Suspension TSW R56 springs - coming soon
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Houston, TX
Based on a review of www.realoem.com it looks like the rear springs in the R55 Clubman are different then the R56, I would bet they are a higher spring rate to allow for more load in the wagon. Also know that the Rear R52 OEM Springs are a higher rate then the R53 or R50. While the TSW springs may "fit" an R55 I would bet the rear would sit lower on an R55 than R56 and would limit the load of the R55 making the "space" less useful with heavy loads. I know a few R52 owners running TSW Springs without issue, but they also don't have the space to carry much more weight in the back. Just some things to think about.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Bedford, Tx
Your VIN is required to know which OEM springs are installed. More than likely the longer your option list the longer the spring will be so that the same ride height is maintained with cars of differing weights.
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From: Bedford, Tx
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From: Tejas
As soon as we can get a clubbie over here for a test mule, we'll letcha know!
Speaking of - anyone in the D/FW have a clubbie that they want to let us test springs on?
Speaking of - anyone in the D/FW have a clubbie that they want to let us test springs on?
Just got back from taking shots of the install for the upcoming product review in the Alliance Magazine (Look for it Dec 19).
This is just off the jackstands. Have not fully settled as of yet.
This is just off the jackstands. Have not fully settled as of yet.
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From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
This is just off the jackstands. Have not fully settled as of yet.
Please do not judge the look of this MINI with TSW springs based on that pic. Thanks Dustin
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From: Tejas
And, we're proud to annouce... we're done.
We just finished installing the production version of the R56 springs, and we can now say that they are READY TO SHIP!
Drop is right around 1" front and 3/4" rear...
Linear rate, cold wound... 225 lb/in front and 269 lb/in rear. Unlike the R50/R53 springs which are 200 lb/in all around, MINI's changes to the R56 platform necessitated different rates in the front and back. OEM rates are "freakin' coat hangers" (~150 lb/in) in the front and 212 lb/in rear.
You'd think that bumping the OEM spring rates would result in a harsher ride, wouldn't you? Welp, based on the dyno plots of the OEM struts and shocks, the R56 is woefully undersprung from the factory - same as the R50/R53 platform. The ride on our R56 TSW springs is BETTER than OEM by a long shot, with better cornering, and a more settled car in the twisties.
Our springs offer a stellar ride, great looks, and KILLER performance with all OEM struts and OEM-style replacements (e.g. Koni Yellows). Our test car picked up 5 MPH in average speed PER LAP at Eagles Canyon!!!
MSRP is $229.
http://www.txwerks.com/servlet/Detail?no=243
We just finished installing the production version of the R56 springs, and we can now say that they are READY TO SHIP!
Drop is right around 1" front and 3/4" rear...
Linear rate, cold wound... 225 lb/in front and 269 lb/in rear. Unlike the R50/R53 springs which are 200 lb/in all around, MINI's changes to the R56 platform necessitated different rates in the front and back. OEM rates are "freakin' coat hangers" (~150 lb/in) in the front and 212 lb/in rear.
You'd think that bumping the OEM spring rates would result in a harsher ride, wouldn't you? Welp, based on the dyno plots of the OEM struts and shocks, the R56 is woefully undersprung from the factory - same as the R50/R53 platform. The ride on our R56 TSW springs is BETTER than OEM by a long shot, with better cornering, and a more settled car in the twisties.
Our springs offer a stellar ride, great looks, and KILLER performance with all OEM struts and OEM-style replacements (e.g. Koni Yellows). Our test car picked up 5 MPH in average speed PER LAP at Eagles Canyon!!!
MSRP is $229.
http://www.txwerks.com/servlet/Detail?no=243
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From: Tejas
Against OEM ride height right off the jackstands, the difference is noticeable. It was even more noticeable after a 15 minute drive.
Oh, and this is a Cooper on OEM 16" RFT's...
Suffice to say, this is going to net out just as we planned...
Last edited by txwerks; Nov 1, 2008 at 03:38 PM.
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From: Tejas
One other tidbit of information...
With the alignment pins yanked on the upper strut mounts in the front and shoved all the way inboard, we measured -1.5 degrees of negative camber up front - not bad! Turn-in is markedly better...
We'll be gettin' a clubbie over for some measurements ASAP - so, stay tuned clubbie fans!
With the alignment pins yanked on the upper strut mounts in the front and shoved all the way inboard, we measured -1.5 degrees of negative camber up front - not bad! Turn-in is markedly better...
We'll be gettin' a clubbie over for some measurements ASAP - so, stay tuned clubbie fans!
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Bedford, Tx
But seriously folks. I ran the prototypes for two months and loved the ride, if not the look. I didn't expect the ride to get better with the production TSW springs, but it did. 50 miles on the car since the install this afternoon. I'm lovin the new ride quality.
You calling my baby ugly?
But seriously folks. I ran the prototypes for two months and loved the ride, if not the look. I didn't expect the ride to get better with the production TSW springs, but it did. 50 miles on the car since the install this afternoon. I'm lovin the new ride quality.
But seriously folks. I ran the prototypes for two months and loved the ride, if not the look. I didn't expect the ride to get better with the production TSW springs, but it did. 50 miles on the car since the install this afternoon. I'm lovin the new ride quality.
I guess I will know once I get my set and get them installed and a good alignment.
Are you going to install the camber plates or do you have a set of nice prototypes, already?
Post some more pictures after the Cooper settles.
Thanks,
Don
One other tidbit of information...
With the alignment pins yanked on the upper strut mounts in the front and shoved all the way inboard, we measured -1.5 degrees of negative camber up front - not bad! Turn-in is markedly better...
We'll be gettin' a clubbie over for some measurements ASAP - so, stay tuned clubbie fans!
With the alignment pins yanked on the upper strut mounts in the front and shoved all the way inboard, we measured -1.5 degrees of negative camber up front - not bad! Turn-in is markedly better...
We'll be gettin' a clubbie over for some measurements ASAP - so, stay tuned clubbie fans!
... Hint ... Hint... Please!!!Thanks to TSW... for takeing their time and doing it right!
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Bedford, Tx
Did you start with a base suspension or the MINI sport suspension?
I guess I will know once I get my set and get them installed and a good alignment.
Are you going to install the camber plates or do you have a set of nice prototypes, already?
Post some more pictures after the Cooper settles.
Thanks,
Don
I guess I will know once I get my set and get them installed and a good alignment.
Are you going to install the camber plates or do you have a set of nice prototypes, already?
Post some more pictures after the Cooper settles.
Thanks,
Don
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From: Tejas
All orders will ship Monday... Thanks to all for being so patient, but we had to get it right.
The spring rates are designed to work with the regular, sport and JCW struts (which have slightly different dyno plots, but not a lot of difference).
R56 camber plates are up next... And, Mr. SK8BRD will get the prototype set, since he is an autocross and track junkie (like us).
Mr. SK8BRD has been riding around on the 2nd prototype set for a couple thousand miles and done some autocrossing and track events on them. The production springs do feel "even better" to our well calibrated butts, too.
The spring rates are designed to work with the regular, sport and JCW struts (which have slightly different dyno plots, but not a lot of difference).
R56 camber plates are up next... And, Mr. SK8BRD will get the prototype set, since he is an autocross and track junkie (like us).
Mr. SK8BRD has been riding around on the 2nd prototype set for a couple thousand miles and done some autocrossing and track events on them. The production springs do feel "even better" to our well calibrated butts, too.
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From: Tejas
That is a cherry e30 ya got there!!! Our's needs some paint to get it back into shape...
4th Gear
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From: Lanham, MD
Thank you. It's my pride and joy for which the Mini is the daily driver for. I actually just re-did the suspension for all 5-lug and Ground Control coilovers. I also have a s50 engine in the works for it. For more pics: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v2...eier/My%20Car/ . Also, check out e30tech.com for virtually any question you have.
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From: Tejas
Feedback from another local who picked his springs up on Friday and installed them over the weekend (JCW car with regular (non-sport and non-JCW) suspension):
"I put the springs on today. You were not kidding, what a difference; it is
a whole new car. The car rides so much better. No more rear end squat on
tack off, and cornering is much flatter. Feels like the weight transfer in
corners is much more predictable, which was one of my biggest complaints
with the OEM springs."
"I put the springs on today. You were not kidding, what a difference; it is
a whole new car. The car rides so much better. No more rear end squat on
tack off, and cornering is much flatter. Feels like the weight transfer in
corners is much more predictable, which was one of my biggest complaints
with the OEM springs."
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From: Tejas
Thank you. It's my pride and joy for which the Mini is the daily driver for. I actually just re-did the suspension for all 5-lug and Ground Control coilovers. I also have a s50 engine in the works for it. For more pics: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v2...eier/My%20Car/ . Also, check out e30tech.com for virtually any question you have.
We're still running on a Bilstein/H&R setup, as we haven't yet ruled out racing it in Spec e30. Otherwise, we'd be on AST coilovers.
I hate to say it (but not really), but our e30 KILLS the MINIs on our autocross courses...
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Louisiana
You calling my baby ugly?
But seriously folks. I ran the prototypes for two months and loved the ride, if not the look. I didn't expect the ride to get better with the production TSW springs, but it did. 50 miles on the car since the install this afternoon. I'm lovin the new ride quality.
But seriously folks. I ran the prototypes for two months and loved the ride, if not the look. I didn't expect the ride to get better with the production TSW springs, but it did. 50 miles on the car since the install this afternoon. I'm lovin the new ride quality.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Bedford, Tx
I sure will. It didn't get much action yesterday as I went to Texas Motor Speedway for the Sprint cup race with friends, but as of my commute I'm at 130 miles on the today. Wednesday I'll try parking next to a stock height R56 at Happy Hour for a side by side comparison.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Bedford, Tx
All orders will ship Monday... Thanks to all for being so patient, but we had to get it right.
The spring rates are designed to work with the regular, sport and JCW struts (which have slightly different dyno plots, but not a lot of difference).
R56 camber plates are up next... And, Mr. SK8BRD will get the prototype set, since he is an autocross and track junkie (like us).
Mr. SK8BRD has been riding around on the 2nd prototype set for a couple thousand miles and done some autocrossing and track events on them. The production springs do feel "even better" to our well calibrated butts, too.
The spring rates are designed to work with the regular, sport and JCW struts (which have slightly different dyno plots, but not a lot of difference).
R56 camber plates are up next... And, Mr. SK8BRD will get the prototype set, since he is an autocross and track junkie (like us).
Mr. SK8BRD has been riding around on the 2nd prototype set for a couple thousand miles and done some autocrossing and track events on them. The production springs do feel "even better" to our well calibrated butts, too.