Doesn't work... I'm very disappointed with the BC racing coilovers. They're amazing in many ways: 30 step adjustable dampers, height adjustment doesn't affect the suspension travel, comes with camber plates, good price.... BUT, even with the stock 16" rib stock wheels (16x6,5 et48) I had to use a 5mm spacer at the fronts...

Now, I have the 7" et40 Konig Feathers, with 215/45 Dunlop tires, and the tires are rubbing to the strut with 5mm spacer. I have to put 12mm spacer, and I'm worried that it'll now rub to the fender. I just put the 12mm spacers, and the tires are just a little bit wider than flush.. I did a quick drive around the block, and haven't noticed any rubbing (I put strips of painters tape under the fender). But obviously I can't drive too fast on the street... I'm worried that under hard cornering at HPDS events, I may have some rubbing issues.

/end rant.

 

Where does it rub, on the coilover perch or the spring itself?
Remember as the front struts compress, you actively add camber.
So just because your static height may look like you'll rub, because of the motion geometry, you may not.

- Erik

 

See the attached picture. Rubs to the red circled area. I know for sure that it rubs, because I put some painters tape to that area and did some driving.

Just as you said, I'm hoping that due to increased negative camber under compression, it may not rub to fenders. I have adjustable camber plates, they're at most aggressive setting now, but I have to get alignment. Maybe I can increase the negative camber a bit as well.


By erhanh at 2012-02-12

 

You're rubbing on the actual coil body itself, not the spring.
Yeah, not much can be done about such, other than your offset on the wheels (which you've done with adding spacers).

- Erik

 

There would likely be similar problems with other coilovers. I have read plenty of threads about clearance issues with KWs.

I have BCs with 17x8 et30 205/40 no problem. My wheel should be 3mm closer then yours on the inside but I make it up with the tires presumably.

Also My wheels sit about 23mm farther out and with -2 camber up front I have tons of clearance, but then again the inside lips of my fenders are trimmed and I have smaller tires.

I used to run 16x7 et40 215/50 with no problems either.

Could it be that the mounting surface on your willwoods is actually thinner then stock which would lower the effective offset?

Don't know if any of that helps but good luck.

 

Camber helps with preventing the rubbing to fenders, doesn't help with rubbing to the strut. But yes, I have camber plates, and I'll get an alignment soon to increase the negative camber.

One possibility is Dunlop Direzza tires might be running wide.

Do you know of any DIY / guides for trimming the fenders? I have to look into this.

 

Don't know if there is a DIY. It can be done in 30 minutes with a razor blade/utility knife. You just cut away the inside horizontal lip on the plastic arches.

 

Star specs run a little over a full size wider than other tires.

 

I must have forgotten to update this. I solved my problem with Yokohama AD-08s (215) and 5mm spacer.

 

Soooooo
Other than the rubbing issue, hows your BC experience?

 

I don't have any issues with them. But then I track my car, and I care about handling more than ride comfort.

 

Yep, Im looking for a track setup, on a budget of course. Not a big pro on the track, but want a little better handling on my once per month track mini.

 

Go for it then!
You can't beat the price of this thing, since it comes with camber plates. I couldn't get close to -3 degree of camber, but still you don't need that much anyways.

FYI: I couldn't fit the star specs, so I now have Yokohama AD08 (215) with 5mm spacer. Very good tire both dry and wet condition. But they're wicked loud, especially under hard braking.

I had the stock S suspension (no sport package), and it was very wobbly for track use. The car is now much more level and stable. Also get 22mm alta rear sway (I keep it at the softest setting).

I think I lowered my car about 1-1.5", nothing aggressive since I still need road clearance.

After getting alignment and corner balancing at a reputable race shop, my MINI is very well balanced and controlled. Under & over steer is progressive, and amazingly easy to throttle steer. If I want the back come around, all I have to do is a sharp lift off.. Sweet setup!

Here couple pics on action, to get an idea of ride height & body roll. The front looks higher than normal in first pic, but that's because I'm accelerating. Second picture, accelerating (full throttle) through a corner, last picture, slowly accelerating since it is wet.

 

Sweeeet!

But still using spacers dont you? Thats something i really dont like for the track

 

Yes, 5mm for the front. I think 5 is fine. But then this is technically because of the wheels I have. Maybe you can find a wheel with correct offset, and go from there. My goal is to use these wheels for my winter setup, and find another set for next track season with correct offset.

 

I have the BC's as well and am really liking them. Mine came with 7K front and 5K rear springs. I swapped them out with 8K front and rear and I really like the setup. Still completely streetable, but great on the track. I run spacers as well, but if you're truly worried about spacers, do what I did and get a stud kit. Studs are SO MUCH easier to work with than the lug studs we have stock. Plus they are longer so you'll have plenty of threads making contact with your lug nuts. I run a 12mm spacer with my track wheels.