Just ordered a set of VMaxx coilovers for my 04 R50

However, this is my first suspension mod ever and so I've got a couple questions at this point.

Will I need to worry about strut tower mushrooming in the front?

I plan on installing these myself (with my moderate skills ) Any serious gotchas to look out for?

Apart from an alignment, is there anything that I should consider after the install for proper stance/balance?

Thanks in advance

J

 

I would do camber plates for the front (helix or Hsports) and rear lower control arms (helix or Hsports)

 

Suppose I should add; my ride is mostly for street driving/show -- No track, but occasional spirited driving. Also, I don't have pockets full of hundreds... So....

Are camber plates and control arms still needed? How necessary are they?

Thanks-

 

camber plates are not "needed" but will help get the most out of your MINI and if the OEM top plates have over 75K on them they are near the end of life. Since the OEM top plates cost about the same as some of the aftermarket camber plates most have found the after market plates to be a better value.

As for the rear arms, you will need them to get the rear camber back to spec since there is no OEM adjustment on an 04 MINI. Skipping the rear arms will send you back to the tire store for new tires sooner then you might want.

 

Vmaxx do not come with instructions, and only one spanner wrench, so be ready to improvise!

 

do you have to drill like the BC coilovers?

i'm possibly getting vmaxx's also

 

I don't believe so. Still waiting on mine tho.

 

Got them installed today. Couple of quick questions for anyone who has done this:

1. I didn't use the provided spacers on the rear ones since they didn't seem to fit right. I have an 04 R50, are these meant for another model?

2. As far as the front end links go; does anyone know where they're supposed to be set? Mine are set so the total lenght is about 1" shorter than the stock ones they replaced. My car is lowered about and inch, is this ok?

So far I haven't run into any problems. But I wanted to see if anyone had any insight.

 

Anyone have any pointers on how long to set the front endlinks?

 

i want to get these and lower them all the way will it be better than stock s suspension? ive heard the vmaxx is mainly for show and not actually best for hard cornering? should i pay the extra couple hundred to get meganracing or something of that area.

 

I like mine. No problems. Ride is a little stiff, but not too harsh.

 

Excellent! How come they are so cheap? I dont see a reason not to get these when I could have money left over for a NS1 cam!

 

hey I just noticed your in MPLS MN right on!!!!!!!!!!

 

When lowering the MINI, increase the length of the front drop links and shorten the rears. It is less than a 1 to 1 ratio and requires some eyeballing to return the sway bars both front and rear to their original position. If the front links are shortened in addition to lowering, a bind situation will occur.

 

They are not "cheap" coilovers, they are inexpensive ones. Cheap implies poor quality, which these are not.

You aren't paying for a name, you aren't paying for strut hats.

 

I meant inexpensive Im going to have to get these now!

 

Yeah, they are pretty fun. Be ready for the maintenance. If you're a set-it-and-forget-it type, lowering springs might be a better option. This is my maiden voyage with coilovers, and although I'm sold on them and like them, I must admit they are a bit more involved than I thought they would be. There are some associated learnings/growing pains. Also, our winters here in MN will require an annual removal/cleaning according to most people I've spoken with.
I also made a few other upgrades at the same time (IE fixed cambers and a 19mm H&R sway) so I can't speak to the direct result of the coilovers themselves, but I can say it's rollin' dope now

Gracais K-huevo

 

I would not recommend running them in the winter. They wont last long. Just reinstall the OEM parts for the winter months. Just about the same amount for work.