Hey guys, I'm a proud new owner of a BRG CVT Cooper. I want to make a few modifications, but I am afraid something will go wrong.
I basically want to get new wheels and maybe lower it just a tiny bit, an inch at the most. As for new wheels, I was thinking about getting some from IForged(maybe some 18" ones). As for the springs, I have no clue what to get. I just want to make sure that the ride ends up handling better and that I don't void any warranties.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated...Also if anyone has suggestions of trustworthy locations in Southern California where I can get all this done, I would appreciate it.
Thanks....

 

top springs out there right now are H-Sport and H&R. do a search on this site and you will find tons of info. try the sponsor directory also. webb motorsports and helix are too very reputable MINI shops. good luk

 

My first mod was front mud flaps

 

My first mod was the removal of that stupid MiniFini cup holder. The second mod was the installation of hi-speed racing MINI valve stem caps.

 

I keep forgeting about the rubber floor mats
that was first


_________________
Poco is a 03 MC BRG/W,15" 7 hole white...
Black Lab navigator

 

>>Hey guys, I'm a proud new owner of a BRG CVT Cooper. I want to make a few modifications, but I am afraid something will go wrong.

Panganiban,

Aloha from Hawaii and welcome to NAM.

>>I basically want to get new wheels and maybe lower it just a tiny bit, an inch at the most. As for new wheels, I was thinking about getting some from IForged(maybe some 18" ones). As for the springs, I have no clue what to get. I just want to make sure that the ride ends up handling better and that I don't void any warranties.

18" rims look good but weigh alot more. Depending on the tires you choose they could ride a bit stiffer but not always.
For a balance of looks and performance with reasonable weight and cost usually 16x7" are a good compromise. Since the MC only has 115 HP heavy wheels are not usually an asset. Just put on a set of stock 17" S-lytes and you will see what I mean.

Springs will give you a more aggressive look, corner a bit better, ride a bit rougher with runflats and you'll get a little more negative camber in the rear, about -2 degrees. (stock is about -1 to -1.5 degrees in the rear).

For about a one inch drop for the MC there are:
H-sport springs- good for autocross and stiffer ride but not too rough, one inch drop front and rear.
$215 from Helix13.com

$225 from Webbmotorsports.com (he'll price match anything)
http://www.webbmotorsports.com/suspension.php

H&R sport springs for $260 from Outmotoring.
http://outmotoring.com/h_r_performance_springs_1.html
lowers the car .6" (front and rear) on the MINI Cooper, and 1.2" (front), 1.3" (rear) on the MINI Cooper S.

H&R Stage 2 spring kit is $226 from Helix13.com
Stage 2 springs lower the car 1.2" in the front and 1.3" in the rear

H&R are $250 from Webbmotorsports.com

Eibach springs- ride is similar to stock, a little more expensive. $270 at Outmotoring.com
http://outmotoring.com/eibach_sport_springs.html

Lowers the front end by 1" and the back by 1.2" on the MCS.

Alta springs- ride is slightly firmer than stock. Only $180 right now from Outmotoring.
http://outmotoring.com/alta_sport_springs.html
MINI Cooper Drop 1.5" Front and 1.0" Rear
MINI COOPER "S" Drop .95" Front and .75" Rear


>>Any advice would be greatly appreciated...Also if anyone has suggestions of trustworthy locations in Southern California where I can get all this done, I would appreciate it.

Try-
Steve's Auto Clinic
Nordhoff Blvd
North Hills
818-891-6109

 

Thanks for all the input so far. Minihune, out of all the springs you suggested which would you say are the best and most dependable? I know people who have lowered their cars and that ride turned out being bouncy. I'm considering the H-sport springs because it only drops the car about an inch and that's the most I want it dropped.
As far as wheels go, I think I will consider going with 16" ones at the most. In that case, if the cooper is dropped an inch will it rub? Or will it be safe?
Also, I've been browsing the forums and I've noticed people adding other parts to the suspension after lowering it (sway bar). What does that do and should I get one to prevent any rough handling?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm just very protective over my mini since it's my first car and I don't want to ruin anything.
Oh also, will adding springs or anything else to the suspension void my warranty???

Thanks fellas!!!!

 

>>>Since the MC only has 115 HP heavy wheels are not usually an asset. Just put on a set of stock 17" S-lytes and you will see what I mean.

I think this way over-states the case. I went from 16" R83s to 17" R85s on my MC and did not notice any major difference in acceleration. Potentially *right* off the line, like 0-10, I *might* have lost a tenth of a second, but beyond that it was imperceptible. I think the main reason to go with lighter wheels is handling, not acceleration.

 

Once again, do a search, and you will find all the answers you are looking for. The H-Sports are the most popular here. If you are going for looks go 17's otherwise 16's or 15's. Rear Sway bar stiffens suspension and can make the car handle much differently. The idea is to make the car neutral, between understeer (which is the case of a stock Cooper) and oversteer which is more commonly seen on rear wheel drive cars. The springs shouldn't hurt the ride too much, they are designed not to be stiff until pushed. Progressive its called. Sway bar can make the car feel more stiff also I believe. Really only necessary if you are going to autocross or drive very aggressively.
And no it will not void warranty.

 

if you can find some quality light weight wheels, even some 18's may be lighter than the infamous s-lites. so basically, any set of light weight wheels with non-runflat tires will be a lighter set than the factory (run flats that is). of course, that usually also means less hardy wheels, but that is a risk you run for all aftermarket things.

if you really want to boost handling, i hear the rear sway bar is the way to go, although the springs are also supposed to be nice.

personally, i decided that the short shift kit from b&m would be the first actual performance mod i do. cheap, seemingly harmless, and...cheap. like me!

 

Are those numbers on the alta springs true for the MC? That would make the already apparent rake look HUGE. Lowering the front 1.5 and the rear just 1 inch...? Does anyone have altas installed on a cooper?

 

A great shop in SoCal is All German Auto in Escondido. For springs and sway bar install you should try to find someone who can do it for you, a MINI club member near you perhaps. It is fairly straight foward and takes only about 2 hours using hand tools and a spring compressor borrowed from PepBoys.

 

Thanks guys. All this info has been pretty helpfu considering that I'm not too car savvy when it comes to mods.
Oh by the way, what is oversteer and understeer? Just curious...

Thanks again.

 

>>Thanks guys. All this info has been pretty helpfu considering that I'm not too car savvy when it comes to mods.
>>Oh by the way, what is oversteer and understeer? Just curious...
>>
>>Thanks again.
>>
>> Watch Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise when he asks Robert Duvale about what is "push"

 

>>My first mod was front mud flaps
>>

This is a better mod for the Cooper than some think....

 

>>>>My first mod was front mud flaps :smile:

 

First mod: USA Flying Flag roof graphics

Second mod: 17" OZ Crono's bead blasted, powder coated white and clear coated
Yokohama Tires AVS 100's

Third mod: was Green Stuff low residue brake pads, made a big difference.

Fourth mod: was BPM Promini Gauge Pod

Fifth mod: JCW upgrade

Sixth mod: Carbon Fiber trim, exterior and interior

Seventh mod: Switched 02 HU for an 04 HU and installed AUX cable for my iPod.

Geez, when will it ever stop!

 

Ooopps, I forgot:

Eigtht mod: Tinted windows

Ninth mod: Front upper and lower grill changes.

I guess it will never stop, till I get my next car, which will be................

 

understeer and oversteer simply put.

understeer, the front of the car pushes or plows when driven hard.
oversteer, the back end wants to come around.
from "Days of Thunder" -"whoa my *** is all over the place"-Tom Cruise

The idea of the rear sway bar is to lessen the effect of understeer on the MINI. If set to the stiffest position the car will start to want to come around-oversteer.

 

>>Ooopps, I forgot:
>>
>>Eigtht mod: Tinted windows
>>
>>Ninth mod: Front upper and lower grill changes.
>>
>>I guess it will never stop, till I get my next car, which will be................


I'm curious Mgear...is that your portait (the first one in the wing) in your sig?

 

That's me MSFITOY, Oakley Overthetops and all

 

Thanks! I'm pretty sure I got it now. I'm just trying to figure out what springs to get now. I've narrowed it down to the H-Sport or H&R springs. Just not sure yet. I'm trying to avoid having a bumpy ride and all.
Also, would you guys sugget picking up the sway bar with either of the springs? As far as driving, I'm not gonna be autocrossing or anything. Just going to be driving it locally. Don't get me wrong, I want the best performance but just for the right situation. Also for reliability.

Suggestions anyone? Also how much do you guy think this will cost around?

 

welcome to NAM

if you are in the Los Angeles Area, I can strongly recommend Steve's Auto Clinic, on Nordhoff, in North Hills.. right off the 405.

I have H-sport springs, swaybars, camber plates, etc etc...

When you change the springs to lower the car, you change the camber angle of the wheels. this is the angle at which the tires contact the pavement. If the top of the wheel angles inward towards the car, you have negative camber. By just adding springs, you increase the negative camber.This is not necessarily bad, but can lead to uneven tire wear.

If you have around $2K to spend, I would recommend the full H-Sport Total Vehicle Package. This includes springs, front and rear sway bars, rear lower control arms, front camber adjust, and front shock tower stiffener. A great package that is designed to work as a unit... lower the car with the springs, adjust the changed wheel angles with the lower control arms and front camber plates. Make the car more neutral with the adjustable sway bars...

I love it.. makes the car a little bit more lively and stable all at the same time...

Talk to Steve.. he can help you..

but be prepared...


this never will stop..

everyday you will find something else that can be done to make the car better..

 

Thanks Astra! Unfortunately, I don't have that $2k budget. Wish I had it though. How do you think my CVT Cooper would do with just the springs and sway bar at the most? Would it turn the ride bouncy? Will it have any negative effects on my Cooper? Sorry, but I had to ask. Just really cautious because I don't want to ruin anything.
Anyway, I think that's what I'm looking forward to purchasing at the moment because I'm broke from purchasing it in itself.

 

The ride may be a bit more harsh...but from what i have heard, its not that much worse. And things will get better once you change out the stiff runflats for other tires, that will make the ride less bouncy.

When you order your rear swaybar, i suggest that you get the 19mm since you have the cooper. With the lower weight of the cooper and the smaller front swaybar, the 22mm may be overkill.

For springs, i think that there are quite a few choices, and you cant really go wrong. I havent seen many where people are unhappy with their springs. Hsport do seem to be the favorite though