but the spec from the factory is sloppy, at 0 to -.5 being considered fine. Throw in some "wear" and there's a lot of range a "stock car" can cover. I do know the Dinans add an extra -.75, as going to that from the stock setting isn't really worth the effort. And I know the Irelands are more agressive than the Dinans. But calling Jeff or Steve would put it all to bed.

Matt

If anyone besides me cares, I spoke to IE on the phone today. Thought I'd share what they said:

> "typical" OEM camber is zero, but can vary. MOST chassis will not vary side-to-side more than 1-2 tenths of a degree.

> IE's "fixed" plates ADD -1.25 degrees to whatever comes stock. So, if stock is "0", then -1.25 is the net. If stock is -.1, then NET will be -1.35 degrees.

> one-two tenths of a degree variance side-to-side is not enough to cause noticeable negative handling characteristics (all other things being equal).

> before you get either type, get your stock camber measured.

> of course, lowered cars create change camber to begin with., and can also create side-to-side differences, even if stock was perfectly the same on both sides, depending on spring lengths and installation results.

I just installed the Helix camber plates, they are awsome and quiet. I was wondering though. They didnt come with instructions. Once installed pushed all the way out it appears that I gained negative camber just from the plates. Does this seem correct?

I've been using the Ireland fixed plates for about 2 months and can report no unusual sounds. The car sounds better over bumps than it did with a broken factory mount.

Since you're running FSDs, I'm willing to bet that fixed plates are your best choice. You can't really feel a small difference in camber under street driving conditions.

The Helix reports I've seen have all been good, as long as the buyer doesn't mind a slight increase in ride height.

I don't know what the extreme setting would/should yield. Call Helix and ask. All of the guys there are happy to help, and they will not steer you wrong. ("steer" -- Jeez, I crack myself up!)

I went with the SPC adjustables. So far, so good.

Time will tell more, I am sure. Noise has not been a problem, though.

So Mark,

How did those SPC/eibach adjustables work out for you? I'm considering picking up a set...

I have the IE fixed plates. As snid said above the only added noise I get is the "holy crap" I just lost my front end sound going over large bumps. I've learned to squeeze my checks and squint my eyes when I see it coming now .

I don't track the car so spending the extra money to shave a tenth on my canyon run wasn't that important. The fixed plates give a nice handling upgrade at a great price.

Longboard

That's what I often do too! I've got IE adjustables but I'm not sure it's all their fault, the front control arms Powerflex bushings might be responsible too

I 100% agree about Helix.

I have just had my Helix plates installed with TSW Adj. endlinks and Koni Coilovers and Helix Rear lower control arms. I took the car to a private Porsche shop http://doughertyautomotive.com/ for my install and aligment and they loved the set up.
They said the Helix camber plates where one of the best made that they have seen in a while. Everything was easy to install and adjust to set the car up and alig perfectly. All (4) corner Koni's are set to "Firm" for now and all I can say is DAMN this car handles real nice now.

*Note*
I have "No Noise" at all from this setup.
The ride is far from soft for now, I am letting everything settle in for a little while and going to have it raised and dampers adjusted.
Right now it is also sitting really low with the tires tucked under fenders on all 4 corners

I also have learned to squeeze my checks and squint my eyes when I see the "Holy *****" bump coming now .

P.S. I work from home so I really dont drive the car everyday to work on our crappy PA roads.

I have had the SPC camber plates on for over a year now. Set up to -1.8 degrees. Great effect. The car is really stuck to the road, little body lean, and stable all the way through turns. I couldn't be any happier with the plates. I think the difference between before and after was noticeable, with after meaning better times through turns (although in all fairness, that is all butt-dyno talking).

And as to "noise" I don't know why I was worried. I haven't noticed any difference in noises of any type.

My IE adjustables (which are shot) make lots of all sorts of noises.

mb

So are there any adjustable camber plates that aren't so noisy and that LOWER the car on stock-style springs?

I know the TSW plates add about an inch of travel for 2.5" or 60mm ID springs...

None I have heard of. Best you can hope for is no increase in height. And I read a lot about them (a year or so ago) when I was shopping.

NOTE: TSW's plates were not available when I purchased. I would have considered them FOR SURE. Their ad states "no increase" in height.

Yeah I kept searching around and none of the plates offer a decrease in ride height. Looks like I'll just have to get the TSW plates for the 2.5" ID coils and get Bilstein to provide some custom length springs for the front to get some extra travel back from being dumped.

One day... one day... lol

If I'm only looking to stop the cracking/bending the strut mount. Has anyone had that problem after installing the IE fixed plates? I know they are built on a similar stock design. I just want to not replace a mount every 3 months. but budget doesn't allow for anything other then stock or something like the IE fixed (sub $250)

Thoughts, opinions, feelings.......

Check out these new plates from Mini Madness:
http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...rodID=334&HS=1
You might want to ask them if they increase the ride height because I suspect they will but maybe that is not a concern for you.

Screamer
The fixed plates from Ireland is a good way to go. They will go a long way to protecting your strut towers. When you lay them side by side you will see a vast improvement in the strength of the plates. You will also get the benifit of a little extra neg. front camber while retaining the stock ride and NVH.
Steve

Watch the marketplace. Camber plates come up from time to time and can be had at a fraction of new price. Then you can get the build strength you want at a price point that meets your budget.

Matt

Screamer, the good Doc is correct. Great deals to be found in the marketplace. I bought my IE fixed plates at a very friendly price. I've got 17,000 miles on them & they are quiet. I'm loving them.

I'd put them right there with the super charger pulley as must haves on any MCS.

Thank you everyone!!!!

As for the Mini-Madness Plates - I put those on three months ago (bought used here on NAM) and that didn't do a thing to help keep the mounts from breaking. (I might be calling it the wrong thing) i am talking about the curved part on the top of the strut. It might be the "tower" either way its broke again. I can see it when i look down past the MiniMadness plates.

So I guess the correct question to ask is: Will the IE fixed help stop that part from bending up and/or cracking (from the stupid potholes here in Dallas)?

Again - thank you

Screamer
If you go back to post #42 and click on the Madness link you will see a picture that shows the Madness plates bolted to the stock (black) camber plates. Are these the plates you are still bending? If you are you have some serious potholes and the red Madness plates would also be bending. The Ireland plates eliminate the stock camber plates and replace them. The Ireland plates are beefier than stock, add -1.25 camber to what you have and has a rubber mounted bearing from BMW Z4 which is also a lot stronger and will prevent tearing of the rubber. If you are still having problems with these I would reccommend going with a smaller Diameter wheel with larger profile tires to absorb some of the shock created from the potholes.
Steve

I have had NO problems with my IE fixed plates since they were installed 2 years ago on my '06 MCS. The MCS my daily driver, plus my track car at various BMW CCA HPDEs every year. In other words, it more than gets its share of about any kind of roadway bumps, etc. out there. Yeah, it creaks when going over uneven surfaces at odd angles, but, hey, at least I know it's working then...right? Best of all, however, is that the car feels soooo much more stable.

My plates are dead quiet, but you know how much slower I drive than you do. Yep them IE plates make the car very stable. The only thing that's unstable in my MINI is me.

I think it might be your knees making the creaking noises old timer.

Sorry - i will show you what it is that keeps cracking/bending



And I had added the MiniMadness Plates. Those are not bending! They are VERY strong. Its the part that the arrow is pointing to that is my failure point. So if the IE fixed plates don't have that as a weak point - then i'm sold!

Thank you