I had Dan at Grassroots Garage install some suspension upgrade recently (about 2 1/2 weeks ago) and I an very happy with it.

I put on Koni FSD's with JCW springs, 19mm rear swaybar, and Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates. At first I was a little concerned due to the ride being very jittery but I know things have to settle first. I know there is more settling to do but now that the setup has started the ride is much better than stock. The reviews of the FSD's were spot on about helping cornering and large bumps and I have noticed that I can still feel a lot of what I did before but not as jarring as it used to be. The springs I am sure have help too but since they were done together it is nearly impossible to give an accurate review to them.

The swaybar and camber plates have really woke up cornering that already was good from the factory. I also put on the Madness trapezoid bar and the GTT Mid-Brace.

Simply an amazing ride for the street. I didn't go with harsher struts or coil-overs due to I don't track the car and I didn't want to compromise the ride. Actually with this setup I have actually improved it.

I would say to anyone looking this is a good setup for the street that keeps and/or improves the ride of your MINI. Of course don't forget to get rid of the run-flats too.

 

Dan does great work! Cheers!

 

What kinda camber you running?

 

Just got home from having the JCW springs installed on my stock 2009 S suspension. I was very worried about the ride before having them put on, and I have to say that I am very impressed! The car handles extremely better. I was expecting it to handle better but not this good. The ride in my opinion is even better. Bumps are not as jarring. It seems smoother overall. Lowering was about 3/4 inch, just what I wanted. I never wanted it slammed. In my opinion too low looks tacky and is not very user friendly for a daily driver.

 

The plates are rated at 1.25 degrees. The actual setting ended up being right around 1.06 on each side and the alignment guy got it matching on each side. The turn in is much quicker now. You can easy fling the car into corners.

The only negative I have noticed with the setup is I get a slight bit of wander now. I had this when I had the run-flats and when I ditched them the problem went away. I need to have the shop check the toe-in again as it may be set a little too aggressive. Other than that the car handles as I was expecting.

Since the install we have had 1 warm day and the handling really improved that day. I think after spring comes with some warmer weather the setup should fully settle in and have a great ride. I noticed the stock suspension really improved after going through the first summer as I picked up my car on the 31st of Dec. the year I got it.

 

The turn in could be attributed to the toe-in if that's found. Interesting though. Let us know what happens if you get it checked out.

 

+1 to OP

I just got the complete JCW Suspension kit outfitted on my '08 MCS with Dealer installed JCW tuning kit. The ride is DEMONSTRABLY better and it feels like you just point it and it goes. I LOVE it!

 

hunter99
I have the GTT mid-brace and the Mason Engineering Bar (they produce the Madness Bar) on my GP and both together make a huge difference up frt.
Turn-in and keeping wheels planted on the ground is much improved with that setup.

 

I like the setup a lot. Right now I am having a minor alignment issue but that will be resolved soon. Just having a far better shop do an alignment and getting new tires. I love the setup I have at this time. For how I drive it works for me.

I really am not into the lowered look and I wouldn't be able to get in an out of my driveway if I lowered the car. IMHO I think the setup I have is a good street setup especially if you re not looking for a lowered car.

 

+1 for Dan! Great guy!!

 

Is there a source for the GTT mid brace in the US?

 

My car is on IE adj camber plates -2.0 front -1.6 rear Koni FSD stock springs 19mm rear bar and powerflex bushes,new Hankook evoV12 tyres,and you know what it aint for sale,i just love it in a bend.

 

You have to get the brace from GTT in the UK.

 

I had to order mine from GTT. Randy was a nice guy to deal with a knows the MINI well. I don't know where they are on this, but he mentioned that they are looking to possibly get a dealer in the US. May have decided to no longer pursue it though.