I'm looking to get some new 18's and lower my R53 a bit to close the gap. Problem is, I'm torn between lowering springs or coilovers. I only want about a 1 inch drop, but I don't want to torch my handling. I'm a college student and I don't want to spend more than $1000, so does anyone have any suggestions?

 

1"... sub 1000. springs.

your going to get great springs, or crap coils.

ive got the crap coils, but i enjoy 1/4" wheel gap

plus you can potentially run into all sorts of wheel fitting problems (offset), especially w cheap coils.

 

what kind of springs do you recommend with the stock shocks?

 

The cost/quality of coilovers has nothing to do with wheel fitment issues which will be experienced across the boards when it comes to coilovers. It all comes down to perch location.

 

i'll be more specific, the wheels i want are the 18 inch exel tz10's with some 35 series tires. I want to close the gap and not kill the ride. I'm fine with stiffer, but I don't want it to be any looser. Also, what would i need in temrs of adjustment bars or camber plates?

 

Camber plates will not be required. Camber up front doesn't change when lowered.

If you want to stay within stock specs and drop more than an inch in the rear, you'll want rear control arms. They cost 150-200 generally.

Any of the springs should offer you what you're looking for, really. It all comes down to how much drop you want.

 

I would probably look at the Tein S-Tech, M7, or H&R springs for the car. You can snag a set of the Tein from VAC Motorsport. The phone number is 866-714-2002. M7 you can buy from M7 and H&R is sold at several vendors on this site. I have the TSW springs on my car I like the drop, which is slightly less drop than the other guys. However, those other springs will prob. require the adjustable rear control arms to keep within stock spec and not eat your rear tires alive. My TSW springs needed no such thing. In fact, those springs even work well with OEM shocks, probably better than most.

My personal opinion would be TSW springs, but the Tein and H&R would be nice choices too.

 

oh gotcha. thought some had smaller perches / different spring geometries

 

The MINI does not take to lowering very well. Install the 18's and be happy with the OEM engineered suspension. You could upgrade the struts/schocks when there are not college tuition, room/board and book bills.

Just went Koni FSD's on ours - MUCH improved ride and handling - factory ride height.

 

That's not true. It just requires additional travel.

 

So i'm thinking the m7 springs with the stock struts. I know they'll go bad, but i might as well use them while they still work and then replace them with the koni yellows probably next summer.

I'd probably just drive up to the tire rack warehouse to get it installed and have them put lower control arms on as well. Any one have any other reccomendations?