If mini has no LDS currently installed. And, since the LSD option can not be reto-fitted onto a MCS at this time. Will adding a JCW Suspension help with keeping speed and traction to the ground? Lessen slipping? In other words, can the JCW suspension conpensate for the lack of factory LSD?

 

To clarify, yes, you will have better traction with suspension upgrades. You will not compensate for the lack of an LSD with suspension upgrades, since an LSD kicks in after you lose traction at one wheel.

 

Actually, I disagree to an extent. I went from stock (one 3 day autocross) to a couple events with an RDR rear sway bar, to adding coilovers. At each point, wheelspin while cornering hard or during transitions (offset gates, etc) was reduced. The sway bar was subtle (but not so in reducing understear and allowing car rotation with the throttle) in this regard, but going to stiffer springs and adjustable damping certainly helped. By stiffening the rear to reduce squat, and softening the damping in the front to allow the spring to push down on the inside front wheel, wheelspin is reduced in sweepers and other turns. Fiddling with the damper settings front and rear has an obvious impact on accelerative traction in very aggressive driving.

Since the JCW doesn't have adjustable rate damping, you would have far less control over the results. If you were to install a set of adjustable damping shocks or coilovers, that would be different.

Having said that, installing a Quaife torque sensing differential took traction to a whole new level and allowed more aggressive (stiffer) front damper settings to improve transient response.

Scott
90SM