My springs are on!
Did them this afternoon at my friend's shop. It was a straightforward install (especially since he did most of the work). I will try to post picts soon.

The big news is that there is no rubbing so far. NO RUBBING! I expected to have some and to have to trim the rear fender linings, but nothing so far.

Ride seems slightly improved until the spring really compresses. then if firms up pretty good. (reminds me of SCTV's Celebrity Farm Blow Up... "She blowed up RILLLLLL Gooood!&quot.

Many thaniks to the Tire Rack who originally said that the H&R springs WOULD work with the 18" wheels and 215/35 Yoko Pradas. AND... thanks to Randy who was really helpful, lending an ear to hear my concerns and offering Sage Counsel.

If anyone is interested in having a SoCal shop install their springs I can recommend my friend and mentor, Bud Clark, in Anaheim. PM me if you would like further information on location and cost.

Cheers All!

 

Cool. I'm glad to hear things went well. Maybe I'll see you and your MINI at an SCMM event in late April.

 

Here's a question ....
stock 17's are: 205/45-17....diameter=24.3"
18' discussed were 215/35-18....diameter=23.9"
as stated and shown...there is and should be no rubbing issues

i now have
17"'s that are: 215/45-17....diameter=24.6"

if i lower the car....will it rub???

to rub or not to rub...that is the question??????

who wants to field this one???????


Peace,
D

 

rubbing is not just an issue of tire diameter, it is a function of diameter, offset, wheel width, and tire shape.

notpaddyhopkirk: what wheels are you using (diameter, offset, width)?

 

Offset is the biggest issue. Most of the aftermarket wheels out there are 40mm or less - which means the wheel is closer to the outside of the fender. That's usually where the rubbing happens - at the outside edge of the fender in the rear. It usually happens with hard cornering.

I'm really happy to hear you aren't rubbing notpaddyhopkirk! It must be the sidewall size - as D pointed out.

Dennis,

What was the offset again? IF it's 40 or less, especially with the higher sidewall, you WILL rub.

Hope that helps!

Randy

 

what did the labor end up costing? Or what did the whole deal cost springs labor shipping etc. Would you say that it is worth it more than say an exhaust?

 

I think the offset is exactly 40....
I 'll have to check that out on Monday.

Thanks ...as always for the info

Peace,
D

 

Just for the record, I have...

Wheels: 18' x 7.5" ASA J5s with a 42mm offset
Tires: 215-35 18 Yokohama Prada Spec2s
Springs: H&R

I have driven the car with myself at ~225lbs and a friend ~185lbs over railroad crossings and fairly hard cornering with no rubbing. Nothing more than that at this time.

I thought FOR SURE, that I would have a problem. But no... and I am a happy boy.

Dirtybird, Bud said that he would normally charge 2 hours to do the spring swap. About $140. I wouldn't say that it is worth more than an exhaust, but it did seem to improve the ride (slightly) without adversly affecting cornering. Plus... it took care of the offroad look I had once I put the wheels and tires on (the wheel/tire combo is slightly lower than the stock 17s).

 

>>I think the offset is exactly 40....
>>I 'll have to check that out on Monday.
>>
>>Thanks ...as always for the info
>>
>>Peace,
>>D

If it's exactly 40mm, you will rub under compression, but not to the point that you couldn't do some slight trimming at the rear (all kinds of possible jokes there) to fix it.

Randy

 

>>Just for the record, I have...
>>
>>Wheels: 18' x 7.5" ASA J5s with a 42mm offset
>>Tires: 215-35 18 Yokohama Prada Spec2s
>>Springs: H&R
>>
>>I have driven the car with myself at ~225lbs and a friend ~185lbs over railroad crossings and fairly hard cornering with no rubbing. Nothing more than that at this time.
>>
>>I thought FOR SURE, that I would have a problem. But no... and I am a happy boy.
>>
>>Dirtybird, Bud said that he would normally charge 2 hours to do the spring swap. About $140. I wouldn't say that it is worth more than an exhaust, but it did seem to improve the ride (slightly) without adversly affecting cornering. Plus... it took care of the offroad look I had once I put the wheels and tires on (the wheel/tire combo is slightly lower than the stock 17s).
>>
>>
>>
>>

Eric, Right on! Can't wait for the pics. Ed (from the Julian run) called today and said his car could be in by the end of the month, needless to say he will have a day full of upgrades to install on the car, told him I'd be happy to help when the call comes (to include the H&R and Magnaflow products). Pics Pics please!
- Kevin

 

Kevin,
I have to work tomorrow, but if I can cut it short. I can get some pics and post them. Glad to hear that Ed's car is coming soon! Let me know if you need a third set of hands...

 

Eric,

just PM u, As Kevin has told you, crossing my finger, on my arrival date, but the upgrade are going to start piling up in my closet, hope to purchase rims before she comes in, Cant wait to see it.

Ed

:smile: :smile:

 

notpaddyhopkirk: I'm looking forward to seeing your pics!

potential stupid question: Does H&R make multiple types of springs for the MINI? I've seen seemingly contradictory spec's on the amount of lowering; can someone with The Knowledge clear this up?

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Currently H & R is making one type of spring for the Cooper. They do make a a pre march 02 and a post march 02 spring but that is the only difference.

 

Ryephile,

The different numbers you see floating around are from actual measured numbers (.75" front and 1.0" rear) which every set seems to have, and the H&R claims. They don't quite match up.

As Chris said, H&R only has one set of springs for the MINI.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Randy

 

Anybody know the differences between the HR, KW, or Spax Coil overs? What are the offset to SSR Comps, will i be able to run a 225/35/18???

 

What kind of changes will be noticed exatly besides cosmetics. Better conerering, ride quality? I was interested in getting them, but would like to save my money if they aren't really noticeable differences.

-Andrew

 

Sorry, no pics yet, I worked like a dog all day.
I did notice traces on the tires as if there was some slight rubbing today though. Probably happened on a big whoop-de-do on the freeway. I didn't hear it because I had the stereo up loud.

More to follow, perhaps with pics, tomorrow.

 

Pics of my car with the new springs on:








Cheers!

 

VERY NICE!!

 

Grazie!
The friend who helped install the springs said that the car looks like the center of gravity is about 3 feet under ground.

He never lies...

 

Lookin' good. Now, all you have to do is paint those calipers to match your sig, and you're set. :smile:

See ya,
JS

 

Yeah, and the disks look kind of pathetic too, don't they?

 

Wow - the sidewalls on those tires are so short that it makes you think of the solid rubber wheels on the OLD cars!

 

[quote]Yeah, and the disks look kind of pathetic too, don't they?[quote]

I was thinking the same thing.....go-kart rotors.

The rest of the package looks **** though.

Have you thought about color matching the skirts and arches? Would really complete the package, and the car would look like it was 2 inches off the floor.

Nice work!

James