As we all know the control arms o the 1st generation MINI's are just superb :/ but it is time to replace them and I am looking for recommendations as far as what to replace them with.


Side note* any information are other suspension components is MUCH appreciated my car is a daily drive but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the twisty's once in awhile

 

Replace your wonked out bushings with Powerflex ones. No need to replace the whole control arm.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...l_arm_kit.html

 

Does anyone make a kit where the whole control is basically complete ball joints bushings the works?

 

Most people I've seen remove the power flex after a while. They are for race cars.

I would see if Mahle or LUK make something for Mini.

 

The Powerflex ones work great for street applications in this particular case.
They control the arm's position much better than new stock bushings,
they last much longer, and they contribute very little additional NVH to
the suspension.

 

that is something I have been thinking about is whether to go performance rated or go with oem standards is the advantage really that big versus cost?

 

A definite YES!

 

I installed H-Sport lower control arms when I lowered my car. I don't know if they're "better" or not but they sure look nice and shiny down there. If you want the stock ones I'll sell them cheap, they're ugly but there's nothing wrong with them.

 

where did you get the H-Sport ones at I always find upper and adjustables sway bars but nothing about the lower

 

I got them from a local mini parts guy who was running out of his house and isn't around anymore... but WayMotorWorks has them, I think.

 

http://www.madnessmotorworks.com/mad...-bushings.aspx


check these out

 

what would be a good suspension set up for a dail driven car? sway bars say bar endlinks control arm bushings obviously

 

End links: If they are worn out, replace them. If not, leave them there, unless you plan to lower the car, then adjustable ones are a good choice.

A rear swaybar is a must in my opinion!

 

Are you looking for front control arms?? If so Go with the OEM control arms and some Powerflex control arm bushings.

We have a kit with the front ball joints and PF bushings too.

If you are wanting rears the Hsports are by far the best and longest lasting.

 

I have been trying to figure all this stuff on my own but it hasn't served me well so thanks everyone for your input!
I did decide to do the powerflex bushing setup but I am also going to replace the bracket also my MINI came from Chicago so everything is crusty underneath so I always replace whatever I can when I work on something right down to the bolts!!
As far as sway bars go I have been told by many people that the Hotchkis bars are the way to go
Obviously none of these things are cheap so doing one thing at a time is crucial but I do want to make sure I do it all correctly so I wont regret changing anything.
My next thread is going to coilover vs.springs
I know on any car you have to replace your struts or shocks every 60,000 miles if you do a coilover setup how does this effect routine maintenance or what is the routine maintenance?

 

My MINI has a Hotchkis rear swaybar. It's a must do mod for me. 19mm for me....