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I plan on doing both but which would I benefit more doing first, H&R sport springs or Alta 22mm rear sway bar and End lengths?
I just did both the Alta 22mm Rear Sway Bar and Endlinks on Molly about 2mo. ago, it is now set at the middle setting. So much smoother ride, way better handling...so glad I did this.
I'm doing the H&R Springs too, but will also be adding Koni Shocks, when I do. A few other must do's are in line ahead of the Springs and Shocks though.
I plan on doing both but which would I benefit more doing first, H&R sport springs or Alta 22mm rear sway bar and End lengths?
It really depends on what you want out of your car. Sway bars are mainly tuning devices to change the car's handling balance whereas springs (and shocks) are more the foundation of the car's handling.
IMO do springs and shocks first and see how the car handles. If it understeers too much for your liking get a beefier rear bar.
So it sounds like the sway bar should be done before springs in your opinion. What are your other "must do's" before springs?
I've been hearing some noise from the rear brakes so today I ordered some Euro Ceramic Brake Pads from TireRack and tomorrow I'll be ordering Zimmerman Rotors and Sensors from Way Motor Works!!
I've relied on the advice of our very own PDX MINI certified MINI Mechanic for all of my mod questions, he hasn't steered me wrong yet, he installed the sway bar and endlinks for me at one of our Tech Days and has offered to do the brakes as well, I watched him install some on one of our Club Members 2005 MINI in what seemed like 5min. per wheel.
Last edited by RJKimbell; Aug 27, 2012 at 10:50 AM.
I have read both that some people replace them and some say its not necessary that the OEM will hold up. If it wasnt a matter of money there is about 25 mods I would do all at the same time.
I have read both that some people replace them and some say its not necessary that the OEM will hold up. If it wasnt a matter of money there is about 25 mods I would do all at the same time.
That's why I wait and do my "mods" at 6mo. intervals, I know what I want, I've researched beyond belief and I'm sure I'll have the $$ set aside!! The Brakes are a "have to" of course, so they really don't count as a Mod...albeit a nice one!!
Go with the Hsport Comp rear sway bar, it is a much better quality part that won't squeak. Also you don't need rear end links unless you are trying to corner weight the car or put zero preload on the bar. When dealers tell you the stock end links are week, that is a BS sales pitch. In the last 10yrs I've only ever replaced one end link that broke that wasn't from somebody messing with it. Also the alta end links are very noisey and clunky.
Why does the hotchkis bar say: "This bar is for competition use only and is not intended to be used on the street." Sounds... good, but what about the people that drive their cars everyday?
