Hello all,
I just had my MINI-Madness Rear swaybar installed.
Here's my report

Costs......
swaybar=190
shipping=16
install=120(2 hrs@60/hr)
total=$326

Installation:
I've seen many posts on installation proceedures/dificulty ratings...etc...etc...
I have a basic mechanical skillset. I have pulled engines out of cars...in years gone by. Unless you have ALL the tools involved I would advise not to attempt this.
It took 1& 1/2 hours to do, by someone who had all that was neeeded in regards to tools/equiptment and a mechanics skillset to match.

1st Impressions:
Car certainly seems "tighter".
For lack of a better word....there is no "sway/wobble" in the rear end.
It has that perfect "go-kart" feel.

I don't AutoX (though there are many here who are pushing/tempting me to ...go fer it :smile:. I do drive aggressively ...IMHO...and enjoy speed and twisties.
I'm a regular driver with a "heavy foot" as the expression goes.....

Is this mod neccessary for MY PERSONAL DRIVING LIFESTYLE or worth the $326.....
Hard to say but my gut is ...this money could have been better spent on "more power".

I've added new rims, new tires, air-intake, exhaust (again..if the dam thing ever comes), and now this rear sway bar...

To date the BEST money spent has been on the MINI Madness air-intake and the Toyo Proxes T1S'. I'm sure the QS exhuast will be added to this list, but I don't have it on yet.
The Magnaflow (which has come & gone) ....was a terrific power mod( but I personally had loudness /drone issues.

Hope my ramblings help ...:smile:

Peace,
D




_________________
2002 MCS:PS/B, w/Lapis Int.

 

on the track and in the autocross that bar makes a huge difference. In the switchbacks of the mountains here in colorado, it's noticable too. Even around town I have noticed less DSC interference, because the car is kept flater in hard cornering and the wheels don't want to lift up as much.

For the $180 I would to the bar before doing the intake and I would definitely do the bar before springs, unless looks were a major consideration (i.e. people that want drop more than improved cornering).

my 2 cents. :smile:

As you point out, different people have different priorities.

 

Dennis,

Which position did you set the sway bar for. The first or softer setting or the second more aggressive setting? I don't know how much difference that would make on regular street driving, even hard city driving. Hopefully, more time will give you a better idea.

Bluesmaster

 

Hey Bluez,
It's set to the 1st/softer setting.

Peace,
D

 

Dennis,

Thanks for your posts about the performance mods you've made. They've been a big help to me in deciding what I want to do to my MCS when it arrives.

I'm anxious to hear how you like the QS (if it ever comes ).

See ya,
JS

 

Sway bar is a winner!

Throttle off in a turn...back end comes around! Pure pleasure for a understeer monster like the MINI! :smile:

 

After my first 3500 miles, I definitely feel that a sway bar is necessary to get the most out of the handling potential of my MCS.

I will be getting one within the next 2 months from our own RandyBMC at http://www.mini-motorsport.com

Here is a pic of it from his site:

 

>>Hello all,
>>I just had my MINI-Madness Rear swaybar installed.
>>Here's my report
>>
>>Costs......
>>swaybar=190
>>shipping=16
>>install=120(2 hrs@60/hr)
>>total=$326
>>
>>Installation:
>>I've seen many posts on installation proceedures/dificulty ratings...etc...etc...
>>I have a basic mechanical skillset. I have pulled engines out of cars...in years gone by. Unless you have ALL the tools involved I would advise not to attempt this.
>>It took 1& 1/2 hours to do, by someone who had all that was neeeded in regards to tools/equiptment and a mechanics skillset to match.
>>
>>1st Impressions:
>>Car certainly seems "tighter".
>>For lack of a better word....there is no "sway/wobble" in the rear end.
>>It has that perfect "go-kart" feel.
>>
>>I don't AutoX (though there are many here who are pushing/tempting me to ...go fer it :smile:. I do drive aggressively ...IMHO...and enjoy speed and twisties.
>>I'm a regular driver with a "heavy foot" as the expression goes.....
>>
>>Is this mod neccessary for MY PERSONAL DRIVING LIFESTYLE or worth the $326.....
>>Hard to say but my gut is ...this money could have been better spent on "more power".
>>
>>I've added new rims, new tires, air-intake, exhaust (again..if the dam thing ever comes), and now this rear sway bar...
>>
>>To date the BEST money spent has been on the MINI Madness air-intake and the Toyo Proxes T1S'. I'm sure the QS exhuast will be added to this list, but I don't have it on yet.
>>The Magnaflow (which has come & gone) ....was a terrific power mod( but I personally had loudness /drone issues.
>>
>>Hope my ramblings help ...:smile:
>>
>>Peace,
>>D
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>2002 MCS:PS/B, w/Lapis Int.


D,
Nice thorough input. I'm curious to check back here in a couple of weeks to see if your opinions of the impact on the car change with more time and opportunity. I have to admit that Magnaflow gets better with age, you had me a bit concerned initially but I'm use to much louder cars (V8s with headers and perf mufflers). -Kevin

Let the good times roll...