Hey Mid TN guys and gals. I know that there are tons of threads about suspension mods, recommendations and how-tos (I've been going through them until I am flat out confused). I want to get into a discussion with some local folks, in case we can actually get together face to face. I type poorly and get distracted by the 10,000 other discussions, when doing this online.
So here it is:
I have $500 and want to do a suspension upgrade. I am pretty sure that I want the rear anti-sway and lowering springs. From all that I can tell on the discussions, I also need lower control arms to correct the camber, if I do the lowering springs. That totals $650+/-. So here I sit, money to burn and cannot make a decision. Any thoughts and/or experiences with any of you. I'd love to get together and discuss. That way I can point at things while I talk (I'm way too visual).

 

Okay hwy74, if nobody else here will tell you what you need to hear, then I will. Man up and make your own decision!

 

I'd offer some suggestions but I am a total girl when it comes to mechanical workings. My hubby is the motorhead around our house and he's a dyed in the wool MOPAR man. Can't tell you how much talking I had to do to get my MC, especially a new one.

 

Yeah, I know the type. Not saying that is a bad thing. He probably wants to put a wind-up key on the back of Scarlet, LOL.
I get my pure horsepower from my motorcycle. Its a 1000 CC, 400 pound screamer that does 0-60 mph in about 2.5 seconds. Your hubby would appreciate the fact that the power to weight ratio is .34 hp/lb. Ruby's power to weight is .07 hp/lb. Mega difference.

 

He did ask me about, oh I don't know, a thousand times (!) if I was sure I wanted to step down from a six cylinder to a four, knowing what a ledfoot I am. But it only took one test drive to convince me that Scarlet was the one for me. He even admitted that it was pretty frickin' fun to drive.

 

I would say the best thing to do first is lower the cars center of gravity via springs or coilovers. Also, I did not have to buy rear camber arms for my car and I went with coilovers (but i do like to run -2 degress all the time) To lower a car correctly you are going to spend good money. Lowering springs are useless without upgraded shocks made to be lower (you will blow you stock shocks in a month or two). When you spend money to get both springs and shocks you are in coilover price territory anyhow so you might as well get coilovers. Since the mini has such a tight chassis anyhow, Lowering it (not slamming it though) will offer the best handling increase

 

Mike, thanks for the advice. As I do not have the funds for coilovers, I think I'll make the first move with a rear anti-sway. I have read on some other threads that it is the most noticeable one-step change to feel and handling. I hear you loud and clear on the lower CG, and agree. When I do it though, I also need to correct the camber so that I do not chew the tires up too quick. Mine is a daily driver, so I have to keep that in consideration.

 

I installed the ALTA CAI and rear anti-sway this weekend. Ruby is a different little beast now, and lots of fun. Just in case anybody else is doing mods themselves, Randy's how-to's are very helpful.

 

I've been considering doing both those mods myself for awhile now. Guess I'll have to get off my butt and do something about it.

I've got to set up a "maintenance" weekend soon. Oil & filter, take off the inter-cooler for a good cleaning, maybe a Detroit Tuned bypass valve while in there. I also got some brake dust shields I want to put on my wheels. I'm tired of having to clean my wheels all the time.

 

The CAI is something that you probably want to experience before you do it. It definitely changes the sound of the car and some do not think, in a good way. Kimberly got in the car after the install and said "oooh, you messed up your car". I think it's cool, but obviuosly all do not.
The rear anti-sway is a "no-brainer". makes a world of difference at any speed, not just slammin it. I used the Alta 22mm, because its the best bang for the buck and there are three settings on the bar. I have mine in the middle right now and it seems pretty good. I think I'll move it over to the stiffest setting this weekend and see what happens .

 

I'm toying with doing a CAI as my first mod. . .how much of a difference is there in the sound? Is it a throatier, rumblier (is that a word?) sound or a loud Harley sound? I'm not particularly fond of the "sewing machine" sound I got going on now and wouldn't mind it if it added a little beefier sound but I don't want it to sound like a Harley or worse yet, a tuner car.

 

Dawn,
I have not heard a Justa with a CAI (Someone may chime in here), but I would bet that it will make your car sound better in every way, since there is no supercharger whine involved. It's really cool, becasue you can actually hear the car breathe. Doesnt that make you feel better, just knowing that?

mmmmmm...satisfying...

 

My two cents for what it's worth, I don't remember if we talked about suspension when you were in the other day, but I've ran lowering springs with two of my R53s and never had problems with the stock shocks or tire wear. Just make sure to get a good alignment from someone that will dial it on correctly. They both handled very well and did quite well at the track.

 

Thanks for those two cents John. And that settles it... springs are the next purchase, well after a new Mini for my wife

 

Awesome! Another two-MINI family!!! WOOT!