I just finished installing TSW springs, Koni sport shocks, and a 19mm Hotchkis rear bar.

The bar install is pretty easy, but I've got a lift and air tools. Just make sure that the hole in the bushing for grease is actually open. Otherwise the darn grease just doesn't want to go in there...lol


You have to drill out the rear spring hats, and washers from 10mm to 12mm because the shaft of the Koni is... well 2mm bigger...lol


Well what it like? I couldn't have believed it. It rides like an entirely different car. It's way more compliant over any sharp bump.

Virtually eliminated squat and dive, and torque steer! Far less body roll.

I wouldn't have thought it was possible by just changing shocks and springs.

Highly recommend it.

 

Congrats on your install. Where did you source the Koni Sports?

Did the Koni instructions tell you that you had to open up the hats?

Pictures?

Glad you like it. And how many miles are on your MINI?

Don

 

I picked them up from the marketplace used.

The Koni instruction might as well be Egyptian hieroglyphics. (or maybe Ikea...) They are completely useless except for the torque requirement for the nuts. It was pretty obvious that the shaft was bigger. I just measured the shaft with a micrometer and made it fit. Other than that, they are just like stock. I only had to drill the hats for the rears. the fronts fit fine.

Pictures? no... I didn't bother.

My 2010 MCS has just over 9500 miles.

 

came across the shaft issue with my Koni based coilovers :P fun stuff hahahah

 

Thanks for the commentary.

How do they feel after a few days of motoring, have you done any aggressive drives?

Don

 

Did you have to purchase the bushings to attach the rears to the aluminum swing arms?

 

No bushing required. they are part of the rear shocks.

The car really is transformed. The ride it worlds better. No squat or dive. Compliant over bumps. I might add a bit more rebound damping and see how that works, but full soft was a very good starting point. Maybe a touch more rear bar too.

 

Ok, so almost 3 weeks later are you still loving the TSW springs?

 

Yes. Paired with Koni's the car is great.

Oh and Way, sorry I didn't get back to you about the end links. Well, they do fit, just barely...Just about 1 thread exposed past the nut on the lower mount. I guess I just had it cocked a little bit the first time. But, the stock lower stud is 10mm longer than the top... If you want, I'll send it to you to check for yourself.

 

Yes, the powergrid's don't come with the extra long thread at the top, so I just didn't use the washer, to make the effective length longer.