As soon as I bought my car I put the H&R springs on it and have been fairly happy with them. However, my daily commute has now become twice as long as it used to be and the H&Rs are just too harsh. Now I'm having trouble deciding what my next move is. Do I A. switch from H&R to H-sport which rides better or B. go for a basic coilover system like the KW Variant 1 and H&R coilovers. I'm assuming the coilovers will give significantly better handling than the H-sport springs, but will the ride quality be as good? Keep in mind that I have the H&R springs right now and am looking for a ride that's a little stiffer than stock, while still being compliant over freeway overpasses (something the H&R is NOT).

thanks,

amir

 

coilovers usually use a lot higher spring rate to compensate the shorter
stroke when lowered, so the comfort would usually be stiffer than stock.

your best bet is to run 15 or 16" wheels/tires (non r/f). very big difference.

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03MCS IB/Blk: 123, Aerokit, R90 17x7, Anthrasite Int, TK5 16x7, 6CDMP3, etc.

 

I had the H&R coilovers, they rode harsher than the H&R springs on the stock struts.

If it were me, I'd go to h-sport springs on the stock struts. Either that or go to Regular tires if your still on run-flats.

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North American Motoring
dave@northamericanmotoring.com :: Send me a PM

 

DiD, thanks, exactly the feedback I was looking for. Looks like I'll be getting the H-sport springs.

 

I am now on my 2nd set of KW coilovers. The first set was the V1, which I got from Helix. I was very impressed with them. I had two different sets of coilovers on my STS Subaru and I drove or rode in several other cars with other coilovers, NOTHING compared to the KW's for ride quality. In my opinion they were better than stock in both ride and handling and of course you can choose your own ride height. As soon as I could get KW's, full race, 2 way coilovers I took the V1's off and even with the Stiffer springs of the 2 ways my Mini still rides great in all but very cold weather. I was tempted to buy yet another set for my Subaru but I've decided to sell that a focus on just the MINI. The worst coilovers I've had experience with were my Leda's.