Anyone put aftermarket stiffer shocks on their MCSc? Has it made for any more squeeks and rattles?

 

I'm not the only one with squeaking (sounds like chains being dragged on concrete) coming from the front when a bump is hit?

 

Nope! I'm thinking of putting them on and want to know "if" it will make more squeeks and rattles?

 

There are convertible owners running FSDs (including me). Although FSDs absorb bumps better than stock, they are actually stiffer than stock under steady pressure (cornering and braking). I can't say that I've noticed a change in rattles and squeaks, but the FSD's better handling of bumps probably reduces rattles.

 

What squeaks and rattles?

 

can you elaborate on 'FSD' -?

 

Koni FSD's - Frequency Selective Damping (or something like that) - damp more for high-frequency loads (e.g. bumps, potholes) than for low frequency loads (e.g. cornering). A good number of folks are running these on coupes and cabrios with good results - though I have seen a few take-off sets for sale, not sure why folks are taking them off... unless they're going with something race-stiff (which the FSD's aren't).

 

Koni FSD shocks are popular primarily to improve ride of MINIs. They can even make the harsh ride of runflats tolerable. Their characteristic is that they absorb bumps but go stiff under steady pressure, so they improve the ride quality without sacrificing performance (actually improve performance over stock).

People may swap them out to get even stiffer shocks, or for adjustability (FSD's are not), or to lower the car (Koni recommends stock height springs for FSD's).

 

I put FSDs on my '05 cabrio. The most notable change was on gravel roads where with the stock struts the whole car shook and seemed to transmit the bump from every pebble into the cabin. With FSDs minor road imperfections are absorbed much better - but a large pothole still jars your teeth.

Up next... Non run flat tires. Then M7 USS.

 

With my coilovers set at a tad over half the maximum dampening and lowered by 1" to 1-1/4" on each corner, there are definitely more dash rattles/squeaks (and a little groaning from the chassis) unless the road is runway-smooth. It's somewhat irksome if you're looking for a perfect ride, but FWIW, for the benefits of superior handling, I wouldn't go back to the stock Sports suspension.

 

I have Koni Yellows and HSport lowering springs on my MCSc and noticed that once I installed the M7 USS the number and volume of groans, shakes and rattles diminished quite noticeably.

 

+1 The M7 USS made a world of difference on my MCSc. She handles like a whole different car.

 

Ditto here about the M7 USS. They really reduced the minor squeaks that were there. Now it's the road noise I hear far more than anything when the top is up and that's rare.

I love my Koni FSD's & JCW springs and they are for sale. PM me for serious inquiries.

(un)Fortunately I put on a body kit that hangs very low and the only way to "lift" the ride height is to get coilovers, longer strut bolts and spacers. Sheeesh.