Hi all. I apologize if this has been covered but I did a search and couldn't find anything definitive. Just picked up a 2011 MCS with standard suspension, 17" R98 wheels and Dunlop run flats. I like the way the car handles, but I would like to squeeze a little more potential out of it.

My plans include a rear sway bar, but I was also considering upgrading the springs and dampers. A forum member is selling JCW red springs from his 2011 and from what I read they only provide about 10mm drop which is perfect as I am not looking to lower the car for appearance sake, just improved handling.

I have three main questions:

1 - I understand that these springs are VIN specific based on options so am I making too big a leap of faith in assuming that if his car is optioned out similarly to mine that they should work no problem?

2 - Are there folks out there running non OEM shocks/struts with these springs and if so which ones seemed to be best matched to the spring rates?

3 - Am I missing an aftermarket spring that will deliver similar performance and ride height difference?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

What are you using the car for? Spirited daily driver? DD with track days? AutoX?

 

Mainly spirited driving but I may take it to an autocross event at some point. It is my daily driver so my goal is to maintain driveability while increasing handling capability. Asking too much?

 

Not at all. Most aftermarket shocks are adjustable as far as stiffness goes....it just depends how far down your pocket you're willing to reach.

I would start off with springs, sway bar and tires and see how you like it.

 

Koni Sport shocks are great. Full soft for the street and stiffer if you want for the track.

 

JCW springs + Koni Yellows or Bilstein sports + IE fixed camber plates + a good alignment + rear swaybar and you'll be happy.

 

I agree with andyroo. This is a great street setup. IMHO people sometimes get a little overzelous trying to make their ride a track setup and then drive it primarily on the street. Usually it doesn't do either very well.
The only thing I would add is some bolt on bracing besides wheels and tires.
Steve

 

Thanks for the replies all. I am leaning towards the JCW springs with Koni Yellows and a 22mm rear sway bar.

 

I assume the spring perches off the OEM shocks are reusable on the Konis?

 

Yup. The rear Konis have their own built in perches, just like stock. The fronts you have to hammer off the OEM strut with a rubberized mallet or something similar and you slide them onto the front Koni strut.

 

Going today to install Koni Yellows, the shaft on the Konis is bigger than the OEM and obviously the " bell shaped housing which sits atop the spring" has to be drilled out the mathch the Koni shaft.
Anyone done this and had any problems etc?
Will I have a similar problem installing the front shocks?

 

I just installed the Yellows on my Roadster, super happy with them. You will need to drill the rear housing to accept the larger Koni. On the fronts, no drilling required. No problems at all.


-Steven

 

Thank you for your reply. What settings did you use by the way?
I have lots of opinions and yet to set them for the initial install.

 

Hi Rodney,

I set mine a quarter turn past the middle setting, front and rear. I'm getting a pretty quick/abrupt return on decompression on the rear. I think go towards the softer side, especially since you are mainly a daily driver. Setting the fronts to a more firm setting is easy and the adjustments can really be felt. I'm really happy with these. I will pull the rears one more time and try a softer setting.

-Steven

 

Whoever has boughten JCW red springs where did you purchase and how much we're they?

 

Bought mine from the UK for about $550 plus delivery to Australia.

Unable to source from the US