Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Suspension Suspension "Tuning"

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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:26 AM
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Suspension "Tuning"

The purpose of this post is to share what I have found so far.
My first change was a set of easly adjustable coil overs (actually tires and wheels came first). I lowered it about an inch and tried to keep the 3/8" difference between the front and back that was oem. Afterwards I did a track weekend and played a bit with settings (not ht). Car still pushed a good bit when I made a mistake and a little bit at other times. Overall, it was pretty good on track. Did another weekend at NJ motorsports and really enjoyed it due to the fantastic track surface.
The next thing I installed was a set of adjustable camber plates. Started with a -1.5F and close to that rear. FWIW, the Vorshlags are of the highest quality. I did another track weekend on this setup. Very pleased. Pushed a bit coming out of tight turns, but good overall. As an aside, I did my first sesion with my highway setting on my struts (opps), then changed to track settings and what a difference.
I have since added adjustable rear control arms and changed my camber to -2 F and -1 R. My parking lot "test and tune" shows it is hard to induce any push. Plan to test soon on a track. So far, I see no need for a rear sway bar for track use. Time will tell.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 11:07 AM
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What tire pressures are you running (cold/hot) front and back with track setup?
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 01:27 PM
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36 f and r cold. So many variables, I don't mess with that too much. I am using the Dunlop Star Specs. Seems to work. Track gets hotter and traction changes some during the day. Makes it more of a learning situation.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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I have been quite successful running 33 psi front cold and 39 psi rear. The car seems to naturally rotate with that psi using TTO and TBO.

I also run Dunlop Star Specs. They lose their grip after about 12 minutes on the track after they get too hot. The 33 psi fronts help a little.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:02 PM
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I am not looking for any rotation. Neutral is the goal. Interesting what you say that about the tires. My son and I both use them. They seem the same throughout a session. I don't sense any loss of grip that is there at the begining of a session. They are my favorite tire.
Chocalate and vanilla I guess.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 07:05 PM
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Rotation is a natural by-product of neutral balance by moving the weight distribution one way or another causes understeer or oversteer. By rotating, you can remove understeer and reposition the car.

Dunlops Z1 are great tires, but they do lose some traction when hot and also they chunk. They only last 6-7 days on the track.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 06:42 AM
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I understand the concept.
Re: The Tires. I have 6 track days and about 7000 daily driven miles. No chunking yet. My sons have more miles, same # of track days without any chunking. Both sets show plenty of wear from the track days.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 06:49 AM
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Is is so great to see you have fun on the track with your son.

If you are out tracking in the NE, give me a shout. Perhaps we can do some runs together.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2009 | 08:03 AM
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NE= North East?
 
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Old Aug 17, 2009 | 08:09 AM
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Yes, Northeast. I notice you are running NJMP.

I normally run WGI, and LRP and will try NJMP in September.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2009 | 04:28 AM
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I think that is on the Thunderbolt Track. I plan to be there as well. Last time we were there was on the Lightning Track.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2009 | 07:49 AM
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NJMP, September 14-15. SCDA

September 14 - Thunderbolt
September 15 - Lightning

Were you thinking of this event? I am currently signed up for this.
 
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