I just put TSW springs on my 02 S and ended up leaving the stock bump stop in place without cutting it. As I've been doing some research, I'm wondering if that was a smart move. Based on what I've read, my confusion is this:

Do I leave it be knowing that I'll have a little less suspension travel but also assuming the stock bump stop is more forgiving on the bottom portion and harder towards the top thereby giving a progressively harder stop as the suspension bottoms out, or

Do I cut the top "hockey puck" portion off the bump stop which gives me another 1/2" to 3/4" of suspension travel but only leaves the bottom portion (the part with the lip that mates with the dust boot and looks inadequate) as the last line of defense against bottoming out.

Which is the better situation? I never autocross, the TSW springs are linear, and I'm using the stock shocks.

 

Hi,
I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm considering TSW springs with OEM shocks too.
I'd like to know, how many miles you have on you OEM shocks and more importantly, how has the ride quality changed? Harder, harsher, stiffer,... softer maybe?
Thanks.

 

You could just buy some H-Sport poly bump stops. They should be about the right size for the TSWs.

 

drfubar,
I have about 65000 on the stock shocks and they're holding up just fine. With the few miles that I've driven, I've noticed that the ride is a little bit harsher.

 

The JCW springs/shocks have the full bump stop and I think the TSW springs only drop an 1/8" to 1/4" more than the JCW so that could be good rationale to leave the bump stops as is.
I cut the top portion of my bump stops whan I added H&R springs however, I switched back to JCW springs and still have the shortened bump stops. I have had no problems/issues with the shorter bump stops.
So maybe it really does not matter much.

 

I cut mine when I ran TSW springs, and left the top portion.

My MINI has taken flight (literary) I also live on a dirt road with large potholes and have never bottomed out to the point of hitting the cut bumpstops, but I am sure I would have if I had not cut them. Hitting bumpstops is not a nice feeling, especially if you hit a large bump mid corner.

I suggest cutting them like TSW recomends, they are still plenty spongy when cut, and if you are to the point of bottoming out the stock shocks /w TSW springs and cut bumpstops I believe you have other issues more important to worry about (bent suspension components / wheels ETC). However since you already assembled the spring/shock without cutting them I would not bother with it unless you live in a very bumpy area / are planning on tracking your MINI or driving aggressively on late night twisty roads / or just enjoy working on suspension.