R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Cup kit or springs?

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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 08:07 AM
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Cup kit or springs?

I can either get H&R Springs now, or save and get a H&R Cup Kit this summer. I've been told the cup kit will drop it double the height that the springs will (and the springs will drop it about an inch to an inch and a half) but do I really want it that low? Can I have some opinions please?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 08:25 AM
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If you want a cup kit, you might as well save up a little more and get some coilovers for adjustability. However, if the price difference between coil overs and a cup kit is not worth it to you, I would suggest a cup kit. It's good to get shocks that are valved correctly for the ride height.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 08:35 AM
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Yeah, well my problem is that I do want to drop it, but since the cup kit isn't adjustable in height, I don't want it to sit where I'm rubbing. I want a lower, yet comfortable height, but I don't know if the springs will put me there or if they will still sit a little high. The coil overs are out of my price range due to the other modifications that I plan to do.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 08:44 AM
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I completely understand. For reference my car below is on HSport springs. It's a conservative drop but for the most part removes the gap. I'm currently running on stock shocks with the HSports but I am upgrading to coilovers soon.



These ones are 16's with a slightly smaller set of tires as well so there's a bit more gap.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 08:48 AM
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Thanks! The pictures really helped. I have the same wheels as the first picture, and I'm getting another set of 17's. The height looks about where I want it (could use about .5 inch more) but that little bit isn't worth paying a ton extra for me. I think I'll probably get springs then. Did you feel a difference in handling?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 08:58 AM
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HSport drops it 1" all around while H&R Drops it 1.2" at the front and 1.3" at the back. Closer to what you're looking for. M7 drops it to 1.3" all around. Hope these figures help.

I can't say that I felt a difference in handling. Experts will tell you that tampering with stock suspension does more harm than good but I think you gain a little confidence with the slightly lower center of gravity. That's more psychological I think. Make sure that you get rear control arms with your springs. Even at my conservative 1" drop, my camber went very negative that it would have killed my tires after a thousand miles of driving.

Also, if you're looking for something that will really help your handling, pick up a rear sway bar.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:05 AM
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If I decided to go with the cup kit, would I still have to get control arms also?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by sbarr9
If I decided to go with the cup kit, would I still have to get control arms also?
Unfortunately you do.

Here are some options
http://waymotorworks.com/02-06-coope...pension/links/
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:15 AM
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Dangit, that's going to be a pain. That definitely means I need to get springs because that pushes a Cup Kit out of my price range. How hard is the install of control arms? My friend is going to help me install the springs because he's done it before, but I don't think he's ever done control arms.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:18 AM
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Control arm is easy. Just two bolts on each end of the control arm. The inside one is a little tight in space but it's not bad at all. Good to tackle this while doing the rear suspension.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:37 AM
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In the long run, depending on your needs, springs may not be the cheaper way to go. Spend the few extra hundred up front and do it right, do it once.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:50 AM
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Okay, thanks for your help!
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:52 AM
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Well the way it looks right now, I think I'm going to be waiting until June to do this project and I'll do my wheels and intake in the mean time.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:53 AM
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I vote for the cup kit... it is a known quantity of goodness.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:54 AM
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What do you suggest to buy for about a 1.5 inch drop, Dr. Fox?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:55 AM
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Yeah, I'll probably end up getting the cup kit in June. I have to continue researching it though.
 
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