(I'm double posting this in the Mods section, too).

I had mine changed out yesterday and can now give you a full report: these things are very superior to whatever the heck Mini puts in the stock car.

Wow.

First of all, the ride: major improvement -- I'm not exaggerating here. I'm not getting rattled as much over bumps, holes, and ridges, and I can drive faster and more confidently over rougher roads -- it's really a noticeable and welcome difference. It's still very firm, don't get me wrong, just more forgiving on the rough stuff.

The handling: it feels a little more "aggressive" entering a turn, which is cool. When accelerating really fast -- either straight from a stop or out of a turn -- the front wheels don't jump around as much as they used to. I feel like I'm in greater control. It still hugs the road like a champ and I just feel more confident. The only minor tradeoff is that it doesn't quite have the same slot car "feel" - but it's a very subtle difference in that regard, and so worth it to me for the big improvement in other areas. It drives a bit more like a tightly tuned BMW now.

If you have some extra dough laying around and want to improve both the ride and the overall handling, do yourself a favor and slap these Koni FSDs on.

 

Are you lowered? I'm starting to think new struts as im at about 33K lowered for most of it.

 

I'm not lowered, no...that's a little too far into the mod world for me.

You won't regret getting these, trust me.

 

Headlands,

Since you went thru the suspension and know what it is like do you think there is a way that the whole vehicle can be raised about 2-inches? I live in snow country and those two inches would make a BIG difference to me!

 

I actually didn't do it myself as I'd probably break the entire car. I wish I could answer your question -- maybe check out the mods/suspension section and ask in there?

 

Headlands
How many hours labor were you charged to do the job?

Since your sig does not list your location where are you?

Thanks

Clubmaster

 

Shocks are about a 2 to 2.5 hour job on an r53...should be similar on a 2nd gen....the springs are a bit stronger...so having a spring compressor will make the job much easier!
I second the change... I have a gen1 car, and the Koni FSD's are great!!
As to lifting a MINI...I'd start a new thread on that one!! Might be interesting...best option might be bigger diameter tires...get maybe .5 of an inch.....to get two inches might take quite a bit of custom work...trailing arms, longer axeles, etc...might be $$$$, but would be interesting to see...I once saw a Yugo with a lift kit on it like jeep....had huge monster truck tires...

 

What do these cost and where do you get them?

 

You can order them from many places, but I found the best price at www.WayMotorWorks.com. I think I paid $680 for them there, and the delivery was fast.