Well, it looks like I'm in need of replacement camber plates. I have the IE adjustable camber plates now, but lo-and-behold I'm crossing these railroad tracks earlier today and before I could do anything about it I notice this deep dip in the road. After the accompanying thud, I listen carefully for any possible problems, but all seemed okay so I continue on my way feeling a little ill after what happened.

As I'm going back home, I attempt to accelerate past a car and I notice my whole front-end shutter. At this point I'm not sure what's wrong, so I drive the rest of the way listening for anything abnormal. Once I got home, first thing I do is walk around the front checking my tires, wondering if perhaps one of my tires' is low on pressure. Sure enough, the tires are just fine. I then proceed to check my suspension. At first I don't see anything glaringly obvious, until I poked my head under the hood... and there it is... staring right at me... both of my struts pulled, or I suppose in this case pushed, right out of the camber plates, nut and all.

So now here is my dilemma. After this experience, I've sworn off the IE plates and want to go with another brand. Right now I'm considering either Helix or TSW... each seem to have their merits, so I figured maybe I can get some assistance. Currently I'm running M7 coilovers, so perhaps that alone will settle the matter and force me to go back with IE camber plates. If anyone could offer some incite, it would be appreciated!

GotMINI

 

I'd go with Helix. Those things are beasty, plus the TSW ones aren't clear as to whether or not they would fit the M7 coilovers, where as Helix appears to fit just about anything.

 

Yeah, I'm starting to lean that way. Plan on calling someone at Helix tomorrow to find out whether there will be any install issues.

GotMINI

 

Instead of Helix I would suggest the Hotchkis (H-Sport). Similar design but improved over the Helix. The TSW look like the best option if they will fit.

 

and the Helix raised the car a hair, but to get the Hotchkiss to maximize strut travel I had to mod them a bit. That may be cause I'm not running the stock struts though, I don't know. The helix are indestructable. After fixing the Hotchkiss, I've had no trouble with them. FWIW, theHotchkiss also replace the upper spring perch, and the helix do not. (It's not the best of parts on the stock car). If TSW had plates when I was selecting what I would get, I'd have given them a try, I think. They are smart guys.....

You'll be happy any way you go...

Matt

 

FWIW, we can "fit" our camber plates to any coilover, OEM, or aftermarket strut... To date, our plates are running on KW, AST, Bilstein, Koni, etc. Just haven't had anyone with m7 coilovers want a set...

 

I got some requests for photos of the damage. I apologize for the poor image quality, but this is the best my cell phone can do (hoping to buy a real digital camera soon).

GotMINI

 

Those arent fixed IE plates right ?

Please excuse my ignorance but is this a common occurance with camber plates just by hitting a pothole ? I ask because im thinking of adding some plates to my new suspension.

 

No, those are the adjustable IE camber plates. As far as I'm aware, I don't believe this is a common occurrence, but based on the little research I've done, some of the other camber plates on the market have a better design and are less susceptible to this type of failure. Of course, the whole incident took place very quickly; perhaps I hit the dip a lot harder than I thought. Hard to say... it certainly didn't seem any worse than what I've experienced in the past. For those of you who are wondering, I've had the camber plates on my car for about a year and a half... so I've driven, as a rough estimate, about 25k miles.

GotMINI

 

You get what you pay for for the most part. There is a reason that Helix and TSW Camber Plates cost a bit more. Having had both the IE and now the TSW I know why the cost more too.

Things like this are less likely to happen with either the TSW or Helix. Sometimes you do hit that pothole a bit to hard and no matter the brand something breaks.

 

As others have said "The helix are indestructable." I have them and you do get what you pay for.

P.S. The roads in and around the Philly area are just like NYC if not worse.

 

Will the helix work with my M7 strut tower brace?