So I started to autoX in the late summer I will be starting it again in the spring but, was thinking of getting either lowering springs or coilovers what do you guys suggest?(note I live in central new york THERES LOTS OF SNOW!!! and the car is my daily driver)
Ive got a 22mm alta rear sway bar,intake, megan header with megan exhaust.

 

If you define your objectives as improved autocross performance and good daily driving in areas with potential snow, then I would suggest:

1) Two sets of wheels/tires: summer ST-legal tires (see SCCA rules), winter tires.

2) Autocross seat time. By far the biggest improvement will be here.

3) front camber plates/performance alignment.

See the STX autocross forum for more suggestions.

 

an alignment with neg camber will eat your tires if you plan on using the same set for the events and daily driving. so youll need to budget if money is an issue.

if you lower with springs alone, having a set of wheels with tires that are taller for the winter will help offset the difference at least alittle. if your only looking for performance and not worried about closing the wheel gap alot, you could buy springs that only lower 1" or less. with those you could also start out by using your stock shocks for awhile to see how you like them. you also wont need camber plates unless you get an alignment with extra neg camber.

if you go with coilovers, youll have to get an alignment done everytime you change your ride height and unless your die hard, they may have to many adjustments to play with that could cause some setup error and actually make your car handle worse...

 

If the goal is better autocross performance, then I would recommend camber plates over springs. Up to about -2 camber, and your tires shouldn't wear much worse (some find them to wear more evenly than stock alignment).

If lowering.. A lowering spring is an economical way to do so, and probably won't hurt autox performance. As blue_bomber said, winter tires are a way of re-gaining some clearance during winter. I don't have problems with 185/65/15 tires and lowering springs in snow.

What region do you run in? CNY?

 

i live in the syracuse region and yes I do have tires which help a ton we just had that storm here. I drive from syracuse to oswego everyday for school soo I do have to worry about the snow HAHA but if you guys think that a 1 inch lowering spring wont kill me in the snow than I might go for it

 

well, with the taller tires youll be less than an inch lower than stock. plus the lowest portion of the front air dam is pretty durable. i think it can handle some snow. dont think it should be used for a plow but id be more worried about drivways and steep inclines.

 

in that case what kind of lowering springs do you suggest? also I was thinking of the koni yellows too

 

If you want to Autocross and be competitive, you should first consult the rules of the class in which you will be participating. If you are autocrossing to actually win events, you need to be competitive against the competition in your class and that means preparing (modding) to the extent that the rules allow. In some cases the rules only allow a rim/tire change and brake pads.

Too many times people have to remove mods in order to compete and win in a class.

Given that you are in central NY, I would probably suggest stock springs and Konis and maybe camber plates if your class allows. Stock springs work pretty well on the autox and will work better in the snow as you get more ride clearance and they will be softer than any aftermarket springs. Ride height and relatively soft springs improve traction in low traction elements such as snow, ice and rain.

Get at least 2 sets of wheels. One for the snows. One for decent performance oriented tires to drive around in the non snow months. Autocross on them this first season so you can learn. Get lots of seat time. The best thing you can do to improve times is to get experience. You will progress over the season and then make a decision about when to get a set of dedicated autox rims/tires with sticky R compound or slicks as the rules of your class allow.

Grassroots motorsports has published many articles on autocrossing the Mini and had a good amount of information on setting the car up with an appropriate set of mods. Check them out.

 

^^^thats a good reponse^^^

i cant speak from experience with the mini, but the yellows are a nice setup on two other cars i had them installed on. as far as springs go, here on NAM this page might help you with your search-https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=39371.

i too have to live with snow here in ohio, im sure you get alot more than me though. i went with the H-sports due to their good reputation. i havnt yet installed them as i didnt have the budget for taller snow tires this year.

if your not in a hurry to purchase and install, watch for a used set in the forsale section here on NAM. theres almost always someone selling due to going back to stock or upgrading to coilovers.

you might be able to aquire a set of springs from the stock sport suspension if you dont allready have it. i wouldnt be in a hurry to lower the car if only for performance. by just doing what the previous post said you could have a very nice setup.

 

I love my koni yellows, they are a definite step up from the stock units. As far as springs, I've used the H-Sport and now the Konis (part of their "sport package") – but I would go with the TSW springs since they're linear rate (and now lower in the front). Although last time I checked their site they didn't have them advertised???

Alternatively, you could probably find a set of used coilovers for the price of a spring + yellow set-up new. This is the way I wish I had went! Still will eventually..

 

great thanks for the help guys

 

Sorry, the springs are currently out of stock. We do our level best to keep them in stock, but they sell so fast that our spring winders can barely keep up (yet as a start-up we can't afford to place a massive order just yet). We'll get them back on the shelves ASAP.

***EDIT: Springs are back in stock!