I'm curious to see what some coilovers look like adjusted to their respective full ride heights. I'm asking because I'm set to order some coilovers but I really don't want to lower it that much (initially).

I'm looking at a set of the ST coilovers (KW V1 with a different body) and I'm going to run it at full ride height. I've called around and ST/KW said that I should have no problems riding it at the top of it's adjustment range.

I'm sure some of you are asking, why would I buy coilovers and not just some springs? Well, because I don't own the Mini yet (I get it in two weeks), and I have no idea how low I want to go. I know I don't want to go really low, but then again, I don't want just a .4" drop either. So something in between, LOL. Also the other reason? I was going to go with NM Springs and Koni Yellows. BUT, that combo is ~ $1200 from WMW and I can get the ST's for under $1K.

 

It will look like you are on lowering springs. STs lower a minimum of 1.2", Mach V springs lower 1.25".

 

Where can you get the STs for under a grand? They are $1150 everywhere I find them.

 

They are $976.65 shipped from http://thesuspensionsource.mybigcommerce.com/index.php

The Suspension Source is a new forum vendor I think I'm going to go ahead and place an order for some.

 

Be sure to write a review!

 

+1

 

Do keep in mind that most coilovers, especially the mass produced ones like the STs, are generally designed with intention of running at lower heights than the OEM suspension. As such, the dampers will be shorter than the OEM dampers. If you run them at stock ride height, you will be left with very little droop travel.

If you really want a coilover setup that has adequate amounts of both compression and droop travel, you need to set the car at the ride height at which the coilovers were designed for. For a mass produced coilover, this is probably going to be around 1-1.5 inches lower than stock.

If you want a coilover setup that you can run close to stock height, pick up a set of Koni yellows/sports and some coilover sleeves and Eibach/Hypercoil springs.

 

I think AST 5100 coilovers allow you to run the closest to stock height at 1 inch below stock. Most other coils seem to run at least 1,25" below stock, sometimes more. And some run really low even though they claim to be only 1.25 below stock.

 

We also carry the ST coilovers. But you shouldn't have any problems running them at their highest setting, but you will have the lower the car a little, you won't be able to get to stock height.

 

Way: I wish I would have known you had ST coilovers. I'd have ordered them from you. I just ordered them the other day. I thought you only did KWs.

I'll be placing an order for the H sport control arms from you this week though

 

Thanks! Glad we could help you with your kit.

 

Any update on how the performance would be on coilovers at full height? Seems to be a good idea, but expensive when compared to a spring/shock combo.

 

I just got my ST's installed and it's at full height. The fronts dropped about 1.2" and the rears none at all. It looks factory. I"m going to wait until tomorrow to see the rears settle any. I took a quick 10 mile spin and I can hardly feel the difference in ride quality versus stock. I haven't driven it hard yet because I want to get an alignment first. And I have yet to break in my MINI. I only have 900 miles on her.

 

That sounds awesome, congrats on getting the coils, please let me know what the ride is like after more driving and also what the settling looks like.

Thanks,
Steve

 

I don't want to double post, so here is my thread on my install and some pictures. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-pictures.html

Overall, I really like the ride. To me, the ride is a little bit more firm than factory. Ride is all subjective though. I found the stock ride very very comfortable. Before I bought my MINI I heard that the ride was going to be very stiff. I hardly thought the ride before was stiff and now it's not that much more.

Now it rides firm but controlled. No bouncing around. I can't yet comment on it's cornering ability because I have yet to drive it hard. I only have 900 miles on my MINI so I've not even driven it hard with the factory setup. For me, doing the coilovers was all for looks.