2003 Mini Cooper S (R53) with only 28,000 miles on it.

Ordered new Suspension yesterday and get to install it all December 28th. Very excited. Will post pics after install is complete.

Here is what I am doing. Removing the existing coils and factory shocks. Removing all End Links and Rear sway bar.

I am adding the Ksport Version RR Coilovers. This is a local company that has gotten past all their early issues and I feel as a local company I will be well taken care of. The build quality is great and the product should do very well. They gave me a great price also.

I am adding the ALTA Endlinks, ALTA Control Arms and the ALTA 19mm Sway Bar. I am also adding the ALTA Sealed Cold Air Intake system. I also am adding the M7 Front Tower Brace.

Any other advice for me? Thank you in advance.

 

After it is done, go drive it and have fun!

 

I hope your control arms don't start to clunk after a while. Many dissatisfied ALTA customers on this forum. The heim joints don't seem to hold up well. ALTA said they redesigned them, but they still clunk.

 

Let us know how the coilovers work out. Plus pics if you can. I've had the new style Alta arms on my car for over 2 years now and haven't had any problems with noise like my previous set . The new heim joints seem to work fine, no noise at all. The car see's 12 or more track day's a year plus autoX
without a problem.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

Local company...are you in taiwan? or is it India for K Sports?

Sorry, i've driven K Sports on another car (EVO) and they were some of the worst dampers i've ever been on. This was maybe 2 years ago. Another friend owned them for his Mazda, and he said the same and had tons of warranty trouble after only a month or two of owning them. Many similar stories on the internet, but those are my own 2 experiences. I'd prefer stock....

Let us know how you like them though.

- drew

 

Thanks for the heads up but I was well aware of all the past issues. I am confident they have changed that. Ksport are made in Taiwan based on all the R&D and research done here in Chandler, AZ. When Ksport started, they did not have enough tools, like a dyno. They now have their act together and are producing better components. In addition, the set they offer for EVO and Mazda are different than what is offered for a Mini. With them being here in Chandler, I can drive to them for help on anything that may arise. Had I gone with BC or Megan (which are made in the same plant), I could not ahve done this.

I hear your concern though and appreciate the heads up. I am willing to take the gamble and will take as many pics as I can and share with you all the results after I get some time on them.

 

just for fun, please post the corner weights after the coil-overs have been adjusted

thanks, and i bet you are going to have mucho fun with that setup.

 

Alright. Car is home and I have it all installed. Here is the "initial" perception and verdict.

The Ksport coilovers are GREAT so far. I think I will really like these coilovers and this set up. I will post pictures and more details later. I have them set at medium stiffness and my ride hieght is about one and half fingers. When they were fully maxed out, they were at the rims. Very low.

The ALTA Rear Endlinks and Rear 19mm Sway bar are in and I can't really comment yet without more drive time. Stay tuned for more details.

The ALTA Front Endlinks are not going to be installed. The Ksport coilovers came with a Front set included (did not know this when I ordered). The Ksport set of Endlinks were much better design and build quality than the ALTA set. I now have a Brand New set of Endlinks for sale.

The ALTA Air Intake system is my sore spot. I do NOT like this intake at all. The install is weak in my opinion and it raised up the factory ECU section so that my new M7 tower brace won't fit. The increased amount of power is not noticeable and the "whine" sound the intake makes the supercharger make is way too loud and annoying. I really made a mistake here and now have a Brand New Intake for sale.

The ALTA control arms got left off the order (my mistake) and I did not install these as I originally planned. I am glad I made this mistake and will not order these at this point.

Wish I had read more posts on this ALTA stuff as I am now considering myself another victim. The quality is just not there and I made a mistake on some of it. I will hope and assume the Rear Sway Bar and Endlinks will be OK.

 

Looks like your on your way. Feel free to give us a call we'll help you get some of the HIGH quality parts your looking. I've installed enough to be able to tell you what does and doesn't work.

WAY
317.201.8670

 

Hi Driven1, I am sorry you feel you are a victim but...Have you contacted ALTA about your issues? I have our intake on my car and a jcw strut brace and have no problem. The M7 bar does sit VERY low but still should clear. We have installed that combo in our shop a few times and it should definitely clear. It sounds like the ECU might not be pushed back down into its OEM position all the way. The ALTA Airbox does not raise the ECU, it might just be an installation issue. Please contact us! This IS a HIGH quality airbox. I know I enjoy mine!

 

Thank you for the reply. You may be correct and I will have my local shop check what you have stated. In fairness to ALTA, I will try your suggestion. Do you think there is any way you can post a picture of your installation and the one with the M7 brace? It would help my cause with my local installation shop.