I'm a bit new here but my wife have owned her MC since 02. I'm finally getting around in fixin it up a bit.

I'm wondering how involve is the installation of coil overs for MC. I'm thinking of doin it myself but not sure if there are any special tools required.

I'm considering the H&R coilovers. Does this require cutting the bump stops?

Also, do most of you who have installed this did an alignment job afterwards? Thanks.

 

the only 'special tool' you might consider special is the socket you need to
loosen the front strut piston shaft nut if you plan on using the factory
mounts.

i cracked loose the nut while it was on the car and used a 1/2" drive
socket and channel lock to loosen the nut while I held the piston in
place with an hex key. a little tricky at first, but no big deal.

i believe coilovers come with its own bumpstops, but if not, you can
cut the factory bumpstops if you are planning to lowering it quite a
bit. (koni also sells progressive rate bumpstops which are pretty cool).

if you plan on lowering more than 1", it would be a good idea to
get an alignment after you get your corners balanced.

goodluck an post picts when you're done.

 

Small correction on the alignment, the corner balance and the alignment have to be done at the same time. Changing one, changes the other, small amounts but it can make a difference. Just make sure the shop does both at the same time, its really worth it. You can do the alignment w/o the CB and if you want but why do just half a job on it. Go all the way and really enjoy it.

 

oh yeah, and a little further comment forgotten by Android993, make
sure you are in the car while they conduct the corner balance and
alignment. why do a half assed job if you're not specifically in the car.

smart ***

CORRECTION: oh and another thing, make sure you get adjustable endlinks
too which Android993 and I also FORGOT to mention. he's still a newb so
cut him some slack.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it.

So no need for spring compressors either huh. I'm considering the H&R coilovers. I just ordered the Bentley Service Manual to do more reading so I can figure this out.

Thanks again.

 

Glad to see you around here Jon.

Can't really help you out though, good luck!

 

If you don't plan on using the stock mounts, you won't need it.

 

Everyone's entitled to their opinion I suppose. My 2 cents is that corner balancing a street car is a waste of money - even if you know of a cheap place to get it done.

 

^^^ +1

although i am starting to think i might just get it for dressup
purposes mostly since my dampers will probably start giving out
pretty soon. not concrete yet on the direction.. that, or the
Koni Yellow's probably.

 

As my friend says "a seat for every *** and an *** for every seat" to each his own. If its only a street car, sure skip the corner balance and be happy knowing you didnt do it, and just wonder why people have it done.
PS: Kanchan thanks for being a smart *** too and picking up our mistakes, hate to see us leave something out.

 

that's kenchan with a "e" you ****!

From a dressup perspective it's not so critical to get it corner balanced,
but to get just the right amount of drop and wheel gap. with springs
you kinda only have one stab at it while with coilovers you can play
around with the height until it's eyeball perfect.

 

Yah, im so used to drooling over pics of your car on DTMpower....welcome

 

H&R coilovers require you to cut your factory bumpstops, they do not come with them. By a new set, that way you just have to pull the stock components of as a whole, and not tear anything apart.

 

Your right again!! Rats! Kenchan, Kenchan, Kanchan - I tried saying it three times really fast but still couldnt get it straight.

 

you gotta learn how to leave with him, but he is a good source and a good friend, you gotta keep an eye on our head bumps time to time

KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN , I HATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HONDASSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

hey berky, I still can't spell your new name right... scudelieriousMINI? scudileriousMINI?

 

Mario and RallyMINI, thanks for the welcome. I've been a lurker here and really enjoyed the wealth of information in this board.

Still working on my E36 though. That money-pit is never gonna be done

 

LOL
At least eveybody has a good sense of humor.