So im not to sure on the major difference between coilovers an new shocks (like koni fsd). Can anyone give some insight? I know coilovers you can change the height but is that the only true difference? Im looking to realize stiffen up my r53. Also second question what makes different coilover brands difference? Is it just quality? Any insight wiuld be great

 

Lots of differences between the two categories, but when you filter out the best of each category it will come down to adjustability. The best coilovers out there will allow you to adjust rebound and dampening, and some will also come with adjustable camber plates.

FSDs are not really meant to use with lowering springs. If you want to go the fixed height shocks and springs route, consider koni yellows and a quality lowering spring such as swift or NM and the like.

 

Different products for different purposes....
Coilovers are GENERALY a way to lower a car, and generly improve handling (loweing springs usually only lower, and usually negativly affect handling due to geormerty changes in suspension). Some quality coilovers MAY result in not only an adjustuble ride height, but can improve the ride a bit...but i don't think many of these find their way onto a mini...
So the fsd koni shocks/struts are a replacent for the factory ones....
Imo improved quality, lifetime warrenty (stock ones on s are delphi automotive), and are progressive, in that they are a performance strut on good roads, but instantly soften a bit for big jolts...good for a dailydriver, but some folks don't like progressive springs or struts on a car that will be tracked...so do.
As for looks, my car is function and performance...so the mini's "wheel gap" is of little concern to me...depending on the condition of your struts, it stays the same or gets worse ny a trival amount...the mini's suspension is challanged in that it has limited travel...do anything, like lowering springs make the situation worse. That is where coilovers come in...they let you have you cake (lowered ride) and eat it (performance from lowering).
So to sum it up...
koni fsd's mostly a better ride, longer life, may perform better than stock.
Lowering springs...all for looks, bad tire wear, and often worse performance...
Coilovers...matain/increase performance with a lower/adjustable ride height...ride quality varries with quality and $$$.

 

^Progressive springs and progressive struts are not the same thing. Progressive spring are indeed not really recommended for performance, but a progressive shock is something completely different (though also not really a good thing in any circumstance). Good shocks are digressive. Konis are a little digressive and this is good for performance and ride quality.

Choose your budget, choose your goals, and then start narrowing things down. Coilovers are not automatically better....there are some really bad coilovers and some really bad springs out there. And there are times when a coilover may be a better choice for someone and times when it isn't.

Quality costs a little extra and generally the added complexity of an adjustable coilover means you have to spend a little more to get a good quality component. I'd take my Koni + good spring set-up everytime over a comparatively priced coilover, but that's just for me.

- Andrew

 

I get this question often. I personally like coilovers. Run em on my BMW. Love em. My last car was on lowering springs and I flat out hated it. I couldnt find a strut/shock that matched my springs to give me a smooth ride.

With ST/KW coilovers they match the spring rate with the dampening to ensure you get the smoothest ride possible.

 

As you hear often, it depends on what your goals are. I picked up the Koni FSDs because I wanted a comfortable ride, but stiffer than stock, yet able to handle some spirited motoring. I got much, much more than I hoped - fell instantly in love with them. They help Cary stay glued to the pavement now and significantly reduced body roll. RSBs as next mod made him even more capable in the twisties. The best thing I noted was the major reduction in skipping when cornering through curves at speed with imperfections where before was a bit heart thumping skipping so much; unless really bumpy in the corners it just stays planted to the road. Of course not compatible with lowering springs and compared to adjustable Koni yellows FSDs aren't as aggresive at autocross or on track, but I don't do that so wasn't an issue for me. I love my FSDs!

 

Koni Yellows FTW