I have posted previously that going from my old set-up (H-Sport and stock springs), which I had for almost 3 years, to H-Sport/FSD did not make enough of an improvement to me. I guess the harder portion of the progressive H-Sports still make too much of an impact when hitting big bumps.

My next step with the FSDs would be either going back to stock springs OR the JCW springs. Any input would be appreciated?

Ulrich

PS: I have 17" non-runflats.

 

I think you would be surprised at how well the regular cooper springs would work on your combo. the jcw and stockers are all linear, and in my opinion, wind up harsher over bumps and frost heaves, whatever shocks are on the car. regualr coopers, however, have a softer ride in general.

 

I think that C3 (no offense, but I am too lazy to type out your member name) may be on to something with the idea about the stock Cooper springs. And the Cooper springs should be less to R&R than going to 16 inch wheels and tires. They may be an intermediate step before going to 16 inch wheels and tires.... But I will say from personal experience, the 16 inch wheels and non-runflat tires plus the FSDs is the ticket....

 

I’ve used both the stock and JCW springs over the FSDs. Go with the stock springs if you value comfort on the HWY, go with the JCWs if you give higher priority to stiff action in the twisties. Since the only twisty action you’ll see close to Houston is an onramp with expansion joints, go with stock springs. BTW, the stock springs don’t give up too much on the performance side when pared with the Konis.

 

Koni now aprouves the Eibach springs with the FSD shocks

 

Great! Is there a particular model of Eibach springs? (Sorry, still new to suspensions.)

 

Koni does NOT recommend use of Eibach springs with Mini FSD's because there is too little travel to allow the combo to work, according to the Koni rep who was in the MiniMania tent in Monterey. (He said they had tried.)

Koni does however recommend pairing FSDs with Eibach springs for a number of cars other than Mini.

 

From the various threads that I have read, I'm slowly making the conclusion that FSDs and JCWs (or stock) are the best pairing for optimum balance between handling and ride comfort. Would many of you agree?

Also, is there noticable improvement in agility and cornering if the stock shocks are replaced by FSDs (while retaining stock springs) in an MCS?

Thanks (and sorry for the thread high jack, but I hope this might also be helpful to Ulrichd).

-