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Okay so I've been thinking of getting lowering springs for my mini just until I have enough for actual coilovers. I know it's probably lame and taking the easy way out but is it actually worth it ? And if so what is a good brand and what should I know ?
I have springs. I put them on before I got Koni yellows. I have h&r springs. Paid $100 for a set on here that was never installed. I will tell you you will also need control arms. I ate thru a set of tires within a year until I figured it out and bought a set.
IMO lowering springs aren't lame. I wanna drop my MINI about 1" or so - but not slam it or stance it - so springs seem to be a solid option. H&R are good, so are Swift springs. And like gpwpat said, get some adjustable rear lower control arms to get the camber right, or chew through tires. H-sport is a good brand for LCA.
I know two MINIacs in my local group who've installed lowering springs only (no coils). The drop is about right as it gets rid of some wheel gap and they both like the ride and handling of the car too.
Springs are good option to give you a little drop while you save up for coils. When it comes time for coils there are some very decent ones out there that are economically priced, like the ST coil overs. I have had these installed on some big builds at my old shop. They do great for a daily/occasional track coil. But yes, good comment about the adjustable control arms. When you lower your MINI you'll want to invest in a good set, like Hotchkis, so you don't burn through tires. Otherwise, search the classified for some springs for sale. I've seen a set or two in there recently.
Check out our TSW lowering springs. They lower the car approx 3/4 inch to maintain shock travel and linear rate allow them to be the most predictable you can get without a harsh ride. http://www.waymotorworks.com/tsw-min...e-springs.html
I went with H&R (the green ones) .75" lower and IMO they have a better ride than stock and drop it just enough so I can still get around without scrapping on any speed bumps etc.
Springs are a great way to go. The TSW from WMW or H&R are good choices. TSW are linear. H&R are progressive and drop a little more than TSW.
As many have stated, you will also want adjustable lower control arms (camber links) to adjust the camber so there is less negative camber. Lowering the car, increases the negative camber in the rear. Lowering does not change front camber (or only very little).
Depending on the miles on your current shocks, you might want to think about replacing the shocks along with the springs.
Actually, I was wondering about the shock question. Do I need to replace shocks with a medium type of lowering spring (1" or less)? When I had my '03 Passat, I put Koni Adjustables with H&R Springs but this is a new animal from that. My 04 MCS JCW has just under 60K miles btw.
On my 2003 MCS I used H&R springs with stock shocks and that worked fine from 0 to 45,000 miles when I totalled the car. However, since you have 60,000 miles your shocks it is probably time for replacement shocks. Lowering the car can be a little tough on the stock shocks. Even Koni does not recommend using FSDs with lowering springs.
If you are thinking TSW springs, I believe they work OK with stock shocks since the TSW springs only lower about 3/4".
One great option, but maybe more than you want to spend, is the WMW suspension package with TSW Springs, adjustable lower control arms, and adj rear sway bar: http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-sus...n-package.html
But it does not include shocks.
Thanks for the info. I figured about 1K for everything so, that is in line with what I am looking at. Thanks again. That will give me time to find someone to do the work...lol. I am a former Aircraft Electrician so I can turn a wrench (and regularly do) but somethings, i do so infrequently I'd rather have an expert (or someone with more knowledge) do it.
I would definitely recommend upgrading to adjustable rear lower control arms. Many Mini owners (including myself), are fine with just doing a pair of lowers .
I can't speak for the aforementioned recommended lowering springs since I have had no experience with them personally.
I did, however, install a set of "no-name-brand" lowering springs on my R53 a couple of years ago. I only installed the fronts paired with Koni yellows which lowered the ride height about 5/8". I preferred the rear stock height and just replaced the rear shocks with a pair of Bilstien B4 until I could afford a pair of Koni yellows for the rear. Unfortunately, after only 2wo short years the front springs had completely failed and compressed. I promptly replaced them with a set of Bilstein B14 adjustable coil overs (front and rear), before they could do further damage to the Koni's and CV axles (which were now being stressed at a 45° angle). From my experience - It has been well worth saving up for a good set of adjustable coil overs vs lowering springs. Just my opinion.
To your question about upgrading to adjustable rear control arms; I had also chosen to upgrade the lower control arms with adjustable (just the bottom ones). Even as my (rear) suspension remained basically stock ride height; I had always noticed the disparity between the left and right rear camber. It was slightly off. Adding the adjustable rear control arms was one of the best upgrades I made in order to correct and adjust the rear camber.
I love the look, handling and firmness my Mini now has.
Lower control arms to get into alignment spec as their is adjustability on the rear for 2005+, 2002-2004 its best to get them as their is not much adjustment. I remember doing the switch on my 2005 as 10/2004+ they changed and added more rear lower adjustment on the rear eccentric bolt. Back in the day i know people swapped out those rear trailing arms for the newer design before the aluminum design came out.
I would get them as it makes it easier to get into alignment.
