I just found out that Koni FSD shocks are OE on the $270,000 Lamborghini Gallardo. I have had my FSDs for three weeks and I can't wipe the sh#*-eating grin from my face. Compared to my prior street set-up (OEM shocks with H-sport springs and rear sway bar), the difference is phenomenal. The car is now much smoother over bumpy roads, handles better in every type of turn, and instead of going BANG-BANG over pot holes, goes thump-thump. Tire Rack did a comparison of OE BMW dampers, Koni Sport dampers and Koni FSDs in November, 2005. The combined road and track rating was highest with the FSDs.

A BIG thanks to Scott at Central Coast Coppers in Oxnard, CA for recommending and installing the FSDs. Scott has tried a bunch of strut/spring combos on his own MINI before deciding on the FSDs. If you want more technical or specific information give Scott a call. He is very active in the MINI community and gives a discount to SCMM members.

TWO BIG THUMBS UP

 

im looking forward to those! hopefully fall or next spring.

 

The FSD are just struts correct? Are you still running your H-Sport springs?

 

The FSDs are struts. I am still running the H-sport springs.

 

Thanks for the review on the koni FSd's. was thinking about your exact setup, but found a great deal on kw v2's.

 

thanks, I was trying to decide to go with these or coil overs but I really don't want to mess with the coilovers so I'll probably give them a try.

 

I think the FSDs will be my next mod (my first mod was to lose the 17 inch S-lites and Goodyear RSA runflats for 16 inch SSRs and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S non-runflat tires).

 

The non-runflats didn't smooth the ride enough?

 

btw, Larry- did you have to drill out the rear strut mounts to get the shaft to fit through like on the Koni Yellow's?

 

No drilling required. There is no external adjustment on the FSD's, unlike the yellows.

 

they are a direct replacement unit. watch for my upcoming post about my latest fsd experiment.

 

The non-runflats made a MAJOR difference - they basically made the difference between keeping the car and selling it (ride harshness of the runflats was causing my neck to spasm each time the car was driven). The last remaining objection is the impact of roadway expansion joints that have shifted on the ride. The FSDs are reputed to tame the expansion joints. If they can do that, the MINI's ride would be a perfect 10. I am too tempted to pass on the opportunity to get to a perfect 10....

 

thanks Dave and stagescott!

the shaft itself on the Koni Yellows were larger diameter than
the stockers...

 

I don't think you can call them the "best" if the only thing you have to compare them to is the stock shocks.

I'm sure they're good, but I'd still like to see someone compare the FSD to something other than stock on a MINI.

 

Dave, Larry, stagescott- one more q... I remember someone that got
those FSD's on H-Sports say that the ride height was raised a little. Did
you notice a raised ride height vs the stock dampers?

If so, im thinking about getting the M7 springs + FSD's to compenate.

 

Hmm, looks like more and more people are running the FSD's with lowering springs. Anyone with the FSD's and Eibachs? Thanks!

John

 

I had h-sports and yellows and thought i would lose my teeth.....glad that this is a good alternative

 

I installed my FSD's this weekend, after having them sit in my garage since like March. Heck, I even moved across the country since buying the things. They've actually been taking up space in two different garages

I won't get to autocross them for a couple weeks, but they do seem to smooth out the ride, quite noticeably. It certainly doesn't seem like handling has been degraded, and if anything it's better. But the proof will be in the pudding when I get to autocross the car and see how it really compares to the old dampers.

On a side note, Mini must have had THE biggest, most burly a-hole in all of England torque the nut on the steering bearing of my passenger side strut. I seriously worked for about 4 hours getting that thing off. Then it suddenly just came loose. So frustrating, but at least I got it.

Also, meb had graciously offered to help me install these, but he was out of town this weekend and I was motivated to do some work (a rarity), so I went for it. I would say that if you have someone who's been through a mini suspension before that is willing to help, take them up on it! There was nothing too complicated going on, but someone that's been through it once or twice (or maybe a dozen times in meb's case ) can always help.

 

give me time, I will get around to the various coilovers-but it will be awhile!!--see my new post in this heading about FSD-H&R springs!

Did you notice a raised ride height vs the stock dampers?

on my car, and 2 others, I did not. On Larry's car, it is up a little.

 

On my car the ride height is about 1/4 inch higher with the FSD / H-sports compared to the FSD / OE struts bringing the total drop to about 3/4 inch versus stock springs and struts. I find this height perfect as I had slight rear tire rubbing with the H-sport / OE struts. The FSDs were installed by Central Coast Coopers about three weeks ago and the ride seems to get better every day. I have a MCS with a 15% pulley, CAI, TB, MTH, H-sport rear sway bar, and Milltek exhaust. The FSDs are my favorite mod so far.

 

sup guys, getting the FSD's installed soon... but i was wondering if it does raise the ride height... has this ever happen besides larry's? i just ordered some springs to go with them and i don't want to loose 1/4 of an inch because it only drops 3/4 of an inch with stock shocks. kinda worried the drop wouldn't be much noticable if this happens.

 

Has anyone noticed an increase (or decrease) in ride height after installing FSDs with the stock springs in the S (not the JCW springs - but the stock sport suspension springs that the S comes with from the factory)?

I am close to taking the plunge (heck, I am dipping my ankle in the pool - I ordered a set of FSDs today), and just want to be sure there are no adverse consequences. The FSDs really seem like the way to go....

 

I'm running the stock springs with the FSD's on my MC and there was no change in ride height.

 

And, presumably, you echo the positive comments regarding the ride quality of the FSDs?

 

In the rear, it'd be possible to put the spring perch on upside-down. This would give you a good 3/4 of an inch or so of increased ride height.

The fronts don't really have something that you could do that to.