Cooper (non S) Modifications specific to the MINI Cooper (R50).

Yay new springs

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Old May 7, 2008 | 02:31 PM
  #1  
UKCoopeR's Avatar
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Yay new springs

Finally got ride of that 4x4 look the short tires gave my car (many thanks to Darkness for the help installing)

Before:


After:


Pleased with the result:


Highest G-force before was 1.03G

These are H-Sport Springs on 205/45R16 tires.
 
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Old May 7, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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glad you like them!

on what surface, and with what tires, did you obtain that lat g number?

cheers,

charlie
 
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Old May 7, 2008 | 03:17 PM
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both numbers were using goodyear eagle f1 gs-d3 tires (205/45R16)

pre springs:

Dry: 1.03G autoX in cadillac assembly plant parking lot (outside detroit) asphalt i think... it was a while ago but i will be going there again later this year

post springs (lateral):

Dry: 1.31G on the Dragon LOL (running in reverse tabcat -> deals gap at the gravity cavity or a turn like that) asphalt? only happened once though, most of the time max was 1.15-1.25

Wet: 1.03G at the ETR AutoX at the Dragon (raining w/standing water) weird combination surface (asphalt + concrete?) with some dirt as well lol, don't know quite where i got the number but i got it both left and right and on different runs (i don't check the meter till after the run for obvious reasons )

maybe one of the pros that was there can help with what kind of surface it was

braking was ~0.87G
 

Last edited by UKCoopeR; May 7, 2008 at 03:20 PM.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 03:19 PM
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Where did you get that G meter? I can't make out what it says on the case.
 
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Old May 8, 2008 | 01:40 PM
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I'm assuming that these are peak g-loads not sustained g-loads. Does it track the sustained g-load, like on a skid pad?
 
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Old May 8, 2008 | 07:12 PM
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it is a G-Tech SS

http://www.gtechpro.com/

yes those are peak loads, i think you can get sustained if you do a "circle test" on a skidpad, but i haven't tried that myself, will when i get a chance tho
 
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Old May 9, 2008 | 06:23 AM
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I think I counted about 30 corners in a row where it was +1G left, +1G right,+1G left, +1G right,+1G left, +1G right.. etc. I need one of those

Glad the springs worked out so well! I'm praying that hotchkis will replace my broken set and I can put them on stephanies car. Now all you need to go is upgrade to a stoptech stage 2 becuase those OEMs are shot! and a short throw... and a comp. rear sway...

I've already set our goal for next year as +1.5G.
 
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Old May 9, 2008 | 10:58 PM
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hahaha yeah, i will see what i can do

and yes the g-meter is a blast, and can also help your lap times, because you can tell where you can afford to take a turn a bit faster next time
 
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Old May 9, 2008 | 11:55 PM
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How much did the springs lower your car by?
 
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Old May 10, 2008 | 08:28 AM
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They're supposed to lower it an inch all around, but it looked like a little more to me, maybe closer to an inch and a half. His lower profile tires were throwing me off a bit.
 
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Old May 10, 2008 | 06:26 PM
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i will try and get a real measure of the current wheelgap tomorrow

as Darkness said, my car is a little funny cuz of the short sidewall of my 205/45R16 tires

but here a little info to hold you over

before the springs i had about a 4 finger ~ 3" wheel gap

now i have a 2 finger ~ 1.5" wheel gap

+/- 0.25" for now

i will update tomorrow
 
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Old May 11, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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pouring with rain=maybe tomorrow
sorry guys
 
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Old May 11, 2008 | 05:21 PM
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My BCs are starting to settle after driving it for a bit. I have a no finger gap on 3 of the wheels now Driver front is a little high
 
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Old May 11, 2008 | 05:27 PM
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I think springs are next on my to do list.

Did they change the ride quality much? As in more or less harsh for the daily commute?
 
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Old May 11, 2008 | 06:55 PM
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with my stock shocks i didn't really notice a big change in daily ride comfort point of view (ask Darkness about the ride with koni yellows), though i do have to watch out for scraping because the springs and my short tires put my front airdam ~1.75" lower than stock LOL
 

Last edited by UKCoopeR; May 11, 2008 at 07:41 PM.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 07:29 PM
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For reference, I've had a few different types of suspension on my mini and my girlfriend drives a stock mini, which I switch between regularly, so I know the difference.

The ride with Hsport springs and stock struts I feel is noticably better than stock. It's not harsh by any means, but it feels firmer and more responsive, though it can get a little bouncy. I rode in UKcoopers before and after we did the springs and really noticed the change.

Now... I fitted mine with Hsport springs and Konis and the ride was TERRIBLE! I thought the shock would come through the towers some times. I know it performed, but god it made daily driving (on indiana roads) miserable. If you decide to upgrade the springs, I've got to tell you to stay away from the konis if you daily drive. Just keep the stock struts and get some camber plates and control rods.

I just replaced that mess with BC coilovers and it rides much better. I still feel the bumps, but it doesn't throw me though the sunroof everytime I hit one.
 
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