Okay...After extensive research, and questions to people in the know about these things...I wanted some opinions on possibly two setups:

Setup #1:

Mach V or TSW Springs
H-Sport Rear Sway
Alta Sway Bar End Links

About $720 approximately after install (buddy will do it) and alignment.

Setup #2:

Coilover Setup

BC or Koni

About $1700 or so after install and alignment.

I would have to wait about at least 6 months or longer for setup #2 because of parts availability and saving some $$$ to do it. Setup #1 I can possibly get done in the next 4 months. I don't plan to track my car any time soon, but I drive pretty aggresively...or some have said I do

Ha ha...okay I do drive aggresively. Which would you rather do?

TIA

 

set up #1 is missing the new dampers you will need (sooner or later) so the price is off.

I would recommend set up #2 but do the install your self with some buddies and save ~$400 on the install.

 

Yeah JDR...it seems like the better long term solution. If the stock shocks meet their end in say a year, I will need to spend at least $500 on new dampers...so my total cost will be up to coil overs.

 

word

 

I went with coilovers for basically the same reason. Most likely sooner rather then later you'll be replacing your shocks. I figured I might as well go coilovers from the start.

 

By the way, I dropped mine about 1 inch and I was able to get an alignment done back to factory specs without adding control arms.

 

Astro S, What product did you use for your coilover setup for the R56?

Are you tracking or canyon carving?

 

That's good to know...

 

I'd go with the TSW springs and a sway bar and buy the coilovers when you can afford them.

The cost out of pocket for you is only going to be about 200 + Install. .

I don't think you need sway bar endlinks (I still don't have them and I track my car... it's for that last 1%, not for an initial setup).

For the Sway Bar, keep in mind that stock is 18mm on the R56. If you're planning on "Upgrading" to a 19mm, you won't notice much difference.

FYI if you do get coilovers I'd recommend either Megan (Cheap) or CROSS (Best out there).

 

IIRC the R56 has a small amount of Front and Rear camber adjustment stock.

 

QQ...if I got the Megans...and set the rear to a stiffer setting...and leaving the front softer...will that help rotate the rear around?

 

I went with H&R Street Performance Coilovers.
I was considering Cross, but was afraid of how much they would cost me here in Canada. Looked into KW Variant 1's but again they were a fair bit more then the H&R's. Decided to go H&R's because I could deal with a very reputable shop for both purchase and install, and the price was very good for both.

Quite happy with them too. The ride is pretty decent, even over seams and rough pavement. My biggest worry was that they would be too harsh, but they aren't at all.

I track my car about once a month, next track day is June 9 so I can't let you know what they're like on the track until then.

 

Yeah...the Megan's seem to be a pretty good bang for the buck. Do you have any experience with KW...I was thinking the V1's?

 

I have the V1s and love them. The only issue so far is my rear camber is out of wack from how much the car is dropped but that will be fixed soon. Also need a 4 wheel alignment pretty soon.

on the plus side the torque steer is completely gone and the car feels like it is on rails when i go around corners.

 

My brother-in-law works with lots of aftermarket mod companies (wheels, body kits, etc)...He maybe be able to get me a deal on KW's. Was it pretty much a standard install? And I believe you have to buy wheel spacers right?

I don't plan to lower my car more than an inch or so anyways...How low did you go???

 

Thanks for the input, not sure which way I will go with my R56. I would like it a little lower but not slammed. It needs to get up the driveway.

 

I've got some pics in my gallery. I told the guys doing the install I wanted it lower by "2 fingers". Ended up beginning a little more then 1 inch. Just where I wanted it The lower front air dam rubs if I'm not paying attention, but just approaching bumps and dips at a bit of an angle works fine.

 

Height and damper adjustable M7 coilovers were $1500 plus $40-$50 for the rear lower metal bushings that are needed. The firm red bushings from Mini Madness replaced the soft stock foam bushings on the rear tops. Then added the rear lower control arms and Alta PSRS. I felt it was best to get everything right, have it done in one day, and only do it once.

 

the install is REALLY easy. the front is 5 bolts i think and the back is only 3 bolts. just make sure you have all the tools you need before you start and be patient and its alll good.

I have less than a finger gap in the front and back now.

 

Nice setup...and I agree with you. Though I'm not gonna go as lower than posibly 1-1.25 inches at the most.

How is the ride?

 

Looks good...nice dog too.

Are those TSW Kyalami's? I wondered how they looked on the MINIs.

 

Thanks.
Yep, 17 inch TSW Kyalami's in Hyper Black. Was considering TSW Catalunia's (sp?) as well, but I noticed alot of cars had the split 6 spoke design so I decided to go with the Kyalami's. I'm really happy with how they look.