Hey guys

well, we all know that the Cabrio is a different thing than the coupe when it comes to suspension...

also with such little talk about suspension for the Cabrio's specifically
im wondering what you vert owners have done that have lowered or modified your suspension

im also looking for all the different options when it comes to this

in addition, another little problem for us owners is exhausts which are known not all to fit

anyone have a list or would like to add which fit without modification just to know?

 

Any lowering option should work for you. It all depends on what your doing with the car tho. Typically our cabrios are about 100lbs heavier so the suspension will ride a little lower and the chance of bottoming out is going to be higher.

I am running M7 coilovers and couldn't be happier. No bottoming out ever and a smooth ride that sucks up the bump. Well, I use the term smooth lightly, not as smooth as stock but smoother then when I have my Eibach lowering springs on. I do just street driving and canyon carving. No track for me (at least not yet )

I am running the Invidia exhaust and ys I had to modify it. Cost me $150 to have an exhaust shop add a bend to it so it would clear the brace. I think the only ones that make one from the factory for cabrios are Magnaflow and Milltek. Don't quote me on that... just think I read it somewhere

 

Also, most aftermarket exhausts will work without modification IF you add some spacers between the chassis and the rear mount for the cabrio under-brace...

 

Yes, you have to be aware that the cabrio is heavier by 180lbs to be more exact.....Rob. I was running on H-sport springs but quickly found out that I was bottoming out and was just too low for my liking.

I'm now running with Megans coilovers and I'm very happy but they do come with compromises.

As for exhaust, I have the Milltek and it's very nice and not loud at all with no fitment issues. But if I had to do it over, I would go the one ball route or the Invidia and just get it modified. The finish on it is just superb.

 

I have the H-sport springs, and Megan Racing Exhaust. As Blimey mentioned early up, I had to add a 1/2'' spacer to where all the cabrio's bracing comes together. Very easy to do. Will need a #30 torx/star socket. ( I believe that is the right # ). With the springs I have only bottomed out a couple of times and that was on some rough/bumpy twisties. No problems on good roads like the Dragon etc. Adjustable coilovers are the way to go if the funds allow, but if you are going for the slammed look, it might still bottom out from time to time..

 

.... especially on those little whoop-dee-doo bridges I like to lead N2MINI over...

 

I stand corrected! Thanks Ev! Dude, are you going to amviv? If so I'm excited to finally meet you

...ok, back on topic I had to cut my front air damn off because I'm riding so low I would agree that the coilovers are the way to go if budget allows

 

Cecilia has H-Sport and I have not had any troubles. I love being a little lower! She is even a little lower than Soulfire (my hubby's MCS)

 

I'm all packed and ready to go. I'll be doing the RMW tune next week so my Mini will be ready as well.

Jonny, if you go the spring route, make sure you trim the stoppers a bit to give you a bit more travel.

Yeah, the freeways are horrible here in Nor. Cal. and I was bottoming all over. I think TSW springs provide less of a drop so that might be a good alternative as well.

 

YES, thoses would be the ones PAUL!!! Next time, the big one after the bridge I want to stop and take pics of everyone coming across!!!!!!!!!!
Preferably from a far with long lens. But hey, we all made it without incident!!! Luckly..

 

I'm on my way to the dyno right now to see whats up with my car. I've developed a ping and knock in my motor. I think its due to the mods of dine and the colder air we have now. Going to get some air fuel logging done to determine if I'm running too lean.

Plan is to get some 380cc or 400cc injectors then have Jan tune it. Might not get all that done before amviv tho

 

oh wow

just looking for some good insight and you guys provided some great info!

coilovers seem the way to go

so what are price ranges on coilovers? im expecting 1 grand +?

btw im a total beginner when it comes to much info on cars. I've been reading around here on NAM and Mini2 since 2004... but im still quite confused. lol

coilovers replace the whole spring/shock setup i assume?
and are all coilovers adjustable? (i assume not)

if not they must be pricier than non adjustables

 

oh and by the way

everyone whom has commented has some GREAT looking convertibles!

I'm really looking forward to getting into the scene of actually getting some mods on my mini as i've had it since the convertible came out back in 04!

 

Do a quick search in the first gen. Suspension forum and you'll find tons of info on c/os (coilovers), but here is a quick list of fully adjustable ones, and YES they will replace the whole spring/shock assembly.

By price:
Megan
BC Racing
Tein
M7
Cross

Megan & BC are made by the same manufacturer and both have camber plates. They can be had for less than 1K. Tein and M7 are comparatively priced (depending on which Tein you go with). Cross are over 2K (if I remember correctly).

Then you have the double adjustables such as H&R (stay away from these) and PSS9.

C/Os come in 3 basic flavors, single adjustable (ride height), double ajdustable (ride height & dampening), triple adjustable (ride height, dampening, pre-load). More is not necessarily better, but it's nice...

For the money, look into the first four I mentioned above.

 

I wish I could have c/os as well. But Jay got the H-Sports for such a good deal, we couldn't pass it up. And I am pleased with the hight and the ride, so I am not going to change them out.
I just wish MOTD would be here already. I have a closet full of stuff to add on!

 

Where did you get the Megan MC exhaust? I haven't been able to find any info about it. One of the "eventually" mods for our MCc is an exhaust... then probably some coil-overs to drop it a bit along with a RSB. Have to get the aero kit installed (have it.. waiting until the car comes out of "storage" in the Spring) and then tires & wheels.

 

Here is a link to their site. They did a group buy about a year ago or so and had everyone give advice on how they wanted it built just for us Non "S" drivers. I have seen some used ones on here for sale..

http://www.meganracing.com/products/...=605&catid=102

 

I'm riding on H-sports with out any bottoming issues. I opted to not go for full coil overs, mostly because of price, but they just felt like overkill for daily driving.

My ride is pretty harsh, but its amplified by 18 inch wheels with 30 series tires

 

H&R has specific options for the Cabrio (which we carry but others do as well) including :

Springs
Coilovers

They are different than those for the H/B. These are German Made, Lifetime warranty options.

Let me know if I can answer any specific questions.

Thanks!

 

So if i understand correctly, i can use any lowering spring on our Cabrio? Fitment is no issue, it will just sit a little lower because of the weight?

 

Something like that?? Cabrio has more weight in the back then the tin-top and less in the front. So my cabrio doesn't sit as low in front as club members with tin-tops and same springs..

 

Thanks for the response. Does it look OK? Or is the wheelgap in the rear much smaller then in the front?

I don't want the car to look like there is a ton of bricks in the back...

 

I wish it was a tad lower in the front. Doesn't look bad though. Take a look in my gallery as there are only a couple of pics WITHOUT it being lowered and they are obvious..

 

I've read the complete topic but Can I just fit R50 springs on a R52?????

 

anybody!?