R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Koni adjustables with stock springs or should I upgrade?

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Old Mar 14, 2013 | 04:13 PM
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mrbean's Avatar
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Koni adjustables with stock springs or should I upgrade?

'03 MCS:
I'm about the install a set of Koni adjustables along with a number of other suspension upgrades and I haven't made up my mind on whether or not I should upgrade the springs. I don't want anything too stiff (I had coilovers at one point and they were way too stiff), but I wouldn't mind something slightly stiffer than stock. Any suggestions? I looked into JCW springs but the local dealer is quoting me +$550 with tax. Seems a little steep for 4 springs.
 
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Old Mar 14, 2013 | 06:32 PM
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Melangell
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From: Savannah Georgia
TSW Springs from Way Motor Works.

I have them for my R56 MCS. I really like the Linear aspect. MUCH better than progressive springs for the twisties! I will be adding Koni Yellows next week.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 02:02 AM
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If you don't track, check Koni/Vogtland progressive springs. They are reasonably priced & give you some drop.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 10:51 AM
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From: Kyle, TX
I've got the TSW springs and Bilstein touring shocks, great combination. The slight drop of the TSW with the increased spring rate (10-15%) matches well with the Bilsteins which are 10-15% more dampened than stock.

With a Koni adjustable, you can get a good ride with the TSWs but be careful of over dampening with the little adjustment ****
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 11:37 AM
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Way still doesn't have any updates on when the TSW Springs will be available for the R53's again. He changed his manufacturers... I'm waiting on them myself.

I may try coordinating a Tein H Tech group buy with one of the vendors, but no definates yet.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2013 | 05:37 AM
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Originally Posted by blue2turbo
Way still doesn't have any updates on when the TSW Springs will be available for the R53's again. He changed his manufacturers... I'm waiting on them myself.

I may try coordinating a Tein H Tech group buy with one of the vendors, but no definates yet.
Ya, I tried ordering from Way last fall and I've been frustrated by the interstellar back order. I can't imagine why it is taking him so long to re-source these things.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2013 | 05:48 AM
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Nothing really wrong with using the stock springs with the Koni Sports,
just doesn't look as racy.
You'll get more suspension travel than any aftermarket spring, better
suspension geometry in the front, no need to readjust rear camber, and
better ground clearance staying at stock height.
On rougher roads, they'll perform and feel better than lower springs.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by cristo
Nothing really wrong with using the stock springs with the Koni Sports,
just doesn't look as racy.
You'll get more suspension travel than any aftermarket spring, better
suspension geometry in the front, no need to readjust rear camber, and
better ground clearance staying at stock height.
On rougher roads, they'll perform and feel better than lower springs.
My thoughts exactly. I think this is especially ideal if the car is a commuter/small family car but you want to do some minor mods.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 10:02 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by cristo
Nothing really wrong with using the stock springs with the Koni Sports,
just doesn't look as racy.
You'll get more suspension travel than any aftermarket spring, better
suspension geometry in the front, no need to readjust rear camber, and
better ground clearance staying at stock height.
On rougher roads, they'll perform and feel better than lower springs.
My thoughts exactly. I think this is especially ideal if the car is a commuter/small family car but you want to do some minor mods.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 10:21 AM
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From: CT
do they come with the damper extension *** for the rears? how do yuo adjust dampening in the rear with out droping the shock every time? cut big hole for your fingers to fit?

im still up in the air if i want to get these or just go for coilovers most coilovers caan com with the extensinon if you want too.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 11:00 AM
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From: Arnold, MO.
You could but anyone I've ever known to have them just drops 'em.

Yes, it's a PITA, but once they're set, they're set, figure 1 1/2 - 2 turns out is usually a good starting point, and then you can get pretty close on your first adjustment by going off of what your settings on your fronts are.
Plus, once you've broken loose the bottom bolt the first time, it really doesn't take long to pull them, it's only 4 bolts.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 01:00 PM
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From: CT
are we talking about the extensions or cutting a hole?
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 01:29 PM
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I went with TSW springs and ran into the front spring lift problem. Replaced the front with Apex springs and really like this set-up. My buddy has a set of Swift springs for sale on NAM, they are brand new! He decided to convert his Koni Yellows to coil-overs.

Good luck!
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 01:48 PM
  #14  
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I have Koni Yellows with the JCW springs and I just luv the ride and the stance of my vehicle.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 04:04 PM
  #15  
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From: Arnold, MO.
Originally Posted by GreekDrifter91
are we talking about the extensions or cutting a hole?
Cutting a hole.
 
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