(prior approval from Drew to make this post, mods let me know if it needs edits and i will gladly do so)

A lot of people are looks first, function second and that's totally cool. There are some pretty good products out there right now for the Mini and very solid vendors behind them.

BUT I think there is a lack in significantly improved options for those that track and autocross their cars (and still daily drive the car). There are some good parts out there but i think there is a lot still left on the table.

The Mini is essentially on the bumpstops at stock ride height, so when i see springs that lower the car 1.4 inches or whatever i just shake my head. There is only about 2 to 2.5 inches of bump travel, and that's NOT including the bumpstop. The bumpstop increases rate progressively until it spikes to infinity, causing understeer and poor ride quality.

There also aspects to lowering the car that negatively affect handling due to changes in roll center height. Yes, you get a lower center of gravity but this advantage is vastly outweighed by the negatives.

The only reason to lower the car that much is looks, plain and simple.

This car has SO much potential, but in my opinion a lot of these springs do more harm than good. Proper spring rates, geometry, and suspension travel are key points for springs.

My personal "dream" spring would be:

Minimal drop, as in 5 to 10 mm front and rear. Probably an even drop. Rates around 250 to 280 lbs/in (280 lbs/in = 5 kg/mm). This should be perfect with Koni Yellows or Bilstein Sports. I figure most people aren't running stock dampers by now and they aren't that good to begin with, so might as well have them work well with aftermarket dampers.

Not a "looks" spring but a handling spring. With good dampers this would be coilover level performance with good ride quality.

Am I the only one out there that's looking for something like this?

- Andrew

 

you are not alone. so far, I've been interested in the TSW springs. not sure if they fit the bill. I have seen a few comments that the TSW springs don't lower the car enough and therefore what's the point. I think there's a large portion of people who lower for cosmetics only and that's totally ok if that's what's important. For me, the ride height preference is so subtle that most people wouldn't notice my car is lowered...that's just me. Let us know what you find...I'd sure be interested.

 

I have visions of doing a coilover conversion to koni yellows or bilstien sports, but it would be soooo much easier to just have an OEM fitment spring with good solid rates.

i think i'd do JCW springs before the TSWs, but no one knows the rates. i'll have them tested if someone wants to send me a set.

- andrew

 

I have the TSW and I love them. The only spring I would want!

 

Sounds like you want the jcw suspension kit dude. Comfort on this is outstanding for oem +

 

I am about to install my Koni Yellows with the TSW springs, if you would like I can post a review of them once I drive them for a while!

 

I have Dinan springs with Koni Yellows and they are awesome. Just a slight drop (~1/2") but significant improvement in spring rate and shock response.

 

i have the same setup as Mike87 the drop is perfect and the improvement and rise quality and handling is awesome.

They were on clearance not long ago and the deal wasn't too bad either.

-Jonathan

 

This phenomenon happens with most enthusiast cars out there because it is what most people want and speed part manufacturers have to make parts that will sell.

Suspension geometry is fairly complex and many people just don't understand the details. Basically, they just think that a lower car = lower center of gravity = better handling car. All things being equal this is true, however this is not the case, particularly with strut-type suspensions. In the mini's case not only will you get a messed up camber curve but you also have the aforementioned suspension travel problems.

Unfortunately many people feel that a reduction in body-roll directly equates to a handling improvement. If you have ever tracked a car you'll know that this is wrong - the stopwatch doesnt lie. There are more people that don't track their cars then those who do so it's obvious with market is larger.

Personally I prefer a straight rate spring with a streetable rate increase and minimal drop.

 

Hi Andyroo, I have a 2003 MCS Works, it has the Sports Plus suspension, I'm unclear as to what springs these are. I've been told that all MCS have them in the States but it was an option here in the UK. Are they different to the JCW suspension package. I think I was too early to get the JCW suspension.....