hi i was wondering if anyone knows which coilover setup is ideal and if i do install the coilovers should i also look to upgrade the rear shock bushing. i have seen the bilstein, the h&r, the cross coilover kit from helix is their anything else out there? how is the ride quality like?

thanks
jeff
hopefully ordering my mcs in 2 weeks

 

Ideal for what? street use? track? being able to slam your mini? Most coil overs will have pros and cons in certain areas, just depends on how you want to use them.

 

yep, depends what you want.....just height adjustable, adjustable shocks, etc., etc.....

 

I'm also curious in learning more.

When I mentioned a possible suspension mod to a coworker they recommended I learn more about Spring Rates and other factors before ordering lowering springs or coilovers.

I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions for reading up on this. I've been hitting the usual wikipedia and howstuffworks pages. They're a little more high-level though and I'm curious about any Mini specific issues I may want to be aware of while I do some research.

I did run across rave reviews of the bilstein on multiple sites.

I also plan on auto-crossing fairly often but the car will also be my daily driver. AS I get more comfortable and experienced it would be nice to be able to do some adjustments on my own.

Thanks!

 

^^^what do you wanna know more about?

 

i like to be able to lower and adjust my ride. i want a coilover for street and occassionally for track use.

 

what are some pros and cons about coilover suspension?

 

If you just want adjustable ride height, you could go with the H&R coilovers: http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p...er-S-Coilovers

 

M7 COILOVERS?

 

There was an article in the latest MC2 magazine about a set of coilovers that TC Kline is developing, which use Koni shocks and have adjustable camber plates on top. I don't have the magazine with me, but it sounded like a very ideal streetable setup that would work very, very well at the track and will (hopefully) be cost effective.

I called TC Kline about them and they told me that they don't have pricing yet but it will depend on how much they can get the Koni shocks for, and that they would be ready sometime around March, April at the latest. These are currently the front-runner on my list behind the JIC/Cross, just because of the price of the cross system. Anyhow, just a heads up, the article got me very excited about the TC Kline coilovers.

 

Kline told me well over 3 grand!!!!!! in a email. Crazy money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

hopefully they wont be too expensive. still got to get the wifey to approve to spend the money.

 

so what are the pros and cons in getting the coilover setup?

 

----- Original Message ----- From: Feedback
To:
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 9:52 AM
Subject: RE: Koni Mini Suspension
We have developed a D/A coilover strut and shock package. The shocks & struts must be custom hand built here in the US. It will be 8 months or more before we receive our quantity order. The cost for custom units is $2200.00. You will also need springs and rear adjusters. approx $525.00. We need approx 6 weeks to have a custom set built for you.

Also, we suggest that you consider a large rear bar and camber plates on the Mini. We do not produce either at this time. However, we could supply them to you
Pete Stackhouse
Ph 614.771.7744 Fax 614.771.4913
pete@tcklineracing.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 9:32 AM
To: feedback@tcklineracing.com
Subject: Koni Mini Suspension
I've read the recent article on your suspension package for the Mini. Could you plese forward any pricing you have at this time. Also any info you may have.

 

If you got enough budget I would suggest you to buy the KW V3 !!

KW V3 is definitely worth to buy it.

 

The majority of coilovers use single rate springs, not progressive. I honestly think coilovers aren't worth it, theres no moderately priced sets out there. I have coil overs on my a4, konis, and I really like them, they make the a4s spongy suspension feel good and firm (also had 98k miles on the stock suspension). But the mini suspension stock is great, I have H&R springs I got from tirerack for $199, when my shocks go (I'm sure they'll go prematurely because the car is dropped) I'll worry about shocks and such. But for the difference its not worth it unless you track your car all the time IMO. The car rides great, handles even more like a go kart, and I didn't break the bank. The corner balancing doesn't matter on the street, and the H&R height is perfect for me. As always, YMMV.

have fun,
Josh

 

i stand by my M7 coilovers all the way!

 

Ouch! Maybe I should just keep saving for the JICs or some KW V3's! I'm still going to follow the development of the TC Kline's though, because this information seems to conflict with the coilovers I was looking at (although I'm convinced we read the same article). They say you need seperate camber plates and the article said they were integrated, and the person who I spoke to on the phone seemed to indicate that they would be here much, much sooner.

 

The JIC/Cross ones are trick pieces, they do come with camber plates (or pillow ***** as they call them). I just don't get why you're hell bent on coilovers. My vote is for JIC/cross with the camber plates if you must have coilovers. Camber ftw!

Have fun,
Josh

 

+1 for JIC/Cross

 

don't forget the TSW coilovers..........very nice units and very well thought out.