been doing some canyon runs on my MC and been absolutely having a blast... just a question for the hi perf folks, would a madness rear sway bar really help in these types of driving? I already changed to grippier 17" wheels/tires and am looking to add to the handling perf of my little MC..... would the madness rear sway bar do the trick? thanks....

 

You have to be careful not to go too stiff since it will induce oversteer. What swaybar do you currently have? The Cooper with the "S" swaybar feels well balanced to me after a few days of driving.

I'm curious if anyone has tried this--is it to stiff for the MC? mini madness?

 

There are many, many MINI Coopers with the Madness rear sway. It's the single best effective mod to the suspension and it just happens to be one of the cheapest. Easy install.

By firming up the rear you can make the car feel more neutral through the twisties. Less front end plowing. Highly recommended to those who drive aggressively on the street, and easy to tighten if you are headed to the track.

R

 

is the install as straightforward as it seems? just curious before I take the plunge... it seems that a lot of folks tend to think that this is one of the best mods to do..... thanks

 

I did the install on my own with help from a friend, neither of us have any extensive automotive skill. Prior to the sway bar, most of my work on autos was simple bolt on things, this install is not too dificult, but you HAVE TO HAVE THE TOOLS!!! a 21mm socket is a great help! As with most installs you just have to be careful not to mess anything up.

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<img src="http://puma.dpg.devry.edu/~cthoemme/MINI.jpg">

 

I will second that the install is easy. Just follow Randy's How-to. I made some additional notes to Randy's How To HERE. that might make things even easier.

 

I have to agree with 6f7, that the Sport plus bar is probably enough for the Cooper.

If you want the adjustability, there isn't a btter bar out there than the Madness. It will fit on the Cooper, and I recommend the soft setting for the Cooper unless you are only doing auto-x (then you will have to decide where you want it based on your driving style).

Let me know if you have any questions during your install - I have walked many a folk through the install while they were under the car with a cordless phone
.

Randy

 

Thanks Randy.... do you think the madness sway bar would be overkill for the cooper? should I just ask to see if anyone wants to sell their S sway bar and install that? thanks..... looking forward to the So. Cal. Pulley install eventhough I don't have an S, hopefully SCMM will have a nice run/meet when you're in town just like when Dave was here.....

 

It's just a cost thing. I don't think the Madness bar is overkill at all. It is just a bit more money.

You will definitely notice more neutral handling with the Madness on the soft setting when compared to the S bar on the rear of the Cooper.

You don't have the Sport package on the Cooper already do you? If you do, then I would say do the Madness. If you don't, it is really just preference on the cash thing. You will see more results from the Madness bar and have more adjustability, but with the S bar you will have more neutral handling as well, just not with the adjustability of the Madness (or the cool red powder coat!).

Can't wait to see all you folks down there!

Randy

 

Randy - no I don't have the suspension plus package so I am really leaning towards the madness sway bar.... do you think it is easily installable by non wrench heads like me? I have had experience in changing springs on my old 89 prelude with help from a friend... don't you carry the madness bar? any special install tips for us non s folks? thanks again...

 

I have had several customers do this as their first install. I am always available for help during your install, so if you get stuck, I can walk you through it.

I do carry the Madness bar, just give me a call if you would like to order.

Thanks!

Randy
720-841-1002

 

Can someone confirm if the rear sway bar for the Cooper with the sport suspension plus is identical to the Cooper S sway bar? Has anyone tried ordering this from a dealer? Any idea of part number or cost?