Hey Miniacs, I am looking for the specific answer now. When creating this post, I read the others that were closely related. The closest member that achieved what I am looking for is mdsbrain.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=79567

I have the Alta CAI and would like to add a strut brace to "Gossamer." I am now terrified when people talk about mushrooming and the like. Of course stiffening up the handling is a nice perk too, but I live in SoCal and drive some nasty pot hole terrain.

I would like your opinions on applications or am I going to have to modify the CAI anyway. I am shocked that Alta does not offer a combo type set to accommodate their CAI. (Or at least sell you a modified/notched air box.)They do offer the M7 bar which I am sure is superior in quality, but do I still have to mod the CAI.

Your input is always appreciated. Pics are great too if you have some. Let's see what you've done. Nice work MSBRAIN--yours may be my solution too. Will PM you about it.

 

Alta CAI 2.0 and Alta cover.........M7 Cleared it just fine.

 

As has been posted many times over.....STB's don't really add any benefit to daily drivers, only effective at the very limit on the track. With that said go for a set of camber plates to really get the best of both worlds.....better handling by getting more front camber and protection from mushrooming by beefing up UNDER the tower.

 

Unless of course your "daily drive" includes a number of banked turns and canyon runs, so it's all a matter of perspective now isn't it.

 

I bought a 06 S with a mushroom on one side and both topS of the shockS mounting cracked .So replaced the broken shock plates or mounts and while the shocks were out had the exterior section of where the mushroom happens pulled back down .As many had said banging with a hammer and wood is not the way to go .Then i bought the Alta stb with the plates.For the price it made was ok with me .Took the bonnet pad out cut it from the inside replaced it back in the car no hood buldge .Took 20 mins .
Will be adding the CAI in future. No big difference in handling just on turns with bumps at speed i feel a difference .But that is it .
Now i wonder what came first the mushrooms or the protective plates .Somebody is making some money on a situation bmw had to be aware of .It had to come up in testing the car, before production .Don't they test these car in all conditions ?????

 

Do a search. STB does not contribute much of anything to the handling of the MINI.

Save your money and get the camber plates.

 

Mines fits just fine, pics in my gallery.

 

What about issues with stability control, traction on wet roads, abnormal or premature tire wear using these camber plates ?

I was under the impression these were best suited for tracking a MINI using shaved or non street tire set ups

 

Camber plates will improve tire wear unless you drive like an old lady. Up to about -2º camber will not effect traction. As for DSC, I always turn it off so I don't know the effects that camber plates have on it.

 

agreed, mostly. a(n?) STB is a nice feel-good DIY mod and it looks good under the hood. My wife noticed it on her cabrio....said the car tracks better through turns (didn't tell her what I did). I felt no difference on my coupe. I sold mine and did put a TSW x-brace and cabrio braces on and that made a tangible difference.

-1.75F and -1.5R transforms a MINI and maintains a good balance with traction, braking and tire wear. You'll never get those specs on purpose without camber plates and camber links though.