R50/53 5X Racing bump stops
5X Racing bump stops
Anyone running the 5X Racing bump stop kits on their Mini Coopers with Bilstein B4 shocks & TSW springs, or is it worth the upgrade? Thanks 
5X Racing Mini Cooper Bump Stop Kit
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 261
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From: Silicon Valley
I don't have the B4 Bilsteins but do have TSW & 5X, and will try to help:
I am using the the 5X Racing bumpstops with Koni yellows & TSW springs. I trimmed them per FatCat suggestion (without "spacers"), and I like them. https://www.fatcatmotorsports.com/FCM_Products_Mini.htm
Over the years of mods, I first installed JCW springs on stock struts, and then FSDs, next was Swift on Koni Yellow with trimmed 5X bumpstops, and now TSW/Koni Yellow/5X. I like the current combination the best, which is firmer springs than JCW, but a more supple suspension than either the JCW/FSD or swift combo. While the Swift/Koni Yellow/5X combo was fine for track days, a minor pothole or a speedbump not-spotted at night meant the suspension crashing into the stops. The TSW/Koni/5X combo is almost as good for track-play as Swift, but far-better day-to-day on the street (in my opinion).
Unlike most car suspensions, the MINI has little to (in some cases) no suspension travel before touching the bumpstops. It is the combination of spring and bumpstop combined that determine cornering characteristics (along with swaybar & shocks). In that sense it is similar to the early Classic Mini with its rubber cone "dry suspension".
I am using the the 5X Racing bumpstops with Koni yellows & TSW springs. I trimmed them per FatCat suggestion (without "spacers"), and I like them. https://www.fatcatmotorsports.com/FCM_Products_Mini.htm
Over the years of mods, I first installed JCW springs on stock struts, and then FSDs, next was Swift on Koni Yellow with trimmed 5X bumpstops, and now TSW/Koni Yellow/5X. I like the current combination the best, which is firmer springs than JCW, but a more supple suspension than either the JCW/FSD or swift combo. While the Swift/Koni Yellow/5X combo was fine for track days, a minor pothole or a speedbump not-spotted at night meant the suspension crashing into the stops. The TSW/Koni/5X combo is almost as good for track-play as Swift, but far-better day-to-day on the street (in my opinion).
Unlike most car suspensions, the MINI has little to (in some cases) no suspension travel before touching the bumpstops. It is the combination of spring and bumpstop combined that determine cornering characteristics (along with swaybar & shocks). In that sense it is similar to the early Classic Mini with its rubber cone "dry suspension".
Last edited by Mini_Crazy; Jan 16, 2021 at 11:48 AM.
Since the Bilstein design is inverted, those might not work but I can't say for certain?
A note on the 5X linked page:
NOTE2:
For Bilstein struts/shocks, the front strut is inverted so the bump stop is hidden from easy access. We recommend changing the rear bump stops only.
I have B6 HD's with Vogtland lowering springs and I find the combo to be a bit too crashy/harsh.
Saw many people do a mod and cut their bumpstops on B6's and I'm planning on doing that but I'm unsure if it'll help with harshness?
A note on the 5X linked page:
NOTE2:
For Bilstein struts/shocks, the front strut is inverted so the bump stop is hidden from easy access. We recommend changing the rear bump stops only.
I have B6 HD's with Vogtland lowering springs and I find the combo to be a bit too crashy/harsh.
Saw many people do a mod and cut their bumpstops on B6's and I'm planning on doing that but I'm unsure if it'll help with harshness?
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