I am interested in having the JCW suspension installed on my cooper s, but my question to fellow MINIacs is, How does the JCW suspension handle in the snow? I guess Im wondering since the suspension kit lowers the cooper by a couple of inches, is it a big deal trying to drive through a foot of snow. Right now I have no problems getting around in the snow. Im wondering that if I lower it will it cause problems. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

The JCW suspension is actually not a terribly big drop if you are worried about ground clearance. I believe the car is lowered by 15mm. Certainly not "a couple of inches".

 

Just note that one winter here in Lincoln I seriously messed up the lower lip of my car on the ice/snow in the center of the road between the ruts. It also broke my old oil cooler and almost cost me an engine. I have the stock springs and dampers, and even those are too low sometimes.

 

Yeah, these cars are low to begin with. Going 1/2 in. lower won't help but it won't make it much worse at the same time. Throwing a set of Blizzaks on some crap wheels will add a little insurance and confidence in the powder.

 

I have the JCW suspension on my 2003 Cooper, and drove it year round in northern Vermont.

It wasn't horrible, but it was definitely one of the lowest cars running around in the winter. When I'd drive down an unplowed road where the snow had already been smooshed down by other cars, I'd still be plowing through the snow between the wheel ruts.

I never damaged anything, but it's nice to be in a stock 2007 MINI now with the increased ride height - no issues at all in the snow.

So, you have to decide if the increased performance in the summer is worth a little more scraping in the winter.

 

I live in New England and have driven 2 winters now with JCW suspension. It lowers the car by 10 - 12mm (can't recall exact #). That's only approx.
1/2 inch. Haven't had any problems.
Would actually like the car lower; but since I drive it in the snow, that may not be practical.

 

I do know that winters in Lincoln are not the friendliest to Minis. My concern is with the ice chunks that freeze in the streets. Some of those can be really nasty. I also do not want to do any damage to the undercarriage or to the front lip.

Would putting a set of Blizzaks raise the mini up alittle with the JCW suspension? If it does I might have to consider getting a set through Tire Rack.

 

Maybe I should just have a rear sway bar installed instead of going with the whole suspension. The full kit would be nice to have, though.

 

I scrape snow in Philly, free of charge.
Maybe move to CA
I gotta get back to SoCal.

 

Do I have to get springs with the JCW suspension or can I just get the JCW struts? Maybe I would be better off with just the struts.

Someone feel free to chime in.

 

If you buy it as a kit, it comes with springs and struts. Granted, nothing is forcing you to use the springs nor is there anything stopping you from reusing the OEM springs. If you want just struts, look no further:
http://minspeed.net/R53JCWS.htm

 

Will my vehicle handle the same as it does now with just the JCW struts or do you think there would be a difference?

Is there a spring out there that I could use that does not lower my mini?

 

It may ride differently and the handling may be slightly better but it won't be as good as the full JCW suspension. As far as springs, you could always contact a well-known company and have them custom wind a set in a stiffer rate at the same ride height. IMO, I'd say just go with the JCW setup; springs and struts. It's 1/2 inch, not much. If you need that 1/2in. clearance in the winter, there's too much snow to have MINI out to begin with. Or, you could always get coilovers and raise it up as needed. Oh, and get the sway bar, anyway. Even if you leave everything else stock, still get the bar.

 

I live in Kodiak, Alaska and regularly drive my MCS in the winter. I would also like the JCW suspension, but can't afford to have the car sit any lower than it does.

I know there is at least one member on here with adjustable coilovers who drives his car in the winter. If memory serves me right, he actually adjusts the suspension higher than stock for "winter mode". This might be something to look into...

 

If I do decide to get the whole JCW kit, I could also have some sort of lower engine shield installed to help protect from the unforgiving ice chunks. Thats a good idea.

What rear sway bar would you recommend? I have seen 2 on Minspeeds site. I dont plan on any tracking or auto xing, just mainly in town and highways.

HEMI, thanks for all of the input. It has really helped out alot. Much appreciated!

 

If you can keep yourself from using the brakes in a turn, the 22mm bar does wonders for steering responce and balance.

 

Not a problem, chief. Glad to help. Anyway, I went with a Hotchkis 19mm as I knew sooner or later it's gonna get lowered and didn't want the bigger bar and I know and trust the name. Pretty much everyone who's a vendor sells at least 1 sway bar. I'd say just go with the closest company to you to lower S&H costs. And as stated below, a 22mm or a 19 are both fantastic choices.
+1

 

MINI-Madness is based out of Oregon, Outmotoring is in Ohio, Alta is also out of Oregon. Or write down the PN's and see if a local parts store can order any of it. I used to be a parts jockey and Hotchkis has their name and product out there well enough a lot of places have access to it. And you wouldn't (or shouldn't, anyway) have to pay shipping. Or another option is this: http://tinyurl.com/5nb97j
Not in stock but shipping is quick.

 

I think PGT is who you're thinking of. I'll be doing the same this winter. Anyone have 15" holies for sale?

 

Here's an option for a skid plate, too. I wanted to add this before I forget to post it.
http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=33832

 

That is the exact skid plate I was thinking about using. I think that I would have to have it painted or powdercoated black.

Thanks again for your help!

 

Glad to help. And I never thought of getting it powdercoated. *New idea*

 

I just think that it would help if it was powdercoated.
I think that I am going to go ahead and get the JCW suspension kit from Morristown Mini. I do want to call and see if the price listed ($700.00) includes the springs. I hope it does, otherwise I will order the struts from Minspeed.

 

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3751
That's what you get, springs and struts.
The whole deal, minus mounts. Might want to consider camber plates as an add-on to truly realize the capability of the MINI suspension and aid in prevention of mushrooming.

 

So then do I have to order the mounts seperate or can I just use the existing mounts?