Hihi.

Looking to upgrade my '09 Mini Cooper Classic to handle on rails.

This is what I am thinking to start with:

1. Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec
2. IE 22mm adjustable hollow rear sway bar
3. IE Fixed -1.25 Camber Plates
4. TSW V3 Springs

Just a few questions:

-How much adjustability does the stock (non-S, non-Sport) suspension have in terms of alignment? (camber, caster, toe) Are the fixed plates a good investment?

-Will the stock dampers die with the TSW V3 springs? Will there be an increase in performance, or will the spring rates be too mismatched to cause a loss in performance?

-Is there a significant difference between Sport/S and non-Sport/non-S dampers?

I will move to upgraded dampers eventually, but not now. If the TSW springs are not worth the trouble with stock dampers, then I will wait until I move to say FSDs.

-Will this setup make the car handle significantly more neutral? Improve rotatability? (is that even a word?)

-How wide can I realistically run on the stock 15" alloys? Stock size is 175/65R15. Skinny tires, great for snow and mileage. Not so great for performance. Can I fit 195/60R15? 205/55R15 would to be too wide, right? Maybe I'll just spring for 16x7 aftermarket wheels and run 205/50R16 ...

Cheers
-k

 

Go with the adjustable camber plates and drop down to a 19mm sway bar. With the additional front grip you will get from the camber you won't need the larger bar.

And once the camber is set-up for your driving habits, you will get much better wear on the front tires.