I know that there have been plenty of spring install threads, but here is another one.

Executive Summary:
1. 2008 MCS, sport suspension, TSW springs, IE fixed camber plates. Kept factory shocks and bump stops, and had performed the free camber mod before the update yesterday.
2. I bought used springs hoping that there would be reduced 'settling'. Drop was 1/4" in front and 1/2" in rear. Kinda dissapointed in the amount and the visual, hoping to get a bit lower with some miles
3. Toe did not change significantly, camber did:
Front left -3/4 to -1.8
Front right -1.2 to -2.0
Rear left -2.0 to -2.7
Rear right -2.0 to -2.5
Camber checked with a FastTrax gage, toe checked with a string box.
4. Ride over shallow ripples and concrete seams is noticably smoother. Sharp bumps and potholes remain very 'sporty'.

Tips:
1. I know that some guys don't use a spring compressor. I 'bought' one at autozone for $55, and get to return it for a full refund within 90 days. To me, it is silly not to use this program. Compressor is only required for removal of old springs, TSW fit on by hand.
2. Use an impact wrench for the tie rod ends. I had one start spinning on me when I removed it by hand, turned into a real pain. Also wire brush any rust off of the studs on the tie rod ends and sway bar end links.
3. I had a helper, and we were not rushing. We had it done in 6 hours, including lunch, losing an hour on the tie rod, and checking alignment 4-5 times.

I am pretty happy with the IE fixed camber plates, I think that -2.0 degrees is a nice number for the street. I pushed the plates as far in toward the engine as possible. I would think that you could drop .1 or .2 by pulling them away from the engine if you wanted.

I am running some runflat snow tires which are basically shot. The rear camber visually looks excessive, and I did not try and adjust it. I have a set of rear control arms, but I ran out of time before installing them. I also wanted to see how much things changed with just installing the springs. I will dial the camber back to 1.5 or so in the rear.

All in all, not a bad way to spend St. Patricks day. It was a record high of 73 here in buffalo, and I got to spend it working on my MINI outside with my nephew. A good day.

At least until this morning when my wife said 'So, you are done now, right?'. I told her 'Almost'...........

Mike

 

Here is a picture of the stock sport spring and the TSW spring for the front. I forgot to get a picture of the rear. Since the factory spring is taller, there is more preload to get it installed. That is why I recommend using the spring compressor.

Mike

 

After about a month I noticed that I am on the bump stops with any significant dip in the road and that I feel everything in the road (I could probably distinguish if I drove over a quarter or a dime). The ride and handling is better than with the stock springs, but the car really has not settled since the install. Still about 25-1/4" to the bottom of the wheel arches on all corners.

Over the weekend I made a couple more changes:

- Swapped out the 'Sport' shocks that came on the car for 'normal' factory shocks (supposedly off an 09 JCW, label says 'Cooper S')
- Replaced bump stops with shorter ones from WMW
- Cut 1/4 coil off of the front springs

The ride improved significantly, the little stuff in the road is now isolated, and the additional travel with the shorter bump stops means that the larger bumps are better as well. After a few days I have not bottomed the car or the shocks. The front has dropped 1/2" or so with the trimmed springs. I will get a pic when I get the car clean again.

I am pretty happy with this setup now.

Used TSW springs $175
Used JCW shocks $80
WMW bump stops $40
Used RCA (2 sets) $250
Rear sway bar $140
IE Fixed camber $175
Used sway end links $125

Maybe next year I will put Koni yellows and NM's on it in the future, but for the summer I am done.

Mike

 

I wouldn't be able to tell you had springs on your car from the pix provided. At least it rides better in your opinion.

 

I agree, the car did not drop much at all, I am pretty dissapointed with that fact. I have a set of NM springs, but I am worried about running them with the stock shocks. I am out of funds for this car now.

Mike