Ok, so I have Helix camber plates with stock shocks and strings. I can't get them adjusted past 1.75 degrees of negative camber before I start having rubbing issues on the driver's side.

I know that the stock spring diameter is to blame and a lot more camber can be had by going to a narrow diameter spring. I really don't feel like spending the money and the effort on a full coilover setup. Do I have any other options? What is the most cost effective method to getting the clearance to get the camber into the 2.3 to 2.6 range?

Sorry if this is repeat.

 

I was able to get 2.2* with the Helix plates and H-Sport springs. Some lowering springs are narrower than the stockers. Try calling some manufacturers. Maybe TSW?

 

Interesting... 2.2 degrees and no rubbing?

Helix and H-sport springs aside, is the car completely stock? (not that I can think of any other modifications that would have bearing on clearance - it seems strictly a spring diameter and lowering issue).

In general, does the Mini's gain camber when it is lowered? I know the double wishbones do, but I didn't think strut type in Mini would.

 

Lowering will gain rear camber but very little / none up front.

There was no rubbing and I didn't "massage" the inside of the tower. (There are ribs on the inside that you'll rub first, taking a hammer to them will net some more clearance.) Nothing else to impact things. And I had more room to go.

The real kicker? When I switched to coilovers with integrated camber plates, now I can't get anything more than 2.2* because the plates are at their maximum adjustment range. Other people with same coilovers can get 3*. Conundrum. Effects of poor roads? Maybe?

 

That is surprising - I would guess that the coilover camber plate would allow more than 2.2. How could there be so much variation between two cars - over 1 degree is a lot.

Thanks for the suggestion to call TSW - I spoke with them and it looks like their springs are .5" diameter lower. By banging out the ribs I can get 2.2 - 2.3 degrees with no rubbing. The even better news is that TSW is working on a spring for the Mini that will not have the egg shaped design and will be straight instead. This should give even more clearance - maybe enough to make the Helix camber plate the bottleneck for negative camber.

Calling Helix now to find out what the theoretical maximum camber is.