Hi there,
I love my 2013 Copper S( hatchback) but I would like to drop a 1" or 2". I was thinking to get the H&R springs at first but after reading the forum I kind of changed my mind, considering that I will take it to the track ( mainly solos) and second I leave and drive on twisty roads in the beautiful Columbia Gorge.
So here are the questions: 1) being on budget ( up $1000 for suspension) what should I get, Koni, Megan, H&R, etc., and 2) do I need also to buy control arms, end links, etc.? I understand that no matter what I choose/do, I need to have an alignment. Happy Motoring

 

You can get KW V1 for about $1500. KW B-specs for $1850. Ohlins for $2199. I would not purchase a coilover that is cheaper. I just got some and went with the Ohlins. Also ran the NM springs for 6 months and really liked them.

 

From everything I've read the Megan Euro-Street coilovers are the best bang for the buck in your price range....$900.

 

I found those so far Megans at outmotoring
http://www.outmotoring.com/megan-rac...coilovers.html

 

it depends on what your budget can handle, You should check out ST Coilovers. They are made by KW and basically the same design as the V1. Main difference is their construction, ST is galvanized steel vs V1 which is made from stainless steel. Also do a search, you'll find some more in dept info and reviews to help you decide

 

The only drawback to the ST's and the KW V1's is the lack of dampner adjustability. That's why I recommend the Megans....32 way adjustability.

And yes, you will need lower control arms for the rear.

 

It really depends on the height you go with. I have lower control arms but have them set to stock length with the NM springs. 1.25 inch drop and my rear camber was at -1.8

 

found those as well:
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...coilovers.html

 

@ socalledfriend, I agree, the megans have lots of adaptability compare to ST. Any one used or seen the vmaxx coil-overs?

 

as far as controls arms go, which one are a good brand for the buck? I work near Alta...

 

I have the Alta's on my R56. I recommend them. The Hotchkis are good too.

 

...so I guess, I'll need a sway bar too?

 

Rear control arms = H-sport

 

Good coilovers with a proper spring rate make a RSB less needed.

 

@jkapinos
I'm thinking to get those:

http://www.outmotoring.com/MINI_coop...coilovers.html

 

I don't have personal experience with Megan's. But you are getting alot with that setup. My Vorshlag frt camber plates where over $600 alone. Maybe someone with these will chime in and give you their thoughts. Good luck and enjoy.

 

that's my problem I don't have to much experience with coil overs, camber plates, so choosing the right set up is even more challenging.

 

Don't get the Megans....32 way adjustable is laughable. Any which way you change them, they're still stiff as ****.

Why do I know? I went through 2 sets of Megans before I knocked some sense into my head and went with Ohlins.

 

+1
From full soft to full stiff, it made zero to little difference.

 

Sometimes… More bang for the buck, isn't necessarily the best deal. In the end, you get, what you pay for!

 

So what should I get? That's my dilemma? Konis or H&R?
Also, I checked on outmotoring a set made by V-maxx ($700). What's the public opinion on those? I read good feedback but a lot of them used on mazdas...and just to add more gas to the fire...what would be a good suspension if you don't want to have coil overs, just the Drop and good overall every day mountain roads handling.

 

Get some swift or hyperco springs if you're not going to go with coilovers, and v-maxx blow....

I used to have ST on my E92 335i and they rode equivalent to stock and though you couldn't adjust anything except ride height, I think they were great for what they were. You don't need all that rebound/compression unless you're really going to track to the nth degree, BUT ST has come out with the ST XTA which come with camber plates and you can adjust rebound.

Forgot how much they go for, but it's a good setup that I think a lot of individuals overlook.

I'd choose those over Megans. Megans are cheap, and though I'm not old, I do cherish my back lol

 

Listen to ra2fanatic. He's played with a lot of different parts and knows what he is talking about. I, personally, wish I hadn't spent $800 on an H&R Cup Kit and should've just saved for a good coilover set up. Try to do everything right the first time so you don't waste money and have regrets later.

 

...so those are the two option that I'm debating on:
KV 1
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...coilovers.html
H&R
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...coilovers.html

 

@solskjaer1999...after the beer 30 last night, I made the decision to get coil overs, so I posted what I can fit within budget, without upsetting the better half LOL
@ra2fanatic, I just checked your post about your mods on your car, super nice...