So, the 98k+ miles on the original dampers killed 'em. Surprisingly, although the MINI did not handle as well as it could have, it was still better than most. Yesterday, the MINI got a big makeover in the suspension department.

Koni FSDs all around, 19mm Alta rear bar set to medium and my BMP strut tower brace is back on the car.

wow. The FSDs make the ride smooth, but don't give up anything in the corners. They settle a bit on initial turn-in (feels like 1/2 inch maybe), but they find a sweet spot there and get solid. The car tracks wonderfully. Weight transfer is even, predictable and controlled. The 19mm Alta bar set to "stun" gives the MINI just enough tail motion to make it neutral, not a bit of oversteer. In conjuction with the front strut tower brace, the car is now solid, neutral and smooth.

This is how the MINI should have been sorted in Oxford. This rocks.

I also installed the lower engine mount bushing reinforcement. (Detroit Tuned--I don't remember who makes it) That bit sends some NVH into the cabin, I notice more rumble in the cockpit. Clutch engagement is more solid, no lurching or dancing with it to make a good connection. Putting the throttle down in-motion results in straight power transfer without the bucking or yanking I had before. I'll have to see how the wife likes the sound/feel of this one. I love it for the improvement in tranny/clutch interaction, and it was cheap compared to other solutions.

Kudos Koni, kudos Alta, kudos Detroit Tuned.

dan

PS: All hail The Allen! Huzaa, huzaa! (he knows who he is)

 

now put the 19 pullie in and some big injectors and realy feel the difference. hang on for the ride of your life!

 

Software needed for the 19/injector combo?