Im planning on lowering my 03S. My question is, if i use springs, is there anything else i need to do? I mean, ive lowered several trucks, and just using coil springs isnt really the way to go (affecting alignment, loosing a decent amount of suspntion travel, not to mention the ride quality suffers), usually using control arms is what ive done (obviously the drop height is much more drastice in the truck than the Mini). If i use coil springs, what other things need to be done? Are there problems that can arise if using just springs?

 

If you use lowered springs (the spring rate should be adjusted upwards) then you also need new struts with a higher damping rate to match. A good lowering kit always includes both springs and matched struts.

 

How low do you want to go? That's the 1st question I ask customers. The lower you go the more parts you need and adjustments to make. Most coilovers are not designed for just lowering, but for better suspension tuning. I would need to know more details and your driving goals to help.

 

I have Promini springs (h&r's) on stock struts for now and the ride is great, a little stiffer than stock and it really makes the car look good. I also got the Dinan Camber plates for the front (dont think it was nessasry but I did it anyways. I also did both upper and lower rear control arms as you will need to adjust the camber in the rear. I will be upgrading the struts to Bilistiens here shortly as they will match the springs I have. If your looking to improve handing on the cooper, get a 19mm rear sway its amazing what that little bar does, no need for a thinker one thats just over kill to me. Dont forget the sway bar links so you can take the preload off.

So in a pinch if you just get springs you will be fine on stock struts but for the best ride get some bilstiens, an another thing get h&r's not eibachs. and the last thing you will need is aligment. You may of may not need at a min rear LOWER control arms uppers are just for fine tuning.

 

Thanks for the responses, id like about a 1in drop. Do most go with a lower front and higher rear stance? Are there kits that give the car a level look?

 

I think the TSW Springs would give you what you are looking for. Almost an inch lower and level out the MINI too. Work very well with OEM dampers. You may still need adjustable rear lower control arms to fix camber. You can find all of the parts on my site or PM for more details.

 

Don't go for the Starsky & Hutch look. Try to lower it evenly for best handling.

 

Definitely, id rather keep it stock height than with a rake stance.

 

the "rake stance" is stock. measure a spot near rear tire to ground (about 8 inches), now a spot near the front (about 7 inches)....so when you lower an inch, you still are an inch higher in the rear! now coilovers can eliminate this pretty easily. more expensive, true....but unless someone sells springs that drop a different amount (front vs. rear)...and provided your car settles as expected, i don't see how the rake disappears. spring owners may enlighten though.

p.s. nice pug. also, i would get rear control arms if you are lowering an inch....my rear camber went to -3.0 with an inch drop. not sure how much of my experience is due to having a cabrio though. sure feels better at -1.5.