I just bought my first mini, i've had my 04 MCS for only a couple months and have a million things i want to do to it.

I apologize in advance for a really new guy question. But i need to get rid of my "monster truck mini" status. I hear of everyone getting springs, but havent heard much about changing the shocks and struts?

Is the stock MacPhearson setup run with the lowering springs?

Can in question.

 

Welcome to the world of MINIs. Our cars have struts, which incorporate the shocks (also known as dampers) into them and also serve a locating function. Folks tend to interchange the two terms, not that it's a big deal on the forum.

Many people use the stock struts with lowering springs, though that may impact how long the struts last since the range of motion is changed.

Coilovers (another technically misapplied term in general use) sidestep that issue by having dampers designed to function in a different range of motion. Those are more expensive.

Some aftermarket struts, like Koni, are also intended to work with lowering springs.

Hope that helps more than it confuses.

Scott
90SM

 

Beautifufl Indi Blue. I have the same. Unless you are going to go racing full time, struts and springs for the street and solo II (autocrossing) are the most economical way to go. I mainly drive agressivly on the street and do solo II events. I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to go with Koni Yellow struts and H & R springs. Welcome.

 

I was just confused since so many people just sell springs. I also talked to some uber nerd at the dealer and he said the stock struts were comfy with lowering springs, as he did it with his own. I just wasnt sure if this was a frowned upon practice.

Ugh, ask me a question about Volkwagens, i got ya covered. Since i was 16 thats all i owned, now i feel like im starting all over with this MINI affection i recently obtained.

Thanks guys, if you need me ill be in the corner with a dunce cap, on jingling my mini keys...

 

Well....a pulley is a great way to start...The postman is on his way..... As far as suspension goes.... you can't beat a set of lowering springs. They are pretty cheap and easy to install. Now, I on the other hand, am fully slammed on PSS9's.....

 

Stock struts and lowering springs will shorten the life of the struts. It's up to you to decide if that's okay or not. Ask someone who has put lowering psrings on stock struts and driven 10,000 or more miles how their suspension held up. The other problem is the struts go bad gradually, so you might not notice it.

 

I have had the h-sport springs and stock struts for 25000 miles now with no problems

 

Right tires, rear sway bar, lower springs, better intake, headers, cat back, 15% pulley, improve breaks (when need replacement). All that might cost $2K = worth every penny.