Hi all,

Never modified suspension before.

What's the proper way to lower a 2010 JCW Cabrio? Springs, sure. Will the factory shocks be upset by new springs? CV joints? Anything else that should be done to ensure a problem-free ride?

 

Depending on how low your spring go would determine if the stock shock will be ok. IMO anything lower then 1 inch get new shocks. Easiest and best way again IMO is coilovers.

 

Coilovers are the best way to lower a car. Springs are the cheap way. You get what you pay for.

 

You could always put Koni Shocks with NM springs(or whatever springs you choose). But the other setup that intrigues me is ST coilovers but I realized I won't autocross/ track more than once or twice a year(summer).

Depends on what you are looking to achieve and what your plans are with your car. Have a plan first before you do anything.

 

Does the amount of drop have any effect on other driveline parts?

Of course an alignment is necessary after doing a drop, right?

 

Well if you go coilovers route, you'll need control arms and sway bar endlinks.

If you just go the Koni shocks with springs then you'll only need control arms.

And yes I'd get the alignment no matter what. Let us know what route you go, good luck!

 

Lower it with springs or coilovers. But either way we always suggest rear lower Hsport control arms to adjust the rear camber and toe so you don't eat up your rear tires.
You don't really need more unless you plan to slam it.

 

What springs or coilovers would you recommend that would hold up over time, but not be so stiff that i lose proper internal organ function? I like firm, but I live in the northeast, hitting the occasional pothole will happen.

 

H&R springs are a 1.4" drop, NM springs are 1.2" drop, and TSW springs are 1.0" or 1.1" drop. All three are great, I'm sure Way would agree.

 

how about adjustable endlinks?

 

You'll only need adjustable endlinks if you go the coilovers route.

 

You'll only need them if you go with coilovers.

 

I just got a 2012 JCW Coupe, my first Mini.

I want to drop it a bit, daily driver, not for track. I am going with the NM springs with a 1.2" drop. Am I good with just putting those springs on or are other items or adjustments required in addition?

 

Control arms. Nothing more. I recommend the H-sport adjustable control arms.

 

You know your local mini dealer says you should leave your suspension alone, mini engineers put thousands of hours and millions of dollars designing that suspension to be tuned perfectly for the road or track.

Happy motoring

remember to check your oil

 

Do you believe everything the dealer tells you?

Fact, coilovers are the best on the MINI for track purposes.

I guess my H-Sport competition rear sway bar doesn't hold the jock strap to MINIs OEM swear bar then.

 

Seriously?!? Geez. Mini engineers put "thousands" of hours designing the suspension to be acceptable to the majority of people who might buy a Mini.

 

That's impossible, everything is a compromise. Minis aren't special alien technology.

 

You've forgotten that bean counters still run the automotive industry. Mini designed the suspension to be cheap to build and install. It's all recycled parts/designs. It's not like they're using a novel new suspension design here. Sure they did some testing with spring rates/shock valvings/swaybar sizes but they can model the car and get those nailed down pretty quickly.

 

Airbags.

Isamin