Hey guys. Just wondering what your thoughts were of the M7 spring? I thought my mind was set on the H-sports, but now I think I may go with the M7s after talking to Peter. Just trying to gather input from as many people as possible. Please keep in mind that I only use my vehicle for day-to-day commuting(No track). Thanks!

 

I didn't even know M7 had their own branded spring set. What's their claim to fame? What are the spring rates (linear or progressive), ride height changes from stock, and do they make any references to the different ride heights depending on build date?

 

Yeah, they were being tested for a while and then I found out they finally had them on sale. From the information, I've gathered so far they're a little softer than the H-sports, so it's better for day-to-day street driving. The drop is about 33mm, with just enough to close the gap but not making it look slammed. Here's pic with a Cooper with M7 springs.

 

The H-sport are the standard I'd compare any other springs against. My own MINI has the H&R's, but if I were doing it over again, I'd get the H-sports (they weren't available at the time I got my springs).

In any case, it would be interesting to see reviews from some independent third-party MINI owners (especially if they have some autocross experience with the springs).

 

I have H-Sports, kind of rough, but i am young and my back can take the abuse. but they are great, as long as the roads are smooth where you are at.

 

A tad firmer shock would probably improve the ride of H-sports greatly to
settle the bump stroke. H-sport initial bump is softer than factory due to
its progressive-rate, but the spring rate seem to increase too early
as the bound gets a tad larger which causes the faster rebound and its
bounciness feel over moderate to larger bumps on stock struts.

That is the next thing I want to change on my car... to firmer struts.

If the M7 springs are about the same ride height but a tad softer I think
they may work better than the H-sports while keeping the moderate drop
look.

 

A guys I have a set on the way, I'll post my thoughts when I get them on ol Brutus. :smile:

 

Sounds like the M7 springs are similar to the KW spring rates and ride height. If that comparison is appropriate, then the H-Sport springs will still be the best handling spring set out there.

 

We were looking for a spring that would offer a solution to a current problem. Many people were asking for a lower ride height but did not want a jarring ride. The wanted better handling as well but that was not the first priority. We feel that the M7 spring set is a good compromise of all three areas appearance, ride comfort and handling.We know the H sport spring set very well as we have sold many of them. We were just looking for something that would let you run the car a little lower without a harsher ride. The progressive style spring which we have achieves that goal. Softens the easy bumps and as you press it harder the stiffer portion of the spring begins to work stiffening up the ride as needed. If handling is your first priority a spring set of any type will not compare to a set of true coil overs which is why we offer the Leda line for the truly serious driver .
Randy
Team M7
www.m7tuning.com

 

Randy,

Any thought to offering the "softer" springs in a zero drop / stock ride height version?

Dave

 

Isn't that kind of hard to achieve? If you're a pretty big guy and the
springs are softer, the initial drop will increase with the progressive rate
when you get on your car...

I wasn't sure why one of our local WRX expert had stock struts while his
motor was totally souped up... until him and his wife got on the car.
That must've been a 2" drop.

 

DID good question and I wil look into it but I think Kenchan raises good points as to why it may not work as hoped. Love the WRX story by the way

Randy
Team M7

www.m7tuning.com

 

If we thought the ride was a little to soft, could we maybe put some polyurethane between the coils?

 

If the ride is "too soft," then enjoy the comfort. :smile:

 

Little more input about the springs. I talked to one of our new customers regarding how the new springs were working out. To be honest with the 1.3 inch drop the car looked like it might have a tendency to rub when pushed and I have been waiting for some people to get some aggressive miles on them. This past weekend we ran up Angels Crest Hwy a well known cyn road in our area and the car in question had no rubbing issues and this was with two adults aboard and plenty of tight banked twisters to play with. I am more confident than ever now that these springs are providing something very elusive in this area. They take the best from what is currently available and incorporate them in to one spring package without the negatives of poor ride quality or not an aggressive enough look.

Randy
Team M7

www.m7tuning.com.

 

soooo....they're just like the KW springs then.....

 

Good to hear this Randy! I've had the springs in my boot for the past week and they're going in on Friday morning at Steve's Auto Clinic. Although my CVT Cooper is for street driving, I'm considering getting a rear sway bar installed along with the springs if my budget permits. We'll see how things turn out...Can't wait!

 

I wasn't aware that KW made a seperate spring set. I had the KW coil overs on my car before ugrading to the Leda's. If KW does have a set of progressive rate springs independent from their coil over line then they could be " just " like ours. That is If you determine " just like " to be made of steel , circular , bigger in the middle and smaller at the ends then I will have to agree with you. As for if they perform as well as ours I will have to see that for myself
Randy
Team M7
www.m7tuning.com

 

Those M7 springs sound promising. Any spring chatter or noise associated
with those springs? :smile: Was the car driven on factory swaybar through the
canyon?

 

What's up guys, got the rear shocks back on last night and took the fronts off. I got the passenger side off with no problem, but the driver's side was a MAJOR pain in the a--. Anyhow, I'm stok'd, the rear sat very nicely when put back on the ground. A bunch of us are heading up to Tahoe for some motorin this weekend, so the M7's will be tested and I'll be able to let you know what I think. take care all.

 

No report of chatter and this car is still on stock sway bar at this point. They do have a H-sport sway bar on the short list of new addons tho so we will be able to have a report with that configuration shortly.
Randy
Team M7

www.m7tuning.com

 

Any pictures SFjames???

 

sorry Panganiban, I don't know how to get pictures on here, but Brutus has 17 s-lites and sits pretty much the same as the yellow mini from what I could tell, I only did the rears though, so it might look a little different after. I'm gonna finish tonight, if you have a personal email address you can give me, I think I can get some pics. to you. The rear camber looked good, not to much I don't think, I liked it. c'mon 5:30pm

 

Hey james...check your PMs

 

Well i'm the customer that Randy spoke of dong the SCMM@San Gabriels run after just getting the M& springs installed. Truth is, i'm very happy with the Springs. i'm into percision driving ie. canyons, solo2 etc.. the difference in the ride was very noticable once the Springs were installed. the car seemed to really stick to the street while cornering. Now i have stock run flats on ( my ride in only 2 months old) so my tires aren't going to help me. while the Spiderman grip was noticable on LA street and fwy driving i wasn't sure if i was going to rub and scrape while turning in performance driving. infact, i asked Steve (Steve's Auto Clinic did the install!) about the Colbalt skid plate when i picked up my car. He said no worries go test the car. so believe me i did Sunday. i pushed the twistys and never had a moment of pause. i do have a softer ride which is ok because i do have to drive my car daily in LA traffic hell but when i want to push it the car better be ready and able. Bottom line i'm a satisfied customer. i just installed the 180 therometer by M7. This weekend i'll cut the car loose and she if she rides cooler. Faster isn't my primary goal... better is. Then i'm adding some serious speed.