I have to admit that I have gone a bit off the deep end the past few months with modding my 09 factory JCW. About a year ago I had Morristown MINI install the JCW Sport Suspension in my car. I love it but the ride was a bit harsh. A few months later I ditched the run flats and put on Nitto Neo Gens in a 215/45/17 size. Wow, a much better ride.

A few weeks ago I drove down to Helix in Philly to have them install their intercooler. Again, a very cool mod and very noticeable improvement. While I was there, I was talking with them about future mods and they said why not go with a 22mm rear sway bar. We recommend the one from Hotchkiss aka H-Sport.

So I had it installed today and have it on the rear hole which is the softest setting. I did not get to drive the car a whole bunch but I did notice that the car is more centered and flat while going around sharp turns.

Where am I going with this? Well after reading this, I would like your opinions on this set up. Yeah or nay... tell me what you think of the JCW suspension with the H-Sport Competition (22mm) rear sway bar.

 

You should take your car to the track at Monticello, NY in Spring for a few runs to find out what your car feels like in the turns and going at speeds.

What setting do you have the 22 mm bar set at? Can you describe what your car feels like in turns. Is the back loose? Or does the front end not turn when the wheel is turned?

 

Thanks for the idea Slinger. I really should take the car out on the track. BTW I am on the softest setting using the rear hole on the sway bar.

 

Suspension and handling is quite driver dependent. It is best you figure out what kind of changes you like (that suits your driving style) by really driving the car close to the limits. The car does handle differently on the different types of turns. So introducing too much oversteer (with such a large rear sway bar) can be a little unsettling. I remember the first time I took a really turn after changing my sway bar and the back end started rotating. This was the uphill at Lime Rock, a turn I have taken perhaps a few hunderd times previously.

BTW, we have a bunch of Minis heading down to Monticello, NY May 17. We will have at least two advanced Mini track drivers if you are interestedin coming and having some fun.

 

Can other cars attend the Monticello event?

 

No problem with any car type. You just have to hang out with the Minis.

PM me if you want more info.

 

Slinger, is that the event with SCDA1?

If so, I'd love to attend but will be coming back from Summit Shenandoah with Track Daze the weekend before.

 

Yes, I am running SCDA with Ian.

I will put you on our list to get a discount ...

When it gets close to the event, I will e-mail everyone with the instructions.

 

Registration is now open for all SCDA events for this year. YIPPEE!!

 

Does anyone know what size rear sway is on the 2010 JCW (withOUT the 'sport' selection from the factory)? Mine is a Clubman JCW straight-up. I intended on aftermarket rear-sways. I like the Hotchkis; but don't know if I need the 19mm or 22mm.
I don't see a 22 on their site; only the 22800R 19mm & 22810R 25.5mm... What is the product number for the 22mm - if that is what I need?

Thanks!

 

In other words: Is a 19mm Hotchkis rear sway on my JCW going to be an improvement? Or do I already have 19mm from the factory? (Seattle Mini can not tell me... or at least they are saying the JCW & S both come with 17mm rear sway.

... I just went under the car with some calipers... I measured 17mm.

Can anyone corroberate?

 

NAM is awesome and full of awesome information but this site has the worst search. There are a ton of threads on here but finding this info is a big pain.

Rear Sway Bar:
Standard Suspension = 17mm
Sport Suspension = 18mm
JCW Suspension = 18.5mm


As for the H-Sport Competition rear sway bar. It is a 25.5mm hollow bar that acts like a solid 22mm bar. Now that it has been on for a few weeks, I can tell you that it is a noticeable upgrade. The car is much more neutral and is able to take a corner much faster than with the JCW suspension rear sway bar. I am quite happy with this mod.

Going from the stock 17mm to a 19mm on the stiffest setting will be a noticeable improvement for you.

 

Onefish2

Thanks for validating the sway sizes!

So - just to be clear. It sounds like the 25.5 bar would be more than I need (not doing extensive track); and the 19mm bar would be a sufficient upgrade. Note - I also have the JCW Strutt Brace (from Mini) that I plan to install the same time. I didn't want to do just the brace - as I don't want understeer. I'm hoping the combination of the two will be a nice balance.

 

Honestly that strut tower brace is for looks. Most people on here will tell you that you can't tell the difference with it off or on.

I would go with the 19mm bar and put it on the middle setting to start.

 

Excellent! And than you again.

(If the brace is more for looks - then good - as I really hate under-steer, the sway will dominate dynamics.... It was a b-day present )