I'm coming from the whole lowered truck scene so I'm not entirely sure how to about about it with a car. My Cooper is a daily driver and we have some wicked speed bumps at work so I'm only going down 1.5" - 2.0" so I don't get hung up on anything.

Right now I'm looking at:
- Koni Yellows
- Springs (not sure on the brand yet)
- NM strut bar
- NM rear sway bar

I was wondering if there was anything else I need? I know the car will need an alignment afterwards but I was wondering do I need camber plates, end links and control arms to correct the issues or will the OEM handle it? I don't autocross and I'm just a mildly spirited driver if that makes any difference.

I don't want to do a poor job on my suspension upgrade and cause all sorts of problems which is why I am asking.

 

That is a good set up. Perhaps contact the guys at NM to check their opinion. Also contact Way Motor Works.

Strut bar is optional and really is there for looks. NM or TSW springs are well liked here on NAM.

Camber plates are not necessary for a daily driver. and end links will only be necessary if you lower the car more than an inch or so.

Take look on the 2nd gen suspension forum. there are tons of threads that go over this. This question is asked weekly here on NAM. Maybe more .

See this thread for good posts/comments on coilovers:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oice-help.html

 

If you have rough roads, lowering 1.5 to 2" can be troublesome. A mild drop such as 1/2 to 3/4 " with the JCW springs may be worth considering. Or just forgo lowering altogether.

I think the camber plates as a street mod may be dismissed too quickly. Remember suspension mods have to work together for the best results. A milder rear sway bar, such as the 20 mm Whiteline bar along with more negative front camber around -1.6 or so will be a good start (more negative camber is generally better for turns but at more than-2, tire life can be rather seriously compromised). More negative camber does wonders on initial turn in and the rsb will add some in turn oversteer to allow for a more connected turn. The camber plates corrects for a major deficiency in the Mini's front steering geometry.

 

^ agreed. Camber plates are great.

1.5 to 2 inches is a pretty massive drop for a Mini, as they have very little suspension travel. NM springs is as low as I would go.

I'm generally a Bilstein fan but I really like the Koni Yellows on my 2005 Mini. Skip the FSDs.

NM with Bilstein HD or Sport is apparently a nice set-up if you want a drop, though I have not personally been on it. I personally would go with the more mild drop JCW springs.

- Andrew

 

Looks like your thinking it out. Feel free to call us if you want help putting a package together.
I recommend both the NM springs and the TSW springs.