Hi Folks
Looking for some tech. advice, I've lowered my MINI a year ago but didn't bother to upgrading the shocks. I have a 19mm rear sway bar and also have Apex springs on too. Now I need new shocks, I'm not going to do any racing but some aggressive driving in the back hills. I've been looking at the "Megan Coilovers" and the "Koni FSD's" besides the price difference, which one will be the best for the kind of driving I will be doing? And do I have to do any modifications to my car? Thanks for the help.

 

I've seen a lot of posts here (and talked to a local club member) that have had problems using the FSDs with lowering springs. Basically, they're designed for use with stock-length springs, and if you use them with shorter springs, the shaft is starting off too far inside the shock body, giving you less suspension travel before they bottom out.

Are you just looking for shocks to use with your current springs, or are you wanting to replace everything with some coilovers? There's things to consider like progressive or linear springs, as well as spring rates.

Just as a data point for comparison, I have the CROSS coilovers with linear springs (400 lbs/inch front, 225 lbs/inch rear). I love them when autocrossing, but for everyday driving, they're a little stiff for me, even dialed down to the softest settings. I'm thinking about keeping the shocks, but replacing the springs with some progressive ones.

 

Thanks for the quick reponse Scott, I'll look into the CROSS coilovers.

 

The owner of Central Coast Coopers has run FSD,s on his lowered MCS for a couple of years with no problems . Check their website.

 

Hey Londo,
Welcome to NAM!!!

I've been running with the Megans for a bit over a year now and after much tinkering & adjustments, I'm very happy with them. However, they're not problem-free.

There are certain things to consider with the Megans such as amount of drop you want, spring rates (I would agree with scottriqui about the 400lb/inch being a bit stiff for daily driving), and adjustability.

IMO, once you get them dialed in with the correct spring rates they're an excellent value for the money.

I live just up the road from you in Fairfield, so if you want to experience how the Megans feel just send me a PM and we can hook up.

Check out this thread for more info on cabrio suspension...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=92049

 

Dr. pepper and Brownflyer thanks for the feedback, I was looking over the past threads on the Modifications-Suspension forum. Man! some poeple are very passionate about somethings, but learned alot. Thanks again guys.