Suspension 2003 MCS Front Sway Bar Replacement
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Joined: Apr 2007
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MCS 2003 Front Sway Bar change out
As part of preparing my MCS for G Stock Autocross competition I am planning to change out my front sway bar. My service manual states that the front sub-frame must be lowered to remove the sway bar.
Any information on how far the sub-frame must be lowered during the changout procedure? Any other advise on accomplishing the proceedure would be appreciated.
Any information on how far the sub-frame must be lowered during the changout procedure? Any other advise on accomplishing the proceedure would be appreciated.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 76
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From: Katy, TX
It needs to be lowered enough to get your wrenches in to remove the bolts holding the sway bar bushings in place. If you are doing this you may want to replace your control arms bushings at the same time. They are held in place by the same bolts as the sway bar!!!! If memory serves the subframe should come down approx 6 inches where it attaches to the body shell!
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Neutral
Joined: Apr 2007
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2003 MCS Front Sway Bar Replacement
I posted this question on the 2nd generation forum by mistake.
I am going to replace my front sway bar as I set my Mini up for G stock Auto cross. My repair manual says to lower the front sub frame.
How low must the sub frame be lowered? Any secrets or short cuts that I should know about?
Thanks for the help.
I am going to replace my front sway bar as I set my Mini up for G stock Auto cross. My repair manual says to lower the front sub frame.
How low must the sub frame be lowered? Any secrets or short cuts that I should know about?
Thanks for the help.
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
I posted this question on the 2nd generation forum by mistake.
I am going to replace my front sway bar as I set my Mini up for G stock Auto cross. My repair manual says to lower the front sub frame.
How low must the sub frame be lowered? Any secrets or short cuts that I should know about?
Thanks for the help.
I am going to replace my front sway bar as I set my Mini up for G stock Auto cross. My repair manual says to lower the front sub frame.
How low must the sub frame be lowered? Any secrets or short cuts that I should know about?
Thanks for the help.
Which front bar are you going to use as replacement?
Stock MC bar? That's good.
It's legal to use any front bar. Just don't go stiffer than stock.
Good luck.
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
If you install a stiffer bar on the front, it will create more understeer which it sounds like you want to get away from. If you install a smaller (less stiff) sway bar in the front it will help the car rotate better. The opposite goes for the rear sway bar. A bigger (stiffer) bar will reduce understeer and help the car rotate better. Ideally most users, install the rear bar, but to get an edge and stay in your class at autocross, you can't do the rear bar. Your desire to do the front bar is right on, just look for a smaller bar. Helix Minisports sells some autocross packages that you might want to a least look over: http://helix13.com/mini/products/packages
For G stock.
Use a less stiff stock MC front bar.
Stiffer front bar- expect more understeer.
If you install the bar you wanted you'd get settings all stiffer than your current bar. It's usually useful when you also install the H-sport competition rear adjustable bar (or similar) which is also very stiff.
For G stock you can't add any rear bar.
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Neutral
Joined: Apr 2007
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Thanks to all.
Your input is helping me to move in the right direction.
I will go for a smaller bar.
Just trying to get the most out of my Mini and still compete in GS. I am changing the shocks to Koni yellows and I run on Hoosier R compounds.
I guess that I should mention that I am 67 yrs old and am going through my fourth or fifth childhood.
Thanks again, all help is welcomed.
Your input is helping me to move in the right direction.
I will go for a smaller bar.
Just trying to get the most out of my Mini and still compete in GS. I am changing the shocks to Koni yellows and I run on Hoosier R compounds.
I guess that I should mention that I am 67 yrs old and am going through my fourth or fifth childhood.
Thanks again, all help is welcomed.
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