noticeable. Wonder if a coverplate would work across the back without becoming a sail?

 

I think a cover for the rear control arms would be a pretty good seller. Just a matter of making one that fits right and looks like a control arm.

I working up the nerve to get under there tape some stuff off and hit mine with some flat black rustoleum. It's a big committment to start spray painting my 35k Mini (even if it is underneath).

Might tape off the bolt heads to keep them original but I'm thinking I don't want to see this Nickel plated looking control arm underneath there.

Anybody do that yet? I'd like to see some pics prior to committing, if possible.