Hi guys! I have a 2013 Cooper S with sport suspension. I love the way the car handles but hey, you can always improve things!
I'd like to improve the stability/handling and eliminate body roll in the corners, without changing or modifying the sport suspension on the car. From what I've read on NAM, a rear sway bar may be the way to go.
I'm looking for feedback,opinions and suggestions from the many knowledgeable people on this forum. Do you agree? Disagree? What sway bar would you suggest? Would you couple it with a front bar?
Also, will the installation of a rear sway bar break the bank in terms of labor hours?
As always, thanks for taking the time to help!

 

Look in the suspension section such as this thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-sway-bar.html for lots of info. I have a 2010 with sport suspension and I went for the 22mm Alta rear bar. It seems to reduce the under steer and makes turn in a little crisper. DIY install is about a 2hr job and you'll need jack stands and a torque wrench. Do a search to find several excellent threads on the install.

 

I also went for the Alta 22mm. I started on the first setting and the car felt noticeably looser. Great turn in and cornering at all speeds. I just bumped up to the middle setting. I drive pretty aggressively and like where it is at now. The car rotates very nicely!
The install is very easy. I do have an air impact and that made the job easier I am sure. I agree with two hours if you haven't done one before.
I also just did the free camber mod on the front and that helped the front grip in corners.

 

+1 on the Alta 22MM adjustable. If you can wrench, you can do it in a couple of hours. There are videos on site or youtube. Most start out in the middle position for a while then adjust to find the best setting. Both wheels have to be off the ground when making the adjustment. Also, if one of the vendors has them on sale, a set of KONI FSD struts are a super addition. That installation is often best left to a shop guy.

 

Best bang for the buck suspension mod ever. Recently helped install a RSB on an 05 R53 and it took a little over an hour. Here's a DIY for the R56 that may help: http://www.namotorsports.net/docs/NM258856.pdf

 

+1 for the RSB and another +1 for the free camber.

I also have the Alta 22mm and can confirm 2 - 2.5hr install time. There are multiple options for the RSB, pick whatever vendor/color/features/cost works for you, the install process will be the same.

 

Thanks so much everyone! Should I be doing anything to the front suspension?

 

I recommend the H-Sport 25mm hollow competition RSB. It has the same stiffness as the 22mm solid bar, weighs less, and is a one piece design without welded ends like the Alta bar. It is also powdercoated where the Alta is painted and has been prone to flaking paint and rusting. Just my opinion after having 2 other Alta bars on previous MINI's. For the cost it's the best bang for the buck mod you can do to your car.

 

I have the 25mm h-sport competition bar. I LOVE it turning hard on corners going 45-60mph with traction off and good tires on dry pavement:-). If your look for fun, this is truly the best mod!

 

Skip over anything Alta. Especially their suspension pieces. The coating chips off over time.

Another supporter of the H-sport comp. 25.5mm bar. You just can't go wrong with the H-sport name. It's the best suspension mod you can do to your car for the money. It GREATLY reduces the amount of understeer the car has.

 

Unless you want to lower the car. From that point, your options would be lowering springs with new sporty dampers like Konis, or to go all out on coilovers.

 

i'm prepping my car for stock class autox, will be going with the hsport comp hollow bar.

 

I have the Alta as well, works great!

 

22mm alta here also love it

 

Have owned and driven both the 19mm and 22mm Alta bars. Both seemed to be good quality. I personally would choose the 19mm bar for street use. It also allows you to dial down to stock levels.

The 22 is great for competition autocross for track, but the adjustment is way stiffer than stock even at the loosest setting.